Physicist Assistant

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston seeks a Physicist Assistant to join the Medical Physics team. You will assist with radiation dose calculations, QA tests for IMRT, and data processing under supervision by Qualified Medical Physicists.

This role emphasizes hands-on work with dosimetry equipment, treatment planning support, and collaboration with clinicians to ensure safe, accurate delivery of radiation therapy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Engineering required.
• No experience required; clinical experience in radiation physics is an advantage.
• Computer programming experience is also an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist with radiation dose calculations and IMRT QA.
• Assist in patient-specific IMRT QA and verification of treatments.
• Perform QA measurements on radiation devices and document results.
• Supervise and use dosimetry equipment safely.
• Assist with treatment planning data processing under supervision.
• Support brachytherapy documentation and safety records.

Skills

Radiation therapy basics

Dose calculation

Data processing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Engineering

Tools

Treatment planning software

QA tools

Job description

Reporting to the Chief Dosimetrist and working under the direct supervision of qualified Medical Physicists, the Physicist Assistant assists in the implementation of solutions for well-defined and focused tasks in the clinics. Responsibilities include assisting with radiation dose calculations, measurements on treatment units, computer programming, as well as collection and processing of treatment related data.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with the Medical Physicist team to use intensity modulation radiation therapy approach to perform QA tests as part of clinical and billing requirements.
• Participates in patient specific IMRT QA. Assist in experimental verification of IMRT radiation treatments. Scans IMRT films and perform comparison with plan. Compare measured vs DynaLog IMRT fluences.
• Performs and documents quality assurance (QA) activities including, but not limited to, measurements involving radiation devices and equipment, e.g., medical (linear) accelerators. Any discrepancies must be communicated to the appropriate staff in a timely manner to minimize delays in patient treatments and/or miscommunications.
• Supervises, maintains, and safely uses dosimetry equipment such as ion chambers, electrometers, water phantom scanning systems (e.g., Wellhofer/PTW tank[3D]), daily check devices, ion chamber arrays, electronic QA devices ('Star track'), computers used with equipment, computer software, thermometers, barometers, small tool inventory, etc. Assists the Qualified Medical Physicist in annual measurements and calibrations.
• Maintains an orderly lab for the storage and use of physics equipment.
• Participates in a technical capacity to assess and improve equipment and procedures that relate to quality assurance. This may include but is not limited to providing QA and QC of patient specific hardware, such as apertures and range compensators for cases involving protons. Lifting brass apertures, range compensators and treatment equipment weighing as much as 50 lbs is expected.
• Participates in research and development projects in collaboration with Medical Physicists and other department researchers under the direction of the supervising physicist.
• Performs supportive service to the treatment planning group through processing imaging data to be used for treatment planning and dose calculations, as well as preparation of initial versions of treatment plans under supervision by dosimetrists.
• Participates in other technical activities, under the direction of a Qualified Medical Physicist, to ensure coverage during critical staff shortages.
• Assists with brachytherapy activities, including but not limited to the documentation of brachytherapy and radiation safety data and records, calibration of brachytherapy applicators and equipment, brachytherapy seed loading during operating room procedures.
• Assists with any other related duties as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic-level understanding of various radiation therapy methods, such as external beam radiation, brachytherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery.
• Basic knowledge of using software for designing and optimizing radiation treatment plans.
• Basic knowledge of measuring and calculating radiation doses to ensure effective and safe delivery of treatment.
• Understanding of how radiation affects biological tissues, which is crucial for optimizing treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.
• Basic skills in calibrating radiation equipment and conducting regular quality assurance checks to ensure accurate and safe operation.
• Ability to work closely with radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement effective treatment plans.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Engineering required.
• No experience required. Clinical experience in radiation physics is an advantage for this position. Computer programming experience is also an advantage.

License/Certification/Registration Required: None

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Patient Contact: No

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$70,000.00 - $115,900.00