Basic Grade Medical Physicist (12 month FTC) - Bon Secours Radiotherapy, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre
Location: Radiotherapy Centre Cork
Job type: Fixed Term
Overview of role:
We are hiring a Basic Grade Medical Physicist on a 12 month fixed term contract. The Basic Grade Medical Physicist will participate in all aspects of Radiation Oncology physics including equipment calibration and commissioning, clinical support, maintenance of appropriate quality assurance for equipment and treatment delivery, compliance with radiation safety and licensing issues. The Basic Grade Medical Physicist will perform radiotherapy treatment planning for radiation oncology patients in line with international best practice and in accordance with the Radiation Oncologists’ prescriptions. The Basic Grade Medical Physicist will also be expected to support the wider Medical Physics team in the development of new techniques, as well as in staff education and training and to engage in departmental research and support of clinical trials. This Basic Grade Medical Physicist role consists of approximately 70% Treatment Planning in Eclipse Treatment Planning System.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical & Technical:
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Responsible for the systematic measurement, documentation, and assurance of the physical and dosimetric aspects of all radioactive sources/radiation producing equipment used in Radiation Oncology. Performs acceptance testing and commissioning of all treatment-related equipment under supervision. This includes calibration of all radiation producing sources and maintenance of all information for their appropriate use.
- Maintains a comprehensive quality assurance program that ensures patients are provided tumour localization, radiation treatment, and dose distributions as prescribed. This includes assurance of the accuracy of treatment unit parameters via Daily/Weekly/Monthly/Annual Quality Assurance testing.
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In collaboration with the team, responsible for the development of treatment plans, acquisition, and storage of data for treatment plans, calculation of dose distributions and machine settings for treatment delivery. Participate in day-to-day routine 3D & IMRT/VMAT treatment planning workload and comply with the scheduling of work within the treatment planning section.
Provide consultation to the Radiation Oncologist and translate the desired treatment plan into a set of instructions for radiation therapists to execute.
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Assist in CT data transfer to the treatment planning system, as required.Perform image fusion, anatomical contouring, beam placement, isodose calculations and generate treatment plans.
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Actively participate and cooperate with the development of treatment planning procedures and quality assurance within the Treatment Planning section, in liaison with the Physicist responsible for Treatment Planning.
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Work as part of a team of Dosimetrists and Medical Physicists and work as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, radiation oncology nurses and clerical staff within the radiotherapy department.
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Communicate always using technical accuracy when discussing treatment plans or procedures with all professions working in the radiotherapy department
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Participates and becomes competent in the physics support for prostate Brachytherapy, as the service requires.
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To continue to keep abreast of latest developments pertaining to current practices within the field of Radiation Oncology Physics.
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Initiates and/or collaborates on related research projects with other UPMC/CROAL/Hillman Cancer Centre Physicists in Radiation Therapy in the Division of Medical Physics, as required.
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Performs some organization and administration skills in the clinical practice of Radiation Oncology Physics.
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Participate in the development of new treatment techniques and new treatment modalities, together with other staff in the Department of Radiotherapy and Medical Physics.
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Support the implementation and DICOM output of Radiotherapy Trials pertaining to Treatment Planning.
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Support the Chief Medical Physicist in performing Radiation Safety tasks as required within the Department to meet EPA/HIQA requirements.
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Ensure that difficult/non-standard treatment plans are adequately discussed with physicists and/or radiotherapy oncologists and radiation therapists, as appropriate, prior to clinical implementation.
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Report any radiation incidents or near misses on discovery and bring to the attention of the Chief Physicist.
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Responsible for the compliance with EPA/ORP Rules and Regulations.
Managerial/ teamwork:
The post holder will:
Manage their own workload efficiently and effectively, as guided by the Principal/Chief Physicist or designate.
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Assist with the collection of key performance indicators for the treatment planning process and assist with the interpretation of these KPIs to propose optimization when giving feedback to the Chief Physicist.
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Maintain good and clear communication regarding treatment planning with the treatment planning team and radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and physicists and provide feedback to the Chief Physicist when required.
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Have an active role in training physicists or radiation therapists in treatment planning and quality assurance, as required.
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Keep such records as are consistent with good professional practice.
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Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Chief Physicist or designate.
Teaching, Training & Research:
The post holder will:
Participate in and develop orientation and teaching/training programs for new staff as well as other relevant personnel or students in Treatment Planning & Quality Assurance.
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Promote, actively support, and participate in clinical research for the development and implementation of new techniques.
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Participate in clinical trial work as part of the radiotherapy multi-disciplinary team
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Communicate by presentation and written report, information regarding research work, clinical trial work, and project work to an audience of multidisciplinary medical professionals.
Professional:
The post holder will:
Keep informed of developments in treatment planning techniques, CT & Linac Quality Assurance, and advances in Medical Dosimetry as part of continual professional development and to develop their own skills.
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Maintain a personal record of competencies and achievements throughout their post, for future Medical Physics Expert (MPE) application to the Irish College of Physicists in Medicine
Standard Responsibilities
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Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
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Lives the UPMC Values
Working Conditions / Environmental Factors
The Basic Grade Medical Physicist works indoors in Radiation Oncology. Based on risk assessment, the Basic Grade Medical Physicist is not required to wear a film badge but must adhere to radiation policies/procedures established by the hospital. Medical Physicists are required to follow universal precautions and infection control policies. Medical Physicists are also required to comply with all policies/procedures regarding handling hazardous materials and personal protection.
Qualifications & Experience:
Qualifications:
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PhD or MSc from an accredited program in Medical Physics.
Experience:
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Experience with 3D/IMRT/VMAT/SRS radiotherapy and treatment planning systems is highly desirable.
Job Specific Competencies and Knowledge:
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Attention to detail.
- Good Communication skills both written and Oral.
Salary: €47,275.56 - €70,336.16 per annum based on a 35 hour week.
This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility. As UPMC and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the business.
Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.
Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
About UPMC
UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care that’s close to home. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research and education. UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across continents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operated network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and Croatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialty services of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others to more people in more places around the world.
In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006. UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and across UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and Mayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network. UPMC's Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.
