Basic Grade Medical Physicist (12 month FTC) - Bon Secours Radiotherapy, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre
Posted 11 hours 32 minutes ago by UPMC Ireland
Location: Radiotherapy Centre Cork
Job type: Fixed Term
Overview of roleWe are hiring a Basic Grade Medical Physicist on a 12 month fixed term contract. The Basic Grade Medical Physicist will participate in all aspects of Radiation Oncology physics including equipment calibration and commissioning, clinical support, maintenance of appropriate quality assurance for equipment and treatment delivery, compliance with radiation safety and licensing issues. The Basic Grade Medical Physicist will perform radiotherapy treatment planning for radiation oncology patients in line with international best practice and in accordance with the Radiation Oncologists' prescriptions. The Basic Grade Medical Physicist will also be expected to support the wider Medical Physics team in the development of new techniques, staff education and training, and engagement in departmental research and clinical trials. The role consists of approximately 70% treatment planning in Eclipse TPS.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities- Responsible for the systematic measurement, documentation, and assurance of the physical and dosimetric aspects of all radioactive sources/radiation producing equipment used in Radiation Oncology. Performs acceptance testing and commissioning of all treatment related equipment under supervision, including calibration of all radiation producing sources and maintenance of information for their appropriate use.
- Maintains a comprehensive quality assurance program ensuring patients are provided tumour localisation, radiation treatment, and dose distributions as prescribed. Includes assurance of accuracy of treatment unit parameters via Daily/Weekly/Monthly/Annual QA testing.
- In collaboration with the team, responsible for the development of treatment plans, acquisition and storage of data for treatment plans, calculation of dose distributions and machine settings for treatment delivery. Participate in day to day routine 3D & IMRT/VMAT treatment planning workload and comply with scheduling of work within the treatment planning section.
- Provide consultation to the Radiation Oncologist and translate the desired treatment plan into a set of instructions for radiation therapists to execute.
- Assist in CT data transfer to the treatment planning system, perform image fusion, anatomical contouring, beam placement, isodose calculations and generate treatment plans.
- Actively participate and cooperate with the development of treatment planning procedures and quality assurance within the Treatment Planning section, in liaison with the Physicist responsible for Treatment Planning.
- Work as part of a team of Dosimetrists and Medical Physicists and the wider multi disciplinary team of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, radiation oncology nurses and clerical staff within the radiotherapy department.
- Communicate always with technical accuracy when discussing treatment plans or procedures with all professions working in the radiotherapy department.
- Participate and become competent in the physics support for prostate brachytherapy, as the service requires.
- Continue to keep abreast of latest developments pertaining to current practices within the field of Radiation Oncology Physics.
- Initiate and/or collaborate on related research projects with other UPMC/CROAL/Hillman Cancer Centre physicists in Radiation Therapy in the Division of Medical Physics, as required.
- Perform some organization and administration skills in the clinical practice of Radiation Oncology Physics.
- Participate in the development of new treatment techniques and new treatment modalities, together with other staff in the Department of Radiotherapy and Medical Physics.
- Support the implementation and DICOM output of radiotherapy trials pertaining to Treatment Planning.
- Support the Chief Medical Physicist in performing radiation safety tasks as required within the Department to meet EPA/HIQA requirements.
- Ensure that difficult/non standard treatment plans are adequately discussed with physicists and/or radiotherapy oncologists and radiation therapists, as appropriate, prior to clinical implementation.
- Report any radiation incidents or near misses on discovery and bring to the attention of the Chief Physicist.
- Responsible for compliance with EPA/ORP Rules and Regulations.
The post holder will:
- Manage their own workload efficiently and effectively, as guided by the Principal/Chief Physicist or designate.
- Assist with the collection of key performance indicators for the treatment planning process and assist with interpretation of these KPIs to propose optimization when giving feedback to the Chief Physicist.
- Maintain clear communication regarding treatment planning with the treatment planning team and radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, and physicists, and provide feedback to the Chief Physicist when required.
- Have an active role in training physicists or radiation therapists in treatment planning and quality assurance, as required.
- Keep such records as are consistent with good professional practice.
- Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Chief Physicist or designate.
The post holder will:
- Participate in and develop orientation and teaching/training programs for new staff and other relevant personnel or students in Treatment Planning & Quality Assurance.
- Promote, actively support, and participate in clinical research for the development and implementation of new techniques.
- Participate in clinical trial work as part of the radiotherapy multi disciplinary team.
- Communicate by presentation and written report information regarding research work, clinical trial work, and project work to an audience of multidisciplinary medical professionals.
- Keep informed of developments in treatment planning techniques, CT & Linac QA, and advances in Medical Dosimetry as part of continual professional development and to develop own skills.
- Maintain a personal record of competencies and achievements throughout the post, for future Medical Physics Expert (MPE) application to the Irish College of Physicists in Medicine.
- Perform in accordance with system wide competencies/behaviors.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Live the UPMC Values.
The Basic Grade Medical Physicist works indoors in Radiation Oncology. Based on risk assessment, the Basic Grade Medical Physicist is not required to wear a film badge but must adhere to radiation policies/procedures established by the hospital. Medical Physicists are required to follow universal precautions and infection control policies. Medical Physicists are also required to comply with all policies/procedures regarding handling hazardous materials and personal protection.
Qualifications & Experience- PhD or MSc from an accredited program in Medical Physics.
- Experience with 3D/IMRT/VMAT/SRS radiotherapy and treatment planning systems is highly desirable.
- Attention to detail.
- Good communication skills both written and oral.
€47,275.56 - €70,336.16 per annum based on a 35 hour week.
Equal Opportunity StatementUPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
BenefitsFully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive pension plan. Company funded death in service benefit x 3 times. Critical illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66. Rewards for performance support through the annual ACES programme. Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities.