Job Description

Job Summary:
The Radiation Oncology Physics Section at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Human Oncology, is seeking a medical physics assistant (MPA) to engage in radiation oncology physics activities. The successful candidate will assist with quality assurance measurements on external beam treatment delivery systems, CT and MR imaging systems, and brachytherapy equipment. The Radiation Oncology Physics section currently employs 20 physicists and five physics residents with continued future growth expected in 2024 and beyond.

The MPA shall function as an extender to the medical physics group within the Department, with supervision requirements and a scope of work aligned with guidelines established by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Medical Physics Practice Guidelines Report 10a and AAPM Policy AP-131-A. Medical physics tasks performed by the MPA shall be reviewed and co-signed by a Qualified Medical Physicist

The primary location for medical physics assistant activities will occur at the UW Health Eastpark Medical Center location, which is part of our dual-hub model located on Madison's east side. The 469,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility will open in October 2024 and will also include two Varian TrueBeams, a Varian Edge, and an Elekta Flexitron Remote Afterloader coupled with Siemens multi-energy CT on rails, as well as dedicated CT and MR simulators. While beyond the scope of the present job description, proton therapy via a Hitachi gantry room and fixed beam room with first-of-kind upright patient positioning system will be offered at the Eastpark location. Aria record and verify systems will be fully integrated between our two major hubs.

Additional support activities are expected at the UW Health University Hospital location. In addition to the services provided at our Eastpark location, the UW Health University campus currently includes a Viewray MRidian Linac with daily online adaptive radiation therapy, three Varian TrueBeams (one STx), an AccuRay Tomotherapy HDA, and two Elekta Flexitron Remote Afterloaders. We offer a broad range of special procedures, including SRS/SBRT, TBI, TSE, and brachytherapy for a wide range of treatment sites (e.g. GYN, breast, prostate) with MRI-guided planning and BodyTom CT for image verification. Advanced simulation capabilities are routinely integrated into clinical practice including Siemens dual-energy computed tomography and 1.5 T GE MR-simulator units. Automated planning/scripting is employed via robust use of RayStation coupled with MIM.

Since many of the principal duties of this position will not be feasible during times of active clinical patient treatment, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a willingness to work flexible hours and be adaptable to clinical needs, including evening shifts as required. Exact hours will be determined with the incumbent's supervisor, but candidates should expect working hours approximately in the range of 1 pm - 9:00pm, five days per week. The candidate must have the ability to lift equipment from the floor to waist height of 35 lbs.

Job Summary:
Provide technical expertise to assist with quality assurance measurements on external beam treatment delivery systems, CT and MR imaging systems, and brachytherapy equipment under the direct supervision of Faculty and Staff Qualified Medical Physicists.

Job Responsibilities:
- 30% Under the supervision of a Qualified Medical Physicist, collects and analyzes routine quality assurance measurements, assist with various research measurements and analysis, and documents results according to established policies and procedures.
- 30% Perform dosimetric measurements, dose calculations, dosimetric and geometric comparisons, and perform analysis for radiation oncology. Measurements may include using equipment such as film acquisition and digitization, flat panel detectors, ion chambers, diodes, electrometers, and other dosimetric devices
- 20% Acquisition, processing, and analysis of various data types including from treatment delivery and imaging systems
- 10% Assist in the introduction of new technologies, quality assurance equipment, and routine equipment management tasks as appropriate
- 5% Acquire and analyze patient data for retrospective or prospective clinical and protocol studies
- 5%Generate documentation for new processes and procedures pertaining to the quality assurance program

Responsibilities:
Provides technical expertise to fundamental and/or applied scientific research under the direction of senior research personnel or faculty.
40% Collects and analyzes basic research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
20% Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities and assists with publications
10% Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area
10% Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures
10% Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
10% Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:
Required
Bachelor's Degree including coursework equivalent to a minor in Physics, Engineering, or related technical scientific disciplines.

Preferred
Master's Degree

Qualifications:
Critical thinking, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, minimum of intermediate computer literacy and ability to learn new domain-specific software, ability to demonstrate competency under the supervision of a Qualified Medical Physicist