Position overview

The Medical Physics and Radiation Engineering (MPRE) department at Canberra Health Services is composed of medical physics specialists in radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, and radiology, giving our department a collegial diversity of medical physicists working together. The team is responsible for safety and quality in the use of medical radiation. They contribute technical and scientific support to clinical and research staff enabling efficient use of resources for the diagnosis, treatment and research of disease using medical radiation.

The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of state-of-the-art radiotherapy for our cancer patients. Equipment currently includes three Varian TrueBeam linear accelerators, all equipped with Align RT surface guided setup assistance and treatment monitoring. A Varian Edge linear accelerator is primarily dedicated to stereotactic cranial and body radiotherapy, with HyperArc and Exactrac used for SRS planning and position verification, respectively. Approximately 90% of treatments are delivered using Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). We use the ARIA oncology information system which is cloud hosted. We are currently working on procurement of an MR simulator as well as adaptive RT software.

It is expected that the successful applicant will play a key role in providing ongoing medical physics support for the above-mentioned items as well as working as a valued team member carrying out the job duties stated below.

Our team participates in Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Cooperative Group (TROG) trials, and the department is accredited to train diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology medical physics registrars. Our team members have active collaborations with University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, the University of Canberra and the AusCAT (Australian Computer-Assisted Theragnostics) group. We have support from the private practice fund facilitating protected time for research activities for all team members.

Whilst weekend and after-hours work will occasionally be required, we have regular access to equipment for quality assurance and development work within business hours. We consider work life balance an important component of staff wellbeing. Subject to operational needs and manager approval, you will have access to flexible work hours, working from home arrangements, and rostered days off.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

Under limited direction of the Principal Medical Physics Specialist, you will deliver physics services supporting the treatment of radiotherapy patients at CHS. You will:

1. Perform ROMP specialist tasks such as routine radiation therapy equipment quality assurance (QA), pre-treatment patient-specific QA, radiation instrumentation QA, and being on duty to provide ROMP support in the day-to-day operations of the radiation oncology team.
2. Lead and assist with project work implementing new systems, techniques and carrying out quality improvement activities.
3. Provide support to team members as required, including teaching within the ACPSEM Training Education and Assessment Program for Medical Physics Registrars, as well as assisting with radiation safety education and training.
4. Communicate and produce documentation relating to:
   • outcomes from routine and ad-hoc ROMP tasks and analyses performed;
   • project work with attention to clinical impacts on radiation oncology services;
   • ongoing operational matters keeping team members apprised.
5. Maintain continuing professional development and mandatory training requirements as well as completing administrative tasks such as accurate attendance records.
6. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following:

• Reliable collaborator within the medical physics team and with other staff groups,
• Sound judgement in prioritising work,
• An inquisitive mind and aptitude for innovation and problem solving,
• Respectful and kind interpersonal communicator.

Qualifications

Essential

• Registration or demonstrated eligibility for registration on the register of Qualified Medical Physics Specialists in Radiation Oncology Medical Physics administered by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM). N.B.: Registrars expecting to qualify in the next 1-2 months are encouraged to apply.
• Hold a higher degree (M. Sc. or higher) majoring in physics from an accredited university.
• Eligible for, or possess, an ACT radiation licence.

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Essential

• Experience working as a medical physicist, including as a registrar, in a clinical environment.

Desirable

• Experience working with MRI in a radiation oncology setting.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
• Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Proven high work standards in completing ROMP specialist tasks such as the provision of ongoing quality assurance for radiation oncology equipment, patient-specific specialised treatment techniques, and clinical commissioning relating to radiation oncology medical physics.
2. Demonstrates aptitude and perseverance to solve problems encountered in providing day-to-day support to radiation oncology and in doing clinical implementation or project work.
3. Demonstrates good communication skills, both oral and written. Works effectively in a team and teaches knowledge and skills to TEAP registrars, other students and staff.
4. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.