Summary
Serves as a Therapeutic Medical Physicist in Radiation Oncology, ensuring safe and accurate delivery of radiation therapy. Performs treatment planning support, quality assurance, and dose verification. GS-12 works under supervision developing proficiency, while GS-13 independently manages complex treatments, leads QA programs, and provides expert consultation on advanced techniques and technologies.
Duties
This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is April 29, 2026. Additional applications will be referred as needed. Duties spanning both grades: Apply principles of medical physics to ensure the safe, accurate, and effective delivery of radiation therapy treatments. Evaluate radiation treatment plans for quality, safety, and accuracy to ensure prescribed dose delivery. Perform patient-specific treatment validation measurements and support treatment planning and delivery processes. Monitor and assess radiation therapy procedures, including external beam and brachytherapy, from simulation through delivery. Support and participate in quality assurance (QA) programs to ensure integrity of radiation dose delivery and compliance with regulatory requirements. Ensure proper documentation of treatment plans, QA activities, and patient records in accordance with federal regulations and organizational policy. Collaborate with radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, and therapists to optimize treatment outcomes and patient safety. Utilize radiation oncology systems (e.g., treatment planning, delivery, and QA systems) to support clinical operations. GS-12 (Entry-Level) Duties: Perform assigned duties under the supervision of a senior or supervisory Therapeutic Medical Physicist. Assist in treatment planning, including modality selection and evaluation of treatment feasibility. Support commissioning, acceptance testing, and evaluation of radiation therapy equipment. Assist with implementation and evaluation of radiation therapy processes and workflows. Provide limited guidance to dosimetrists and radiation therapists as assigned. Participate in development and documentation of medical physics policies and procedures. Develop proficiency in advanced treatment techniques (e.g., IMRT, SBRT, brachytherapy) and associated systems. Perform clinical duties of moderate complexity while developing independent judgment and technical expertise. GS-13 (Full Performance Level Duties): Independently plan, implement, and oversee complex radiation therapy treatments across all modalities and levels of difficulty. Design, approve, and direct radiation treatment plans, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and clinical appropriateness. Lead and manage comprehensive medical physics quality assurance programs and ensure full regulatory compliance. Provide technical oversight and mentorship to junior physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists. Serve as a subject matter expert in therapeutic medical physics, including advanced techniques and emerging technologies. Develop and implement new clinical protocols, advanced treatment techniques, and special projects. Provide consultation on complex or atypical patient cases and resolve issues lacking standard solutions. Lead equipment commissioning, clinical implementation of new technologies, and program-level initiatives. Represent the organization in professional, national, or interagency collaborations and initiatives as applicable. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm. May fluctuate depending on service needs. Telework: Available, ad-hoc only, as determined by the agency policy. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. (CONTINUED FROM QUALIFICATIONS SECTION) Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds Light carrying, under 15 pounds Straight pulling, 2-hours Pushing, 4-hours Use of fingers Both hands required Walking, 4-hours Standing, 4-hours Both legs required Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other Both eyes required Depth perception Hearing (aid may be permitted) Ability to perform privileges Emotional and mental stability
How you will be evaluated
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.