Director of Photon Physics

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

48d

About The Position

It’s an exciting and transformational time to join the University of Wisconsin! The Radiation Oncology Physics Section in the Department of Human Oncology at the UW–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health is seeking a dynamic, collaborative Director of Photon Physics. With a strong foundation already in place, we’re looking for a leader eager to help propel our program forward—advancing technology, introducing new ideas, and guiding emerging clinical initiatives. Over the next 1–3 years, several major imaging, therapy, and software projects will launch, offering exceptional opportunities to shape clinical practice, integrate cutting‑edge technologies, and influence the future of our clinical capabilities. In this leadership role, you will oversee clinical physics operations and drive strategic initiatives within a highly engaged team of 26 physicists, 6 residents, 2 clinical engineers, and medical physics assistants. You will be central to project management, clinical oversight, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. We are deeply committed to supporting scholarly activity, professional development, and research, providing abundant opportunities for growth, creativity, and meaningful impact within a forward‑thinking physics and departmental leadership team. The UW-Madison University campus currently includes a Viewray MRIdian Linac with daily online adaptive radiation therapy, three Varian TrueBeams (one STx), an AccuRay Tomotherapy HDA, and two Elekta Flexitron Remote Afterloaders. We offer a broad range of special procedures, including SRS/SBRT, TBI, TSE, and brachytherapy for a wide range of treatment sites (e.g., GYN, breast, prostate) with MRI-guided planning and BodyTom CT for image verification. In Fall 2024, we opened our dual-hub UW Health Cancer Center, Eastpark Medical Center location on Madison's east side. The 469,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility introduced two new Varian TrueBeams, a Varian Edge, and an Elekta Flexitron Remote Afterloader coupled with Siemens multi-energy CT on rails. Both location offer advanced simulation capabilities using Siemens dual-energy computed tomography and 1.5 T GE MR-simulator units. Aria Record and Verify systems and advanced treatment planning via RayStation are fully integrated with central planning and chart checking between our two major hubs. The proton program opening later in 2026 includes a Hitachi synchrotron, high-energy beam transport, intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) capability, a gantry room with 360-degree rotation, and a fixed beam room with a first-of-kind upright patient positioning system provided by Leo Cancer Care coupled with on-board CT. Each proton room is equipped with high-precision patient positioning and volumetric x-ray-based image-guidance systems including real-time image gated particle therapy in the gantry room. The Director of Photon Physics will serve in a departmental leadership capacity to develop best practices to ensure high quality patient care and cutting-edge implementations in our external beam program. Additional academic opportunities, based on the candidate's interests and accomplishments, in research, education, and service are fully encouraged and supported, including interactions with the Department of Medical Physics Graduate Program. UW is a state-of-the-art integrated clinical, research, and training facility, ranked number 1 in Wisconsin in the U.S. News & World Report for the 12th consecutive year and ranked 2nd in the TIME World’s Top Public Universities of 2026, that continually invests in the latest technological advancements. Access to ample preclinical/clinical research imaging and therapeutic systems are available including preclinical RayStation treatment planning for research activities. Other major research programs in the department include immunotherapy, theranostics, artificial intelligence, normal-tissue toxicity assessment, advanced imaging, and automated treatment planning. We are committed to fostering innovation through investigator-initiated research and industry collaborations, offering comprehensive support to turn visionary ideas into practice. The UW-Madison campus, located in the heart of the City of Madison, spans 936 acres along the scenic southern shore of Lake Mendota. Madison is consistently ranked as one of the top cities in the nation to live. The city encourages fitness with 61 miles of designated bike trails, and over 146 miles of roads with marked bike lanes. Madison is surrounded by the beauty of four local lakes, has a lively culinary and festival scene, and promotes a healthy work life balance. UW Faculty and Staff also enjoy robust benefits such as the State of Wisconsin benefits package, a diverse campus setting, and a competitive salary.

Requirements

• Qualified candidates will typically have at least five years of clinical experience; however, individuals with fewer years will be considered if they demonstrate clear leadership and a strong trajectory of growth.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills—along with the ability to thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment—are essential.
• Candidates with a proven track record of implementing new clinical programs or integrating advanced technologies are especially encouraged to apply.
• This role requires a strong commitment to patient safety and to advancing operational quality and efficiency through continuous improvement.
• Candidates must be certified in Therapeutic/Radiation Oncology Medical Physics by the American Board of Radiology, the American Board of Medical Physics, or the Canadian College of Medical Physics.
• Master's Degree or Ph.D. Degree in Medical Physics or closely related field is required.

Nice To Haves

• For an appointment at Associate Professor or Professor rank on CHS Track, candidates will meet criteria established by the department and as outlined in the School of Medicine and Public Health guidelines for promotion or appointment to Associate or Professor on the CHS Track.
• For an appointment at Clinical Associate Professor or Clinical Professor rank on CT Track, candidates will meet criteria established by the department and as outlined in the School of Medicine and Public Health guidelines for promotion or appointment to Associate or Professor on the CT Track.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical coordination and adoption of new technologies and programs
• Strategically plan and optimize the allocation of radiation oncology resources, including equipment usage, scheduling, budget preparation, radiation safety, and operations
• Liaise with vendor colleagues to spearhead industry relations and collaborations
• Champion the maintenance of policies and procedures for the external beam clinic, aligning with national guidelines and accreditation programs to uphold the highest standards of care.
• Facilitate and oversee the physics team's coordination with hardware and software vendors, ensuring routine maintenance, upgrades, and repairs are performed
• Lead initiatives to integrate and optimize physics software and hardware with hospital systems, ensuring data security, compliance, and seamless operation while fostering safe patient care, operational efficiencies, and supporting research and innovations
• Oversee the established comprehensive ongoing Quality Assurance (QA) program for our external beam program and computational equipment to assure accurate delivery of prescribed dose to patients
• Participate in clinical mentoring and didactic teaching of medical physics residents and other trainees
• Contribute to the department's research mission through studies, publications, and grants including engagement with clinical trials.
• The successful candidate will also participate in professional, public, and university service
• Develops and performs clinical radiation oncology physics services related to all forms of brachytherapy, linear accelerators, quality management and improvement, simulators, radioactive materials, radiation measurement equipment, and computer software and information systems used in clinical radiation oncology
• Implements advanced patient-centered procedures related to quality assurance monitoring, immobilization, localization, and dose verification in treatment delivery processes
• Participate in administrative and committee work to support the clinical and scholarly missions of UW Health and the School of Medicine and Public Health. An essential part of these duties will be working in a collegial relationship with other faculty members.
• Teach medical students, residents, and fellows.
• Participates in the development of novel image guided and intensity modulated radiation therapy, brachytherapy, TomoTherapy, and MR-guided treatment planning and delivery programs and oncology information systems
• Investigates and identifies problems, develops clinical solutions, and implements quality management programs related to the technical delivery of care for patients receiving therapeutic radiation

Benefits

• Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.
• UW Faculty and Staff also enjoy robust benefits such as the State of Wisconsin benefits package, a diverse campus setting, and a competitive salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director