Director of Proton Physics
Madison, WI 
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Job Description
Job 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.

Responsibilities:

This position will report to the Chief Physicist and requires interaction with medical staff and faculty in roles including but not limited to:
- 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
- Assist in the development and implementation of a proton-specific training and educational content for dosimetry, radiation therapists, technical staff, and trainees
- Development of policies and procedures for the proton clinic in conjunction with national guidelines and accreditation programs
- Serve as the primary technical liaison across hardware and software vendors
- Serve a lead role in commissioning and acceptance of the proton therapy system, associated equipment, and treatment planning processes.
- 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
- Support dosimetry team to ensure high quality treatment planning and implement state-of-the-art techniques
- Participate in mentoring and didactic teaching of medical physics residents and other trainees, including the development of proton-related clinical rotations
- Contribute to the department's research studies and publications, including engagement with clinical trials.
- The successful candidate will also participate in professional, public, and university service.

The successful applicant will participate in administrative and committee work to support the clinical and scholarly missions of UW Health and the School of Medicine and Public Health. An essential part of these duties will be working in a collegial relationship with other faculty members.

The successful candidate will teach medical students, residents, and fellows.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

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:

Education:

Required
PhD focus in Medical Physics or related field.

Qualifications:

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.

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.

For an appointment at Associate Professor or Professor rank on CHS Track, candidates will meet criteria established by the department and as outlined in the School of Medicine and Public Health guidelines for promotion or appointment to Associate or Professor on the CHS Track.

For an appointment at Clinical Associate Professor or Clinical Professor rank on CT Track, candidates will meet criteria established by the department and as outlined in the School of Medicine and Public Health guidelines for promotion or appointment to Associate or Professor on the CT Track.

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

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

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Anticipated Begin Date:

February 1, 2024

Salary:

Negotiable
ANNUAL (12 months)
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at ()

Additional Information:

Applicants for this position will be considered for the titles listed in this posting. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.

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.

This position has been identified as a position that will be located in or regularly access UW Health locations. This position will need to adhere to UW Health policies and affiliated requirements. UW Health requires that anyone (all staff, faculty students, volunteers, and other affiliated individuals) working in or regularly accessing UW Health locations receive the COVID-19 primary vaccination series and first booster. This position will be required to adhere to that policy and if not in full compliance to have a plan for achieving full compliance within 40 days of the first day of employment. Additionally, you may be required to adhere to other vaccination requirements. Medical or religious accommodations will be considered.

How to Apply:

The deadline for assuring full consideration is August 14, 2023, however, this position will remain open and applications may be considered until this position is filled. Your application must be received through the Jobs at UW portal to be considered as a candidate. Applications submitted outside of this system will not be considered. To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button and use the online UW Job Application system to submit the following:

- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and experience as it relates to this role.
- List of contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Contact:

Kirsten Gragg

608-265-3357
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See for further information.

Official Title:

Clinical Professor(IC009) or Clinical Associate Professor(IC010) or Clinical Assistant Professor(IC011) or Professor (CHS)(IC014) or Associate Professor (CHS)(IC015) or Assistant Professor (CHS)(IC016)

Department(s):

A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/HUMAN ONCOLOGY/HUMAN ONCO

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

283216-AS

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website:

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the .
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/

 

Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Education
Doctorate
Required Experience
5+ years
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