Medical Physics Assistant

The Radiation Oncology Physics Section at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Human Oncology, is seeking a Medical Physics Assistant (MPA) to engage in radiation oncology physics activities. The successful candidate will assist with quality assurance measurements on proton beam treatment delivery systems. The Radiation Oncology Physics section currently employs 23 physicists and five physics residents with continued future growth expected in 2025 and beyond.

The MPA shall function as an extender to the medical physics group within the Department, with supervision requirements and a scope of work aligned with guidelines established by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Medical Physics Practice Guidelines Report 10a and AAPM Policy AP-131-A. Medical physics tasks performed by the MPA shall be reviewed and co-signed by a Qualified Medical Physicist.

The primary location for medical physics assistant activities will occur at the UW Health 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 opened in October, 2024, initially offering photon treatments with two Varian TrueBeams, a Varian Edge, and an Elekta Flexitron Remote Afterloader coupled with Siemens multi-energy CT on rails, as well as dedicated CT and MR simulators. The proton therapy via a Hitachi gantry room and fixed beam room with first-of-kind upright patient positioning system will be offered at the Eastpark location in April 2026. The incoming MPA will be expected to join our proton team during the commissioning phase, providing an excellent opportunity to gain in-depth experience in QA equipment calibration, proton beam measurement, and system commissioning. Additionally, the MPA will have the chance to contribute to the development and implementation of QA programs for both patient treatment and machine performance. This role offers comprehensive training in commissioning, treatment planning, and a variety of research opportunities, including Monte Carlo simulations, proton treatment planning, novel proton delivery techniques, upright treatment systems, and proton PBS motion management. It is an outstanding opportunity for professional growth and development in the field of proton therapy.

Additional support activities may be expected at the UW Health University Hospital location. In addition to the services provided at our Eastpark location, the UW Health University 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. Automated planning/scripting is employed via robust use of RayStation coupled with MIM.

Job Summary:
Work with proton therapy team under the direct supervision of Faculty and Staff Qualified Medical Physicists to perform routine and patient-specific quality assurance (QA) measurements for proton therapy, assist with various clinical and research activities.

Job Responsibilities:
- 30% Under the supervision of a Qualified Medical Physicist, collects and analyzes routine quality assurance measurements, assist with various research measurements and analysis, and documents results according to established policies and procedures.
- 30% Perform proton machine and patient-specific measurements, dose calculations, and data analysis. Measurements will include using equipment such as film acquisition and digitization, flat panel detectors, ion chambers, diodes, electrometers, and other dosimetric devices.
- 20% Assist with commissioning a new proton treatment system, including defining proton beam characteristics, baseline data collection, treatment planning system (TPS) data configuration, end-to-end validation, setting up QA programs, and developing new protocols and procedures to meet clinical needs.
- Acquisition, processing, and analysis of various data types including from treatment delivery and imaging systems
- 10% Assist in the introduction of new technologies, quality assurance equipment, and routine equipment management tasks into proton treatment practice as appropriate
- 5% Acquire and analyze patient data for retrospective or prospective clinical and protocol studies
- 5%Generate documentation for new processes and procedures pertaining to the quality assurance program

• 40% Collects and analyzes basic research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
• 20% Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities and assists with publications
• 10% Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area
• 10% Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures
• 10% Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
• 10% Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Required
Bachelor's Degree including coursework equivalent to a minor in Physics, Engineering, or related technical scientific disciplines.

Preferred
Master's Degree

Critical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills
Minimum of intermediate computer literacy and ability to learn new domain-specific software
Ability to demonstrate competency under the supervision of a Qualified Medical Physicist

Experience with coding in MATLAB, Python, or other programming languages is preferred.

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $70,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).

This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years.

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and experience, and a document listing contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Kirsten Gragg
kgragg@wisc.edu
608-265-3357
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Researcher I(RE040)

A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/HUMAN ONCOLOGY/HUMAN ONCO

Academic Staff-Renewable

310221-AS