Physics Assistant, Radiation Oncology Treatment Planning - BC Cancer Kelowna

Physics Assistant, Radiation Oncology Treatment Planning
BC Cancer
Kelowna, BC

Effective December 6, 2024, as negotiated in the latest collective agreement, a classification system will be implemented for the HSPBA roles in PHSA, effectively transitioning to a profile-based system. As a result, it may have impact to this job posting’s job title, job description, and wage range.

The Physics Assistant with work direction from designated Medical Physicists assists with physics, technical and computer services in support of the planning and treatment of radiation therapy.

What you’ll do

• Maintain an inventory of radiation physics equipment and ensure radiation physics equipment is kept in good working order through correct storage and usage; inform the Medical Physics Leader of any equipment malfunction and deficiency.
• Assist the Medical Physicists with regular scheduled maintenance of radiation physics equipment by such means as performing quality assurance checks and testing.
• Assist in performing measurements on radiation therapy equipment, as delegated by a Medical Physicist to:

• Establish and maintain stability of geometrical parameters of radiation therapy machines such as laser alignment, isocentre accuracy, light/radiation field coincidence by following established program procedures.
• Establish and maintain stability of radiation output from therapy machines by such means as performing regular radiation constancy measurements.
• Verify radiation dose in specified geometries by such means as using geometric phantoms under conditions set down by the physicists.
• Verify radiation dose predictions from radiation therapy planning systems by such means as using anthropomorphic phantoms under conditions set down by the physicists.
• Verify suppliers of assay of radioisotopes by such means as direct measurement of the source activity.

• Assist the Medical Physicist with computer related tasks by performing such duties as:Ensure continuity of shared responsibilities by communicating effectively with other team members.
• Tabulating radiation physics data by such means as gathering percentage depth dose data, tissue air/maximum ratios, dose profile data.
• Maintaining familiarity with departmental software by routine use of Wellhofer 3D scanning software and beam profile verification software in order to assist in performing measurements.
• Maintaining statistical physics data by such means as gathering and tracking workload statistics for the planning module.

• Maintain a safe environment for patients, families and staff through such methods as adhering to safety policies and standards and emergency procedures.
• Maintain an awareness of risk factors related to radiation therapy and physics equipment through methods such as attending in-service lectures presented by individuals such as Physicists. 

What you bring

• Bachelor of Science degree in Physics or Engineering Physics.
• One (1) year of related experience in radiation therapy physics or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable to BCCA

What you have

• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Operate related equipment.
• Organize and prioritize work.
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to: function as a team member; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; listen actively.
• Demonstrated skills in CPR techniques.
• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Temporary, Part-Time (0.57 FTE until December 1, 2025)
Wage: $40.75 to $50.87 per hour
Work Location: 399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3
Hours of Work: Tues/Thurs/Fri 1300-2100, Mon-Fri 1600-2030, or as operationally required.
Requisition Number: 174378E

What we do

BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.

BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BC Cancer are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of November 16, 2024. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.