Nuclear Physicist for nuclear cardiology imaging system

Position Summary

The medical physicist (nuclear physicist) is responsible for ensuring the safe, accurate, and compliant operation of nuclear cardiology imaging systems, including SPECT and PET scanners. The role focuses on quality assurance (QA), radiation safety, equipment calibration, dosimetry, and regulatory compliance in accordance with NRC, state regulations, ACR, and CMS standards.

Key Responsibilities 1. Equipment Calibration & Quality Control

• Perform acceptance testing and commissioning of SPECT/PET gamma cameras.
• Conduct routine quality control (QC):
• Daily uniformity checks
• Weekly center-of-rotation (COR) calibration
• Energy peaking and resolution verification
• Sensitivity and count rate performance
• Validate attenuation correction systems (CT-based or line source).
• Ensure proper functioning of dose calibrators and well counters.

2. Radiation Safety & Compliance

• Serve as Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or support RSO duties.
• Ensure compliance with:
• NRC (10 CFR Part 35) or Agreement State regulations
• ALARA principles
• OSHA and state radiation control requirements
• Monitor:
• Staff radiation exposure (dosimetry badges)
• Area surveys and contamination checks
• Develop and enforce radiation safety policies and procedures.

3. Dosimetry & Radiopharmaceutical Oversight

• Verify and calibrate radiopharmaceutical dosing (e.g., Tc-99m, Tl-201, Rb-82, N-13 ammonia).
• Perform dose calibrator constancy, linearity, geometry, and accuracy testing.
• Ensure proper protocols for administering patient doses.
• Assist in optimization of low-dose imaging protocols.

4. Image Quality & Quantitative Accuracy

• Evaluate and optimize:
• Image resolution
• Signal-to-noise ratio
• Artifact reduction
• Validate quantitative tools such as:
• Ejection fraction (EF)
• Myocardial perfusion quantification
• Absolute flow (PET)
• Troubleshoot imaging artifacts (attenuation, motion, and scattering).

5. Regulatory & Accreditation Support

• Support accreditation processes:
• ACR (American College of Radiology)
• ICANL (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission – Nuclear/PET)
• Maintain documentation for:
• QA/QC logs
• Equipment performance records
• Physics surveys
• Participate in audits and inspections.

6. Preventive Maintenance & Vendor Coordination

• Work with vendor DIGIRAD if necessary
• Preventive maintenance
• System upgrades
• Performance validation post-service
• Approve system readiness after repairs.

7. Staff Training & Education

• Train technologists and physicians on:
• Radiation safety
• Proper QC procedures
• Dose optimization
• Provide guidance on new technologies and protocols.

8. Program Development & Optimization

• Assist in implementing:
• New imaging protocols (e.g., CZT cameras, PET MPI)
• Advanced reconstruction algorithms (iterative reconstruction, AI-based)
• Optimize workflow efficiency and patient throughput.

Required Qualifications: Education

• PhD or MS in Medical Physics, Nuclear Physics, or related field

Certification (Preferred/Required depending on state)

• Board certification by:
• ABR (American Board of Radiology) – Medical Physics
• ABMP (American Board of Medical Physics)
• Eligible for Authorized Medical Physicist (AMP) status

Experience

• 2–5+ years in nuclear medicine or nuclear cardiology physics
• Experience with:
• SPECT and/or PET systems
• Dose calibrators and radiation survey instruments

Technical Skills

• DIGIRAD SPECT
• Regulatory compliance frameworks (NRC, ACR, IAC)

Work Environment

• Nuclear cardiology lab / hospital imaging department
• Exposure to ionizing radiation (controlled and monitored)
• Collaboration with cardiologists, technologists, and compliance teams

Key Performance Metrics

• QC pass rates and compliance
• Radiation exposure levels (staff & patient optimization)
• Accreditation success
• Equipment uptime and performance stability

Pay: From $200.00 per month

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person