Basic Grade Medical Physicist (12-Month Fixed Term Contract) - Radiotherapy Centre Cork

Role Overview

We are seeking a Basic Grade Medical Physicist for a 12-month fixed term at the Radiotherapy Centre Cork. This position involves comprehensive participation in Radiation Oncology physics, including calibration, commissioning, clinical support, quality assurance of radiotherapy equipment, and adherence to radiation safety and legal requirements. The role involves radiotherapy treatment planning aligned with international standards and Radiation Oncologists' prescriptions, with approximately 70% of the workload dedicated to treatment planning using the Eclipse Treatment Planning System. The physicist will also contribute to team education, research, and clinical trials.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform systematic measurement, documentation, and quality assurance of radiation sources and equipment, including acceptance testing and commissioning under supervision.
• Ensure robust quality assurance programs confirming accuracy of tumor localization, radiation treatment delivery, and dose distributions through scheduled QA testing.
• Develop treatment plans, manage treatment data, calculate dose distributions, and schedule routine 3D & IMRT/VMAT planning tasks.
• Consult with Radiation Oncologists to translate treatment plans into precise instructions for radiation therapists.
• Manage CT data transfers, image fusion, contouring, beam placement, isodose calculations, and treatment plan generation.
• Collaborate on advancing treatment planning protocols and quality assurance measures; participate in prostate Brachytherapy physics support.
• Engage in ongoing professional development within Radiation Oncology Physics and contribute to departmental research and clinical trials.
• Organize and administer clinical Radiation Oncology Physics practices; support new treatment techniques and modalities development.
• Support the Chief Medical Physicist in fulfilling radiation safety compliance with EPA/HIQA regulations.
• Communicate and report radiation safety incidents promptly and ensure compliance with EPA/ORP regulations.
• Effectively manage workload, assist with performance indicator collection and interpretation, and maintain transparent communication within multidisciplinary teams.
• Lead training for staff on treatment planning and quality assurance; maintain professional records.
• Promote and participate in research activities, clinical trials, and communicate findings through presentations and reports.
• Maintain current knowledge on treatment planning technologies, quality assurance, and medical dosimetry for ongoing skills development.

Working Conditions

The role is based indoors within Radiation Oncology. While not required to wear film badges, strict adherence to radiation safety policies is mandatory. The physicist will follow infection control protocols and hazardous materials handling standards.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possession of a PhD or MSc from an accredited Medical Physics program.
• Preferred experience with 3D/IMRT/VMAT/SRS radiotherapy and associated treatment planning systems.
• Strong attention to detail and effective communication skills, both oral and written.

Salary & Benefits

The position offers a salary ranging from €47,275.56 to €70,336.16 annually based on a 35-hour workweek. Benefits include fully paid maternity and paternity leave, a competitive pension plan, company-funded death in service benefit (3x salary), critical illness coverage up to age 66, enhanced annual leave up to 27 days, flexible working options, and career development opportunities.

About UPMC

UPMC is a global academic medical center renowned for patient-centered care, clinical innovation, research, and education. The Ireland division provides specialized healthcare services through locations including UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Sports Surgery Clinic, and Hillman Cancer Centre across multiple sites.

Equal Opportunity

UPMC is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.