Physicist PhD 2 (Medical Physicist)

About the Department: The Department of Radiation Medicine at Loma Linda University has a staff of about 100 employees, including nine radiation oncologists. The physics team of medical professionals comprising four PhD physicists, three MS physicists, a calibration physicist, and six dosimetrists.

The department’s equipment and facilities include three linear accelerators, a dedicated CT scanner, a PET-CT scanner, a patient immobilization facility, a device manufacturing facility, and a physics/dosimetry laboratory. An MRI center and nuclear medicine facilities are in the immediate vicinity. Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) is also home to world’s first hospital-based proton treatment center, which features three isocentric gantries, two fixed-beam treatment lines, and a research room with three additional fixed-beam lines dedicated solely to investigations. The department also offers radiation therapy at satellite facilities in Beaumont (about 25 miles southeast of LLUMC) and Murrieta (about 45 miles south of LLUMC). Each of these facilities has one linear accelerator.

Staff in the department use x-rays and proton beams to treat patients presenting with all kinds of cancers. We perform 3D-CRT, IMRT, VMAT, SRS, SBRT, TBI, and ocular treatments. The department also offers LDR brachytherapy, mainly for some gynecologic cancers, and Sr-90 ophthalmic treatment for pterygium.

The department offers residency programs in therapeutic medical physics and radiation oncology. The department also supports a Radiation Therapy Technology (RTT) program through LLU’s School of Allied Health Professions.

Immediate Future: Currently, the department is in the process of acquiring a new linac (Varian Edge) and a Varian Bravos HDR system. Further, we are preparing to upgrade one of our scattered-beam proton treatment gantries to pencil-beam scanning capability through the addition of a MEVION S250-FIT compact proton therapy system. The new Chief Physicist will be tasked with bringing these modalities to full clinical utility in the near future. Another challenge will be to rebuild a robust clinical physics research program and establish research collaborations between clinical personnel and the medical physics team.

Job Summary: The Physicist PhD 2 provides leadership and supervision of clinical physics activities such as treatment planning, quality assurance, and treatment delivery; and improves the quality and safety of radiation treatments through research and development activities, and provides education through formal and informal instruction. These services may be provided at LLUMC and LLUCH hospitals. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience: Doctorate’s Degree in Physics, Medical Physics, or other related Biomedical Science required. Five years of experience required in clinical therapy physics, radiation therapy physics, or research. Proton experience preferred.

Knowledge and Skills: Knowledgeable in applying physics to deliver radiation treatments to cancer patients, with expert-level skills in: (A) charged particle accelerators, x-ray production, and their use in therapy delivery; (B) leading technical and clinical projects for equipment and software upgrades, including defining requirements, coordinating implementation, and ensuring clinical readiness; (C) developing and maintaining clinical software to improve efficiency, streamline QA, and enhance accuracy in treatment planning; (D) principles and software of treatment planning systems, including site-specific external beam and brachytherapy techniques; (v) radiation interactions with matter, dose deposition, image formation; (E) dose calculations and measurements; (F) quality management programs for radiation therapy and protection; (G) oncology principles, patient anatomy, and radiobiology. Able to: read; write legibly; speak in English (and Spanish preferred) with professional quality; use computer and software programs necessary to the position; troubleshoot and calibrate patient care equipment. Relate and communicate positively, effectively, and professionally with others; be assertive and consistent in following and/or enforcing policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; lead, supervise, teach, and collaborate; accept direction. Think critically; work independently with minimal supervision; perform basic math functions; manage multiple assignments effectively; work well under pressure; problem solve; organize and prioritize workload; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail. Distinguish colors and smells as necessary for patient care; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place/patient care; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records, and written documents necessary to position; discern temperature variances through touch.

Licensures and Certifications: American Board of Radiology (ABR) or equivalent Certification in therapeutic medical physics required.
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Loma Linda University Health is a Seventh-day Adventist, faith and values based Christian institution. Candidates must understand and embrace the mission, purpose, and identity of Loma Linda and its affiliated entities.

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