Dosimetrist

Position Overview

The Dosimetrist I is a member of the radiation oncology team who completed basic dosimetry training and is in the process of becoming a board-certified medical dosimetrist. This role provides a wide range of clinical dosimetry services to oncology patients receiving radiation therapy while exemplifying the Rush mission, vision, and values.

Key Responsibilities

• TREATMENT PLANNING – Assists with simulations and tumor localization using imaging devices (CT, MRI, PET).
• TREATMENT PLANNING – Checks patient data for accuracy and completeness.
• TREATMENT PLANNING – Identifies and segments normal and dose-limiting structures using one or more imaging data sets.
• TREATMENT PLANNING – Assists with developing and presenting optimized treatment plans for review and approval.
• TREATMENT PLANNING – Performs secondary calculations to ensure dose computation accuracy and documents pertinent details.
• TREATMENT PLANNING – Creates and uploads reference images (DRRs, CBCTs, and other IGRT methods) for treatment delivery verification.
• TREATMENT PLANNING – Assists radiation therapists in implementing treatment plans.
• TREATMENT PLANNING – Participates in in-vivo patient dosimetry under Medical Physicist supervision.
• DOSE CALCULATIONS – Performs routine dose calculations using specialized software or hand calculations under supervision.
• DOSE CALCULATIONS – Assists with dose calculations for specialized procedures (e.g., brachytherapy, total body irradiation, SRS-SBRT).
• QUALITY ASSURANCE – Assists the Medical Physicist in quality management for planning computer systems and treatment machines.
• QUALITY ASSURANCE – Provides support in weekly chart rounds by preparing and presenting patients’ plans.
• QUALITY ASSURANCE – Participates in the manufacturing of treatment devices such as blocks, compensators, and boluses.
• TEACHING/RESEARCH – May participate in or assist with clinical research initiatives.
• TEACHING/RESEARCH – Attends medical physics conferences and engages in educational activities to maintain dosimetry certification.
• TEACHING/RESEARCH – Ensures confidentiality of patient health information related to treatment and healthcare operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and completion of a dosimetry training program.
• Master’s degree in physical sciences, mathematics, biomedical sciences, or electrical engineering with Board Certification attained within 36 months of hire.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, clinical oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics, and radiation safety.
• Basic understanding of the technical aspects of radiation oncology and medical physics for developing optimal treatment plans.
• Understanding of radiobiological concepts.
• Ability to manage patient data acquisition, transfer, storage, and retrieval.
• Familiarity with radiation safety principles, practices, and regulatory requirements at both national and state levels.
• Understanding of basic medical physics and radiation dosimetry.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills relevant to clinical operations.
• Proficiency in mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus.
• Self-motivated with effective time management and resource utilization skills.
• Ability to follow protocols and develop treatment plans in line with national and institutional guidelines.
• Capability to adhere to policies, standard operating procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Skill in operating specialized equipment, handling radioactive materials, and managing heavy devices required for clinical tasks.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: $45.59 - $74.19 per hour
• Benefits: Exceptional rewards and benefits. For more details, visit the Rush benefits page at https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits.