Proton Physicist

California Protons Cancer Therapy Center (“CA Protons”) is now affiliated with UC San Diego Health Cancer Network and we are experiencing tremendous growth in patient volume. This growth represents new opportunities for the Center and we are looking for physicists who are excited about the future of proton therapy to join our expanding team. Graduating residents who are ABR Board eligible are welcome to apply. For further information and application, please see AAPM.org’s Career Services, or apply directly on the California Protons Careers Page.

CA Protons advance technology includes pencil beam scanning (PBS) for intensity modulated proton therapy and onboard cone beam CT imaging capability – designed to treat tumors with pinpoint precision. The Center has a Varian ProBEAM proton therapy system with three gantry treatment rooms and two fixed-beam rooms. Our world-renowned Radiation Oncologists, Registered Nurses, Medical Physicists, Dosimetrists, and Radiation Therapists, and everyone on staff works collaboratively to treat our patients with the highest level of quality and safety. If joining a dynamic and passionate team sounds exciting, California Protons Cancer Therapy Center is the place for you.

Reports To: Director, Medical Physics

Classification: Exempt

Scope/Summary:

Staff Physicists assist the Director of Medical Physics in general medical physics duties pertaining to the operation of the proton radiation therapy clinic. This includes complex PBS treatment plan optimization, patient immobilization evaluation and implementation, radiation protection safety and survey, machine and patient specific quality assurance. The successful candidate will also work closely with both internal and external partners including therapists, physicians, physicists, dosimetrists and machine vendors to facilitate the operation of the clinic. The Physicists are primarily responsible for the patient specific and general QA aspects of the treatment processes and the equipment. At the discretion of the Director of Medical Physics, the Medical Physicist will also participate in the acceptance and commissioning of proton therapy equipment

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operates dosimetric and treatment planning equipment with proficiency including, measurement instruments to calibrate all proton treatment equipment and monitoring devices, computerized proton treatment planning systems, computerized water phantom systems with appropriate ionization chambers and diodes.

• Measures and analyzes proton radiation data in accordance with the Center’s mission of clinical services and clinical research. Utilizes treatment planning computer software and data analysis programs to assist in the Center’s Clinical operation.

• Advises and consults with physicians to provide advice or direction to technical staff when patients are being planned or treated.

• Support and perform treatment planning for all disease sites.

• Develops protocols for performing and checking proton treatment plans to ensure patient safety and dosimetric accuracy. Participates in chart rounds.

• Performs patient-specific radiation measurements and calculations and assists in the selection, specification, and optimization of any complex proton PBS beam definitions required for patient treatment.

• Performs monthly and annual quality control tests of x-ray simulation equipment.

• Assists the Center’s Radiation Safety Officer in maintaining the compliance with local, State, and federal agencies regulatory requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, annual surveys, radiation dosage records, and radiation safety lectures.

• Participates in the training of new physics and dosimetry staff.

• Participates in the Center’s research and development projects, including all efforts related to clinical trials.

• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Medical Physics.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post-graduate degree in Physics or related discipline

• Clinical medical physics residency completed from a CAMPEP-accredited residency program

• Must have current certification or be eligible for certification in field by American Board of Radiology and must maintain certification and continuation education requirements as outlined by American Board of Radiology

• Board-eligible Medical Physics Residents are encouraged to apply

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have the ability to utilize components of the treatment-planning computer including but not limited to the use of keyboards and mouse controls. Must be able to stand for 8 hours; lift 40 pound block to shoulder level; have sufficient visual acuity to distinguish structures and isodose displays on computer monitor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent contact with staff. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to direct contact with patients with potential for exposure to blood, toxic substances, low-dose ionizing radiation and other conditions common to a clinic environment.

California Protons Cancer Therapy Center is following all federal and state mandates. We do have a mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination policy in place for all staff.

California Protons Cancer Therapy Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status under local, state, or federal law.