Physics - Clinical Physicist Assistant

Hampton Proton is the nation's 8th proton therapy facility and one of the largest free-standing proton clinics in the world. The state-of-the-art treatment and research center has four gantry rooms and one fixed beam room. Hampton Proton has been treating a variety of cancers since August 2010.

Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute (Hampton Proton) began with a vision. After the instillation of the first proton cancer treatment institute in 1990, rumblings of the therapy's success reached Hampton University president, Dr. William R. Harvey. Upon learning more about the treatment from a Hampton University alumnus, he assembled a team to assess the feasibility of what would become the largest free-standing proton therapy facility in the world.

Hampton Proton provides one of the best healthcare opportunities anywhere in our great nation, and you are a vital member of this important team. How well we accomplish our goals of conquering cancer and saving lives largely depends on your daily contributions, as Hampton Proton's true character is reflected through the manner in which all of our patients are treated. Only your best efforts enable us to continue to achieve excellence in everything we do.

Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute (Hampton Proton) is seeking a Clinical Physicist Assistant to assist the Physics department in optimal care of proton treatments delivered to the patients in the safest method.

Clinical Physicist Assistant

The Clinical Physicist Assistant reports directly to the Director of Physics while working alongside other professionals and support staff. The Clinical Physicist Assistant maintains a safe environment for patients, personnel, and visitors by assisting with regular Quality Assurance (QA) in radiation safety and regulatory requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work alongside with other physics professionals and assist in the general medical physics duties pertaining to safely operating a proton radiotherapy clinic.
• Gain experience in simple plan checks, QA preparations/delivery, daily and monthly equipment/machine calibration.
• Assist the Clinical Physicists in performing daily, monthly, and annual QA for the beam-delivery, ion chambers, water phantoms, and imaging systems.
• Learn and perform daily patient-specific QA within treatment rooms using ion chambers and IBA's matrix.
• Train with Clinical Physicists on measurements or other evaluations as necessary to ensure accurate dose delivery for proton radiotherapy treatments.
• Complete and maintain proper records of all required documentation relating to radiation treatment plans and equipment, QA, and calibration records.
• Assist with Eclipse | Varian computerized treatment plans and the flow of information or images between simulation, planning, and delivery as needed.
• Participate in maintenance of proton radiotherapy quality assurance programs and the commissioning of proton therapy equipment.
• Support and be involved in the physics research and development projects ongoing in the institution.
• Use independent judgment and apply learned methodologies according to established policy and procedures.
• Uphold, maintain, and establish adequate protocols to ensure accurate patient dosimetry.
• Assure the efficient operation of workflow within the department by performing other duties as assigned by the Director of Physics.

• Knowledge of Eclipse | Varian treatment planning system and MOSAIQ Oncology Information System is highly preferred.
• Experience in proton radiotherapy is preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrate ability to read and interpret documents or outputs from the software computer programs.
• Minor weightlifting (i.e., to handle aperture, compensator, QA devices, etc. 25 - 50 lb.) required.

• Associate degree in Science or Physics.
• Bachelor of Science or PhD in Physics is a plus.
• Machine shop experience with CMMs highly preferred.
• Demonstrate ability to read and interpret documents or outputs from the computer.
• Familiarity with mechanical inspection instruments such as calipers and micrometers.
• Intermediate to expert computer skills including computational scripting, C#, or JAVA programs in addition to the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to push, pull, hold, and lift up to 50 lbs with the use of hands/fingers for fine motor skills.
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to work well within a team.
• Flexibility to work shifts from 6:30am to 3:30pm or 12:30pm to 9:30pm.