Lead Proton Therapy Medical Physicist

The Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Kansas Health System, and the University of Kansas Cancer Center (KUCC) is seeking an experienced proton medical physicist to lead a dynamic clinical, research and teaching-oriented department at the region’s only NCI-designated cancer center.   The KUCC and the Department of Radiation Oncology are experiencing an exciting period of growth clinically and academically with new leaderships at both Departmental and Physics Division levels. A new proton center is scheduled to open early 2022. The successful candidate will provide leadership to the proton center and report to the Vice Chair/Director of Medical Physics.  The responsibilities will include medical physics oversight of all aspects of proton therapy services.  The University of Kansas Health System is in the final phases of construction and will soon start the installation, acceptance, and commissioning of an IBA Proteus One proton therapy unit.  Raystation was selected for proton therapy treatment planning and installation is currently underway.

The faculty member will be expected to work closely with the Department and medical physics leadership to actively participate in the research and teaching programs within the Department. The research and development programs within Physics will include data science, imaging and dosimetry device development, 3D printing, Monte-Carlo modelling, adaptive radiation therapy, combined RT and immunotherapy, targeted radionuclide therapy, QA/QC standardization and automation, motion management, FLASH, intensity modulated proton therapy and proton arc therapy.  The Department currently has a leadership role in one of the largest comparative outcome studies, COMPPARE that compares the quality of life, side effects, and cure rates for 3,000 prostate cancer patients treated with proton therapy or photon therapy. In addition to an existing CAMPEP accredited Medical Physics Residency Program, the Department is committed to continuing to increase the number of trainees in the Department of Radiation Oncology, including medical physics certificate program students, PhD students, and post-doctoral fellows.

The candidate must demonstrate a strong clinical record of proton medical physics with a preferred track record for peer reviewed publications, research grants, and/or industry partnerships.  The successful candidate will have a Masters  (Ph.D. preferred) degree in physics or a closely related discipline, certification by the American Board of Radiology or the American Board of Medical Physics, at least 5 years of medical physics experience in a healthcare environment (not all necessarily in proton therapy), and demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment as a faculty member.

The Department of Radiation Oncology provides a full range of clinical services at the University of Kansas Health System and five area community facilities with 3,500 treatment courses annually.   KUCC clinics are equipped with a total of nine Varian linear accelerators, one Tomotherapy, Big Bore CT scanners, PET scanners, IntraBeam and Calypso systems. The Division of Medical Physics is growing to 16 medical physics positions, 13 medical dosimetrists, and two medical physics residents who support a full range of clinical, research, and educational services. 

Centered in the Heart of America, Kansas City’s distinct four season’s environment is perfect for those who like a little bit of everything. It is known as The City of Fountains, boating over 200 working water fountains that spread across the community. Kansas City stretches into the two states of Kansas and Missouri and it is the 29th largest metropolitan area in the United States, with nearly 2.1 million residents.

Kansas City is considered one of the Nation’s most livable cities where:

• Housing is one of the most affordable
• Schools are top ranked
• Social and Cultural life are rich
• Cuisine is second to none
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