Debnath Lab Research Assistant I - Computational Medical Physics and Monte Carlo Modeling

Loyola University Chicago; Maywood (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Loyola University Chicago is seeking a Research Assistant I to join the Debnath lab in Maywood, IL. You will contribute to computing radiation transport simulations and dosimetry modeling for cancer treatment, collaborating across physics and engineering disciplines to push imaging and therapy advances.

The role emphasizes hands-on computation, data analysis, and documentation, with opportunities to author reports and manuscripts while supporting team projects in a Jesuit research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Medical Physics, Engineering, CS, or related quantitative field.
• Zero to one year of related research experience or equivalent training.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, C++ and Linux-based computing environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with computational research involving radiation transport, Monte Carlo simulations, and detector modeling.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate computational models for dosimetry and radiation interactions.
• Run simulations, process outputs, and analyze results with scientific programming and data visualization tools.
• Compare computational predictions with experimental measurements and assist in model validation.
• Maintain simulation records, datasets, and documentation; contribute to reports and manuscripts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Physics

Python

MATLAB

C++

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Geant4

GATE

TOPAS

MCNP

Job description

Position Title

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I

Position Number

8150699

Work Modality

Fully In-Person

Is this request for the creation of a new Position (or the modification of an existing Position) to temporarily support the WorkDay ERP?

no

Job Category

University Staff

Job Type

Full-Time

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Campus

Maywood-Health Sciences Campus

Department Name

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Location Code

RADIATION ONCOLOGY (06720A)

Is this split and/or fully grant funded?

Yes

Duties and Responsibilities

The Debnath lab works on developing technologies for addressing key challenges presented by radiation therapy for cancer treatment. This research aims to achieve a paradigm shift in modern radiation therapy, ensuring quality treatment, improving the understanding of the effects of ionizing radiation on tissues, and pioneering high-resolution medical imaging technologies, thereby contributing to the advancement of early-stage cancer treatment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with computational research involving radiation transport, Monte Carlo simulations, and radiation detector modeling for medical physics applications.
• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of computational models for radiation dosimetry, detector performance, and radiation interactions with matter.
• Perform computational simulations, process simulation outputs, and analyze results using scientific programming and data visualization tools.
• Assist with comparisons between computational predictions and experimental measurements, including model validation and performance assessment.
• Maintain simulation records, computational datasets, and technical documentation, and contribute to research reports, presentations, and scientific manuscripts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience

Bachelor's degree in related field and zero-one year of related experience.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Medical Physics, Engineering (Biomedical, Nuclear, Electrical, or related discipline), Computer Science, or a closely related quantitative field; or equivalent training acquired through education or relevant work experience, consistent with university requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field preferred
• One to two years of relevant research or professional experience.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of physics, numerical methods, computational modeling, or radiation interactions with matter.
• Familiarity with scientific programming or data analysis using Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar tools.
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulation packages such as Geant4, GATE, TOPAS, or MCNP is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with Linux-based computing environments, scientific computing workflows, or high-performance computing is desirable.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with attention to computational accuracy and reproducibility.
• Ability to learn new computational tools, work independently after appropriate training, and collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary research team.

Certificates/Credentials/Licenses

n/a

Computer Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and willingness to learn lab related software.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Required operation of university owned vehicles

No

Does this position require direct animal or patient contact?

No

Physical Demands

None

Working Conditions

None

Open Date

10/27/2026

Position Maximum Salary or Hourly Rate

$22.00/hr

Position Minimum Salary or Hourly Rate

$18.00/hr

Special Instructions to Applicants

As a Jesuit, Catholic institution of higher education, we seek candidates who will contribute to our strategic plan to deliver a Transformative Education in the Jesuit tradition. To learn more about Loyola University Chicago's mission, candidates should consult our website at www.luc.edu/mission/. For information about the university's focus on transformative education, they should consult our website at www.luc.edu/transformativeed.

About Loyola University Chicago

Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is one of the nation's largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, recognized for its academic excellence, commitment to community engagement, and leadership in sustainability. A Carnegie R1 research institution, Loyola leverages its status as one of an elite group of universities with the highest level of research activity to advance knowledge that serves communities and creates global impact. With 15 schools, colleges, and institutes -including Business, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences-Loyola operates three primary campuses in the greater Chicago area and one in Rome, Italy, that provide students a transformative, globally connected learning experience. Consistently ranked among the nation's top universities by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola is a STARS Gold-rated institution that is ranked as one of the country's most sustainable campuses by The Princeton Review and has earned distinctions from AmeriCorps and the Carnegie Foundation for its longstanding record of service and community engagement. Guided by its Jesuit mission and commitment to caring for the whole person, Loyola educates ethical leaders who think critically, act with purpose, and strive to create a more just and sustainable world. Loyola University Chicago strives to be an employer of choice by offering its staff and faculty a wide array of affordable, comprehensive, and competitive benefits. Loyola adheres to all applicable federal, state, and/or local civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Please see the University's Nondiscrimination Policy.