R&D Medical Physicist – Radiation Delivery Systems (On-site, Palo Alto, CA)

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About the Role

We are seeking an R&D Medical Physicist to join our Engineering Physics team, developing next-generation medical linear accelerators.

In this role, you will bridge the science of medical radiation physics and dosimetry with engineering implementation, ensuring safe, precise, and efficient radiation delivery. You will work alongside mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing engineers to translate complex physics principles into practical designs, robust test methods, and verified product performance.

Your expertise in radiation dosimetry techniques, beam generation, shielding, collimation, delivery systems, LINAC commissioning, and quality assurance will directly influence how clinicians deliver life-saving treatments.

You will also serve as a key technical resource for investigating and resolving escalated issues from clinical support, field engineering, and manufacturing—requiring sound judgment, prioritization, and proactive problem-solving in a fast-paced R&D environment.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact through science, innovation, and collaboration, shaping the future of radiation therapy for patients worldwide

Key Responsibilities

• Translate clinical and medical-physics principles and delivery techniques (IMRT, VMAT, RapidArc Dynamic, SRS, electron therapy) into engineering design requirements, measurable performance criteria, and verification strategies for radiation-therapy delivery systems.

• Design, model, and optimize radiation shielding and beam-collimation systems, performing Monte Carlo and analytical calculations to predict dose, scatter, and leakage, and validating results through experimental measurements.

• Develop and apply advanced radiation-dosimetry techniques using ionization chambers, solid-state detectors, 2-D/3-D arrays, and films; troubleshoot measurement systems and ensure accuracy, repeatability, and calibration traceability in R&D environments.

• Define and verify beam-performance requirements through structured test plans, statistical methodologies, and uncertainty analysis, ensuring compliance with clinical guidelines, IEC 60601-2-1, IEC 60976, and related standards.

• Collaborate with mechanical, controls, firmware, and manufacturing engineers to embed physics models in developing beam tuning and performance verification procedures that improve manufacturing throughput and efficiency.

• Investigate and resolve escalated technical issues from field, clinical support, and production, applying structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis to ensure robust, data-driven solutions.

• Communicate and document technical results and rationale clearly across multidisciplinary teams, fostering alignment and shared understanding of design decisions

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Medical Physics, Physics, or Nuclear/Biomedical/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

• 2 + years of experience in radiation-therapy system R&D, beam dosimetry, accelerator physics, or related fields.

• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data statistically, estimate uncertainties, and make sound technical judgments.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex concepts to non-specialists.

Preferred Qualifications (What Sets You Apart)

• Strong foundation in radiation transport, shielding design, collimation, and radiation dosimetry physics of x-ray, electrons, and neutrons.

• Clinical medical-physics background, such as commissioning, QA, or dosimetric validation of LINAC-based delivery techniques.

• Hands-on experience with Monte Carlo codes (Geant4, EGSnrc, MCNP, etc.) and analytical radiation-transport calculations

• Proficiency in data and medical image analysis and visualization using MATLAB, Python, Excel, or similar tools

• Familiarity with treatment-planning systems (Eclipse, etc.) and source modeling principles.

• Familiarity with applicable radiation therapy guidelines, standards, and regulations (IEC 60601-2-1, IEC 60976, IEC 60977, AAPM, ICRU, IAEA).

• Demonstrated innovation and technical leadership, evidenced by publications, patents, or conference contribution