Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist: Proton Therapy

It's a transformational time to be a part of the University of Wisconsin! The Radiation Oncology Physics Section at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Human Oncology, is seeking faculty/staff physicists to contribute to the next generation of proton therapy to join a team of 23 physicists, 6 physics residents, and medical physics assistants. The successful candidate will provide technical clinical support of our state-of-the-art proton therapy program set to be clinical in 2026. The proton program includes a Hitachi synchrotron, high-energy beam transport, intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) capability, a gantry room with 360-degree rotation, and a fixed beam room with a first-of-kind upright patient positioning system provided by Leo Cancer Care coupled with on-board CT. Each room is equipped with high-precision patient positioning and volumetric x-ray-based image-guidance systems. Real-time image gated particle therapy via fluoroscopic image will be available in the gantry room.

The position will focus primarily on practicing proton physics services provided at the UW Health Cancer Center, 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 opened in Fall, 2024 and includes two Varian TrueBeams, a Varian Edge, a GE MRI-simulator, and an Elekta Flexitron Remote Afterloader coupled with Siemens multi-energy CT on rails. Siemens multi-energy CT and advanced treatment planning via RayStation are implemented to support high precision treatment planning and adaptive replanning.

In collaboration with the Chief Physicist, departmental leadership, and the Director of Proton Physics, incoming proton physics faculty, based on the candidate's interests and accomplishments, will have opportunities for research and teaching activities in alignment with the programmatic goals of the department. UW is a state-of-the-art integrated clinical, research, and training facility, ranked number 1 in Wisconsin in the U.S. News & World Report for the 11th consecutive year, that continually invests in the latest technological advancements. Access to ample preclinical/clinical research imaging and therapeutic systems (Xstrahl SARRP, FLASH, etc.) are available. A preclinical prototype of the upright patient positioning chair is actively available to ready the program for clinical use. Other active research programs include theranostics, artificial intelligence, adaptive radiation therapy, normal-tissue toxicity assessment, advanced imaging, and automated treatment planning.

In addition to the services provided at our Eastpark location, the UW-Madison 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.

The UW-Madison campus, located in the heart of the City of Madison, spans 936 acres along the scenic southern shore of Lake Mendota. Madison is consistently ranked as one of the top cities in the nation to live. The city encourages fitness with 61 miles of designated bike trails and over 146 miles of roads with marked bike lanes. Madison is surrounded by the beauty of four local lakes, has a lively culinary and festival scene, and promotes a healthy work life balance. UW Faculty and Staff also enjoy robust benefits such as the State of Wisconsin benefits package, a diverse campus setting, and a competitive salary.

Principal duties:
This position will report to the Chief Physicist and requires interaction with medical staff and faculty in roles including but not limited to:
- Contribute to the commissioning and acceptance of the proton therapy system, associated equipment, and treatment planning processes.
- Implement quality assurance (QA) programs. Provide calibration, QA, and maintenance of radiation therapy equipment and maintain records.
- Support proton treatment planning techniques and dosimetry team to ensure high quality treatment planning and implement state-of-the-art techniques, including integration of advanced imaging, upright treatment, adaptive therapy, and addressing other clinical needs.
-Participate in routine clinical radiation oncology physics procedures, including treatment planning support, plan checks, patient positioning, special physics consults, chart rounds participation, chart checks, on-call physics coverage for proton therapy, and handling equipment repair and maintenance issues.
- Investigate and identify additional clinical challenges in proton therapy, and develop cost-efficient solutions to enhance continuous quality improvement.
-Participate in mentoring and didactic teaching of medical physics residents and other trainees for proton-related clinical training.
-Perform other clinical-related duties as assigned.
-The successful candidate will also participate in professional, public, and university service.

• This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years.

• Applicants for this position will be considered for the following titles; Assistant Professor (CHS), Associate Professor (CHS), Professor (CHS). The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.

Teach medical students, residents, and fellows.

• Implements advanced patient-centered procedures related to quality assurance monitoring, immobilization, localization, and dose verification in treatment delivery processes

• Participates in the development of novel image guided and intensity modulated radiation therapy, brachytherapy, TomoTherapy, and MR-guided treatment planning and delivery programs and oncology information systems

• Investigates and identifies problems, develops clinical solutions, and implements quality management programs related to the technical delivery of care for patients receiving therapeutic radiation

• Develops and performs clinical radiation oncology physics services related to all forms of brachytherapy, linear accelerators, quality management and improvement, simulators, radioactive materials, radiation measurement equipment, and computer software and information systems used in clinical radiation oncology

Participate in administrative and committee work to support the clinical and scholarly missions of UW Health and the School of Medicine and Public Health. An essential part of these duties will be working in a collegial relationship with other faculty members.

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Human Oncology

The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) at the University of Wisconsin is dedicated to advancing the field of radiation oncology through excellence in education, research, and patient care. We are committed to training the next generation of leaders-including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapy professionals-while conducting innovative research that drives progress in cancer treatment. Our team is equally devoted to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to individuals affected by cancer.

Negotiable, 12 month

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage and the SMPH Academic Staff Benefits Flyer

• Candidates must be certified or board eligible in Therapeutic/Radiation Oncology Medical Physics by the American Board of Radiology, the American Board of Medical Physics, or the Canadian College of Medical Physics.

• Ideal candidates will have at least 1 year of clinical proton experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work in a team-oriented, multi-disciplinary environment are essential.

• For an appointment at Associate Professor or Professor rank on CHS Track, candidates will meet criteria established by the department and as outlined in the School of Medicine and Public Health guidelines for promotion or appointment to Associate or Professor on the CHS Track.

Master's Degree or Ph.D. is required.
- Degree in Medical Physics or closely related field is required.

To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under Apply Now. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Applicants are to submit a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process. We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. References will be requested of final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been selected.

The deadline for assuring full consideration is October 1, 2025; however, the position will remain open and applications may be considered until the position is filled.

Kirsten Gragg, kgragg@wisc.edu, 608-265-3357

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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