We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Research in Radiation Therapy Physics to lead pioneering research initiatives within our institution's radiation oncology department. This pivotal role involves spearheading innovative projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and overseeing the strategic direction of research efforts in radiation therapy physics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Innovation: Drive and manage research initiatives, identifying key areas for innovation and advancement in radiation therapy physics. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate research and clinical contexts for the optimization of academic medical physics.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute a comprehensive research strategy aligned with organizational goals. Identify and pursue funding opportunities, develop compelling grant proposals, and secure funding to support research initiatives.
• Regulatory Compliance and Reporting: Maintain familiarity with regulations and policies affecting researchers and associated staff, ensuring compliance and effective communication. Oversee annual research activities and submit quarterly reports to the Chief of Physics.
• Dissemination of Research: Oversee the publication of research findings in esteemed journals and present findings at conferences and symposiums. Ensure effective dissemination of research outcomes to the scientific community and stakeholders.
• Collaboration and Advocacy: Foster collaborations between clinician-researchers and researchers within MBPCC, LSU, and other research institutes locally, provincially, and nationally. Serve as an advocate for medical physics research and promote knowledge transfer.

Administrative Duties:

• Chair the Research Committee and collaborate with various research programs (MSc, PhD, post-doctoral fellows).
• Communicate with government, non-governmental agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Represent the department at national research meetings (e.g., AAPM, ASTRO).
• Contribute to the planning and execution of graduate research day and departmental research seminars.

Program Development:

• Build links with LSU Graduate Medical Physics Program, developing research opportunities and fostering faculty development.
• Ensure the availability of services to researchers and clinical medical physics teachers.
• Promote secure sharing of clinical data for quality improvement and research purposes.
• Participate in accreditation processes.

Mentorship:

• Provide guidance and mentorship to academic staff, fostering a collaborative research team environment.
• Participate in academic performance evaluations of research staff.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Medical Physics, Radiation Physics, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience conducting research in radiation therapy physics, with a strong record of successful grant acquisition and peer-reviewed publications.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience in managing and mentoring research teams.
• Proficiency in project management, budgeting, and strategic planning for research initiatives.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities within interdisciplinary teams and with external stakeholders.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory requirements and ethical considerations in radiation therapy research.
• Proven ability to drive innovation and translate research findings into practical applications in radiation oncology.

Appointment Details:

• Reports directly to the Chief of Physics of the Department of Medical Physics.
• Full-time commitment (5 days/week, 1.0 FTE).
• Initial three-year term, renewable.
• Adjunct appointment with the LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy, at a rank level commensurate with qualifications.

Vision:

To further develop and establish the Department of Medical Physics at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center as a leading global research site in radiation therapy physics. This will be achieved through expanding the Adaptive Radiation Therapy program, integrating research with clinical practices, promoting research training programs, enhancing the department's research profile, and building strong international research networks.

By achieving these goals in conjunction with the Graduate Program in Medical Physics at Louisiana State University, our research faculty will optimize their career trajectories and successfully transform research findings into practical applications in clinical practice and policy-making.

Facility and Equipment:

MBPCC is a freestanding, not-for-profit oncology practice based in the capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Treating approximately 2,500 patients annually, MBPCC supports the largest radiation oncology practice in the state across its 7 locations in southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi. MBPCC staffing consists of 12 radiation oncologists, 10 medical physicists, 4 medical physics residents and 7 medical dosimetrists.  MBPCC provides state-of-the-art radiation therapy across its network including 8 Elekta Infinity or VersaHD linear accelerators, 1 Varian iX linear accelerator, 1 Gamma Knife ICON, and 3 Elekta-Nucletron HDR systems. A 1.5T Siemens Sola RT MR Simulator is due for installation at end of 2021 and the Elekta Unity MR-LINAC is scheduled for installation in early 2023 to facilitate adaptive radiotherapy. Other equipment includes: GE Discovery CT-PET scanners, 4D motion management and deep inspiration breath hold programs, enterprise-leveled Phillips Pinnacle treatment planning system, enterprise-level MOSAIQ record and verify system, Mobius 3D/FX and Mim Maestro. Research equipment includes a Raysearch Raystation research planning system and extensive dosimetry laboratories at MBPCC.  Resources available through the MBPCC-LSU partnership include a 1.3-GeV synchrotron radiation facility, animal irradiation facility, veterinary school, high performance computing facilities, machine shop, and electronics shop; and cell culture facilities at Pennington Biomedical Research Facility.  MBPCC and LSU operate a joint CAMPEP accredited medical physics graduate program, conferring both MS and PhD degrees, with approximately 25 enrolled graduate students.  In addition to the MBPCC medical physics staff, there are 5 tenured or tenure track medical physics faculty members at LSU.  Lastly, MBPCC operates a CAMPEP accredited radiation oncology physics residency program with 4 residents at MBPCC and 4 additional residents at 2 regional affiliate site locations.

Employer and Environment:

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is the leading oncology program in southeast Louisiana and the Gulf South region.  Baton Rouge offers the benefits of a university town and a thriving economy.  The local area is rich in history and culture and is a sportsman’s paradise.  MBPCC provides a rich intellectual environment with opportunities for professional growth and development, participation in the training of medical physics residents and graduate students.

Benefits:

MBPCC offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; sick leave; wellness benefits; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.  

INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT A CV TO:

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis, PhD

Dr. Charles M. Smith Chief of Physics

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

SStathakis@marybird.com

About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a freestanding, not-for-profit oncology practice based in the capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We are the leading cancer care organization in Louisiana with 300 plus compassionate team members. We drive cancer care innovation and fight the disease at every level. Our comprehensive program is patient focused.

Connections working at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center