Position overview

The Senior Radiation Therapist – Research will provide leadership in the development and delivery of Radiation Therapy research projects and clinical trials at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre, Radiation Oncology Department.

The role fosters an inclusive research culture within the Radiation Therapy team and leads or contributes to collaborative research locally, nationally, and internationally. This includes building academic, consumer, and interprofessional research partnerships; strengthening research capability to enhance patient care and clinical practice; and providing mentorship, training, and guidance to both new and experienced researchers. The position also provides Radiation Therapist input and support to relevant departmental clinical trials.

The successful candidate will be expected to complete and contribute to clinical research activities suitable for publication and/or presentation, whilst maintain clinical skills and recency of practice.

Key Responsibilities

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

1. Lead and design Radiation Therapy research activities and support Radiation Therapy requirements for new and existing clinical trials.
2. Conduct research and clinical investigations using relevant methodologies, both independently and as part of collaborative research teams.
3. Identify opportunities to initiate new research projects or expand existing initiatives.
4. Communicate research activities and outcomes through:
   a. conference papers and presentations;
   b. publication in peer-reviewed journals;
   c. formal research reports;
   d. quarterly progress reports, including KPI data; and
   e. presentations to staff, patients, and the public using audience-appropriate communication.
5. Develop, maintain, and strengthen national and international networks with industry, universities, professional bodies, and other researchers.
6. Promote and embed a strong research culture within the Radiation Therapy team.
7. Provide advice and support to research projects to ensure timelines and targets are met.
8. Mentor and encourage less experienced staff to participate in Radiation Therapy research.
9. Foster effective communication and teamwork, modelling positive interpersonal behaviour and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
10. Provide leadership in resource and service management, including efficient use of departmental resources and contributing to meetings, planning and performance processes.
11. Maintain clinical competence for self and provide clinical cover through regular rotation across radiation therapy practice areas.
12. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

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

• Research Expertise & Safe Clinical Practice
  • Demonstrates advanced competence in Radiation Therapy practice while applying ethical, WHS, radiation safety, and research governance standards to all research and clinical trial activities.
  • Indicators: Maintains clinical credentialing; adheres to ethics and governance requirements; research conducted in line with SOPs and safety standards; incidents and deviations managed per procedure.
• Research Program Design & Delivery
  • Designs, leads, and evaluates structured Radiation Therapy research programs and projects aligned with departmental, organisational, and regulatory priorities.
  • Indicators: Clearly defined research plans with objectives and methodologies; ethics and governance approvals obtained.
• Research Capability Development (Staff, Students, New Researchers)
  • Supports development of research capability across the Radiation Therapy workforce, including students, graduates, and experienced staff, in partnership with universities and professional bodies.
  • Indicators: Documented mentorship and guidance; research participation pathways established; positive feedback from collaborators and learners.
• Research Governance, Auditing & Quality Improvement
  • Establishes and maintains robust research governance, documentation, and audit processes to ensure research integrity and quality outcomes.
  • Indicators: Accurate and traceable project records; milestone tracking; audits completed; action plans implemented within agreed timeframes; measurable improvements in research quality and compliance.
• Implementation of Research into Practice & New Technologies
  • Leads evaluation and safe integration of research findings, new techniques, and technologies into clinical practice through structured planning and collaboration.
  • Indicators: Translation plans developed; stakeholder engagement documented; evaluation of outcomes following implementation.
• Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration
  • Engages effectively with internal and external stakeholders including DRT/DDRT, RO, Physics, Nursing, universities, research bodies, and industry partners.
  • Indicators: Regular liaison with documented actions; collaborative research initiatives established; timely responses to research and trial needs.

• Research Dissemination & Scholarly Contribution
  • Promotes dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations, and reports to contribute to the evidence base of Radiation Therapy practice.
  • Indicators: Conference presentations; peer-reviewed publications; formal reporting; presentations tailored to staff, patients, and the public.

• Resource & Performance Management
  • Optimises time, resources, and workload to deliver research outcomes while maintaining clinical service priorities.
  • Indicators: Research timelines met; efficient use of resources and funding; participation in professional development and research activities.

Qualifications

Essential

• A recognised tertiary qualification in Radiation Therapy.
• Unconditional registration as a Radiation Therapy Practitioner with the AHPRA Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia.
• ACT Radiation Council License to operate radiation emitting apparatus used for Radiation Therapy purposes.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification (completed or in progress) in clinical research or similar
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Essential

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working professionally in Radiation Therapy
• Evidence of active involvement in Radiation Therapy related research
• Evidence of publication (completed or in progress) and/or presentation of research findings
• Evidence of supporting Radiation Therapy Clinical trials.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.

Desirable

• Technical expertise in Eclipse Treatment Planning Software and ARIA Oncology Information Management System.
• National and International level links with industry, universities, professional bodies, other researchers.
• Knowledge of ethics application processes and procedures

Prior to commencement

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

• 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. Excellent clinical skills and technical expertise demonstrating considerable experience in all areas of advanced planning & treatment delivery using Oncology Information Management systems and other clinical applications
2. Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting relevant research projects in a university, clinical or organisational setting, with strong knowledge of application of statistics and evidence of publication and/or presentation.
3. Demonstrated leadership in developing, leading, and embedding a continuous research and quality improvement culture within Radiation Therapy.
4. Highly-developed interpersonal and communication skills, which results in effective and appropriate verbal and written communication.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) 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.