1. Position Summary

The Radiation Oncology Physics Section at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Human Oncology, is seeking a dynamic and collaborative Director of Proton Physics to lead the next generation of proton therapy. The successful candidate will provide technical clinical support and physics administrative oversight of our state-of-the-art proton therapy program. 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 dual-energy 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. Siemens multi-energy CT and advanced treatment planning via RayStation are to be implemented to support high precision treatment planning and adaptive replanning.

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 will open in Fall, 2024 and will also include two Varian TrueBeams, a Varian Edge, and an Elekta Flexitron Remote Afterloader coupled with Siemens multi-energy CT on rails. Aria record and verify systems will be fully integrated between our two major hubs.

In collaboration with the Chief Physicist and departmental leadership, the Director of Proton Physics will serve in a leadership capacity to build the proton team and develop best practices to ensure high quality patient care while also contributing to proton-related clinical duties. Additional academic responsibilities, based on the candidate's interests and accomplishments, will include 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. Current active research programs include theranostics, artificial intelligence, 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.

SMPH is committed to being a diverse, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, LGBTQ+ and non-binary identities, women, persons with disabilities, military service members and veterans are strongly encouraged. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: https://diversity.wisc.edu.

Dr. Carri Glide-Hurst, the Director of Radiation Oncology, Physics is available for brief interviews during the ASTRO 2023 meeting. To schedule a time, please send your CV and a 1 paragraph letter of interest to Jami Wood at jami.wood@humonc.wisc.edu.

2. 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:

1. Plan for the proper allocation of radiation oncology resources within the proton facility, including equipment usage, personnel recruitment, budget preparation, radiation safety, and program operation.
2. Assist in the development and implementation of a proton-specific training and educational content for dosimetry, radiation therapists, technical staff, and trainees.
3. Development of policies and procedures for the proton clinic in conjunction with national guidelines and accreditation programs.
4. Serve as the primary technical liaison across hardware and software vendors.
5. Serve a lead role in commissioning and acceptance of the proton therapy system, associated equipment, and treatment planning processes.
6. Develop and administer a comprehensive ongoing Quality Assurance (QA) program for proton therapy program and computational equipment to assure accurate delivery of prescribed dose from proton therapy to patients.
7. Support dosimetry team to ensure high quality treatment planning and implement state-of-the-art techniques.
8. Participate in mentoring and didactic teaching of medical physics residents and other trainees, including the development of proton-related clinical rotations.
9. Contribute to the department's research studies and publications, including engagement with clinical trials.
10. Participate in professional, public, and university service.

An essential part of these duties will be working in a collegial relationship with other faculty members.

3. Degree and Area of Specialization

A PhD in Medical Physics or in a related field is required. 

4. Minimum Experience

Candidates are expected to have at least 5 years of clinical proton experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work in a team-oriented, multi-disciplinary environment are essential. Candidates with demonstrated leadership track records, including implementation of new programs and supervisory experience, are highly desirable.

5. Licensure or Certification

Candidates must be certified 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.

About UW Human Oncology

As part of the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, the University of Wisconsin Department of Human Oncology is recognized throughout the Midwest and the nation as one of the leading innovators in cancer research, quality patient care and active community involvement. UW Carbone Cancer Center is committed to leading-edge research, outstanding educational opportunities to medical students, residents, and other health care providers. It is the only comprehensive cancer center, as designated by the National Cancer Institute, in Wisconsin.

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