Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI) is seeking a Clinical Physicist to ensure optimal care in proton treatments delivered to the patients in the safest method while verifying proper operations of all machines and radiation sources in accordance with established guidelines and protocols.

HUPTI is the nation’s 8th proton therapy facility and the largest free-standing proton clinic in the world. The state-of-the-art treatment and research center has four gantry rooms and one fixed beam room. HUPTI has been treating prostate, brain, lung, pediatric, head and neck, breast, CNS and other cancers since August 2010. HUPTI uses IBA’s Proteus 235 proton therapy delivery system, VeriSuite for IGRT, MOSAIQ Oncology Information System (Elektra), Eclipse Proton Treatment Planning system (Varian) and a Philips 4D-PET/CT for simulations, and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR Ingenia 3T) by Philips.

Our Proteus 235 system is equipped with IBA’s universal nozzles. We are using Uniform Scanning, Double Scattering, and Pencil Beam Scanning treatment delivery techniques in our treatment rooms.

Clinical Physicist

The Clinical Physicist reports directly to the Chief Medical Physicist while working alongside other professionals and support staff.  The Clinical Physicist maintains a safe environment for patients, personnel, and visitors by assisting with regular Quality Assurance (QA) in radiation safety and regulatory requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Work alongside with other physics professionals and assist in the comprehensive medical physics duties pertaining to safely operating a proton radiotherapy clinic.
• Perform daily, monthly, and annual QA for the beam-delivery, ion chambers, water phantoms, and imaging systems.
• Conduct daily patient-specific QA within treatment rooms using ion chambers and IBA’s matrix.
• Perform measurements or other evaluations as necessary to ensure accurate dose delivery for proton radiotherapy treatments.
• Complete and maintain proper records of all required documentation relating to radiation treatment plans and equipment, QA, and calibration records.
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures to ensure adherence to compliance and other policies/procedures.
• Assist with Eclipse | Varian computerized treatment plans and the flow of information or images between simulation, planning, and delivery as needed.
• Consult with Clinical Physicist or Chief Medical Physicist to provide feedback, advice, or direction to Radiation Therapist, Dosimetrists, and Physicians when patients are being planned or treated.
• Participate in maintenance of proton radiotherapy quality assurance programs and the commissioning of proton therapy equipment.
• Support and be involved in the physics research and development projects ongoing in the institution.
• Use independent judgment and apply learned methodologies according to established policy and procedures.
• Uphold, maintain, and establish adequate protocols to ensure accurate patient dosimetry.
• Effectively and in a timely manner communicate productivity challenges with upper management.
• Assure the efficient operation of workflow within the department by performing other duties as assigned by the Chief Medical Physicist.

Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of Eclipse | Varian treatment planning system and MOSAIQ Oncology Information System is highly preferred.
• Experience in proton radiotherapy is preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrate ability to read and interpret documents or outputs from the software computer programs.
• Minor weightlifting (i.e., to handle aperture, compensator, QA devices, etc. 25 – 50 lb.) required.

Requirements:

• ABR eligible to be obtained within 3 years of employment, and/or
• PhD in physics or medical physics and 1 – 2 years of experience in clinical physics, or
• MSc in physics or medical physics and 2 - 5 years of experience in clinical physics, or
• BSc in physics or medical physics 3 – 5 years of experience in clinical physics.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work well within a team.
• Intermediate computer skills including the use of Excel and Word.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and high-quality results oriented with the ability to meet deadlines.

How To Apply:

To apply for employment with the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute, send your completed HUPTI application form and current resume to:  HR@HamptonProton.org.