Vacancy Notice No. 2009/094


Position and Grade:	Radiotherapy Medical Physicist (P-4)
Organizational Unit:	Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section Division of Human Health Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	1 November 2009
Application Deadline:	11 December 2009
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The main objective of the Division of Human Health is to enhance Member States' capabilities to address their needs related to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health problems through the development and application of nuclear techniques within a framework of quality assurance. Priorities are given to the needs of developing countries. Delivery mechanisms are through the IAEA's technical cooperation programme, coordinated research projects, advisory services and the collection, analysis and dissemination of information.

Within the Division of Human Health, there are four sections. Much of the work done by the Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section in the area of diagnosis and treatment of diseases, particularly cancer, is done in collaboration with the Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section and the Nuclear Medicine Section.

The objective of the Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics Section is to enhance the capability of Member States to diagnose and treat patients safely and effectively by transferring technology in dosimetry and medical radiation physics and through the establishment of a quality assurance culture. Assistance to developing Member States is often provided through the technical cooperation programme.

The Radiotherapy Medical Physicist reports to the Head of the Section.

Main purpose

As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the Radiotherapy Medical Physicist enhances the capability of Member States to develop and implement new techniques, methodologies and training materials in the physical aspects of radiotherapy, particularly for programmes in quality assurance and dosimetry auditing.

Role

The Radiotherapy Medical Physicist is a project leader for developments in the physical aspects of radiotherapy, a technical expert supporting a project on quality auditing in dosimetry, and a knowledgeable adviser in medical physics for radiotherapy and the adaptation of new technologies of relevance to developing countries.

Partnerships

The Radiotherapy Medical Physicist works closely with colleagues and other IAEA professionals, and maintains an international network of medical physicists willing to consult on IAEA projects and assist with their timely implementation at a high level of quality.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Lead the project on developments in medical physics for radiotherapy. This includes: implementing coordinated research projects; organizing and participating in technical meetings, seminars and courses; delivering technical advice; supporting quality assurance activities in radiotherapy treatment planning; participating in the development and transfer of dosimetry techniques to Member States; contributing to editorial activities for publications in medical radiation physics; and keeping up to date with developments in the field.
Support implementation of the project on quality auditing in dosimetry by analysing data from the participating hospitals and the network of secondary standards dosimetry laboratories (SSDLs), reporting results to the users and resolving discrepancies.
Act as technical officer for the IAEA's technical cooperation projects in the field of medical physics in radiotherapy by evaluating, planning and implementing projects, including providing advice on the use of experts, the placing of fellows, the purchasing of equipment and the organization of meetings and training courses.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge at the level of an international expert in the principles and applications of medical physics in radiotherapy.
In-depth knowledge of radiotherapy equipment for simulation, treatment planning, treatment delivery and quality assurance; broad knowledge of medical physics in radiotherapy covering the spectrum from commissioning cobalt machines to assisting IAEA Member States to plan, acquire and implement image-guided radiotherapy.
High motivation to meet the medical physics needs of developing countries through the design and implementation of relevant projects.
Communication skills: Strong ability to make effective oral and written presentations to audiences of diverse skill levels.
Interpersonal skills:
- Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
- Ability to work as a team member in a cooperative manner with other colleagues to achieve collaborative organizational goals.
Planning and organizing: Ability to work in a multitasking environment.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

PhD in medical physics.
At least 7 years of clinical experience in radiotherapy physics.
Experience in radiotherapy beam calibration and clinical dosimetry, including TLD (thermoluminescence dosimetry) measurements.
Demonstrated experience in project design, monitoring and implementation.
At least three papers published in the last 5 years in an international peer-reviewed journal.
Experience and practical skills in quality assurance of the entire treatment process, including simulation, treatment planning and treatment delivery. Skilled in quality control measurements.
Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of Spanish and/or Russian would be an asset.

Remuneration

The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $64 521 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $45 939*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance.

How to apply to the IAEA

* Subject to change without notice

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged

Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.