Physics Assistant, Radiation Oncology Treatment Planning Kelowna

Physics Assistant, Radiation Oncology Treatment Planning
BC Cancer
Kelowna, BC

The Physics Assistant, under the direction of designated Medical Physicists, assists with physics, technical, and computer services in support of the planning and treatment of radiation therapy. This includes performing machine and patient-specific quality assurance (QA) measurements for treatment plan dose verification.

What you'll do

1. Maintain an established inventory of radiation physics equipment and ensure it is kept in good working order through correct storage, testing, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Inform the Medical Physics Leader of any equipment malfunctions.
2. Assist Medical Physicists with commissioning, QA, ongoing support, and regular scheduled maintenance of radiation physics equipment through data acquisition and quality assurance checks.
3. Perform measurements on radiation therapy and research-related equipment as delegated by a Medical Physicist, including:
   
   1. Establishing and maintaining stability of geometrical parameters of radiation therapy machines.
   2. Establishing and maintaining stability of radiation output from therapy machines.
   3. Verifying radiation dose in specified geometries using geometric phantoms.
   4. Verifying radiation dose predictions from radiation therapy planning systems using anthropomorphic phantoms.
4. Acquire radiation physics data, including during equipment commissioning, by gathering percentage depth dose data, tissue air/maximum ratios, and dose profile data.
5. Assist in performing measurements using 3D scanning software and beam profile verification software.
6. Maintain statistical physics data by tracking workload statistics for the planning module.
7. Participate in the development and maintenance of QA databases and upgrade analyses/tests as technology and clinical requirements evolve.
8. Support 3D printing programs through printing, QA, print design, and/or printer maintenance.
9. Provide support to the radiation safety program by monitoring radiation safety in the OR, conducting radioactive seed assays, administering personal dose monitoring programs, and performing radiation surveys.
10. Assist with the maintenance of specialized QA equipment, including inventory records, packing, shipping, and calibration/verification of function.
11. Prepare and analyze in vivo patient dosimetry measurements, particularly for patients with pacemakers and other implanted electronic devices.
12. Assist with medical physics graduate and residency training programs by providing demonstrations of equipment use and associated QA procedures.
13. Work closely with Medical Physicists, Physics Assistants, and other relevant team members to ensure continuity of shared responsibilities for the planning and treatment of radiation therapy.

What you bring

1. Bachelor of Science degree in Physics or Engineering Physics.
2. One year of related experience in radiation therapy physics or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to BC Cancer.

What you have

1. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
2. Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment.
3. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work.
4. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and effective communication abilities.
5. Demonstrated ability to develop working relationships with other health care professionals.
6. Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action and related reports.
7. Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada.
8. Knowledge of social, economic, political, and historical realities impacting indigenous communities is a strong asset.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That's why we're focused on your care too - offering health, wellness, and development programs to support you - at work and at home.

Join one of BC's largest employers with province-wide programs, services, and operations - offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs.

Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses.

Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a municipal pension plan, psychological health & safety programs, and holistic wellness resources.

Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.

PHSA is a remote work-friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options.

Job Type: Temporary, Part-Time (0.60 FTE until July 4, 2025)
Wage: $40.75 to $50.87 per hour
Work Location: 399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3
Hours of Work: Tues/Thurs/Fri 1300-2100, Mon-Fri 1600-2030, or as operationally required.
Requisition Number: 177199E

What we do

BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.

BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages, and evaluates specialized health services to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BC Cancer are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background, and experience, and value a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.