Job Description

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 2025 July 28

Title:

Accelerator Service Technologist, Electronic - Medical Physics

Department:

Oncology Medical Physics

Position Number:

50060887

Hours of Work:

Full-time Position; Days

Wage Range:

$36.84 - $50.24 per hour

Union:

OPSEU4106 Central

Location

: Kingston General Hospital Site

DESCRIPTION:

Medical Physics Accelerator Service Technologists provide electronics engineering and select mechanical and IT support for linear accelerators, x-ray equipment and other auxiliary systems for Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) Cancer Program under the Medical Physics Department. They assist other Medical Physics staff in routine tasks such equipment quality assurance and assist Medical Physicists in the installation, commissioning and implementation of new equipment and technologies. Experienced Technologists participate in development projects within the Medical Physics Department.



Within this role the employee is accountable for contributing to the delivery of the Kingston Health Sciences Centre strategy. As an employee, one must demonstrate an awareness of and be responsible for actively promoting and supporting patient and family centered engagement and care in all we do.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

:

Diagnose:
Radiation therapy machines are complex devices involving electronics, network computer control, pneumatics, hydraulics, high voltage generation, radiation production, motor control, and water and air cooling. Repair of these devices requires an in-depth electronics and mechanical understanding of the function and hazards they present. Diagnosis of the faults may involve direct and indirect testing depending on the danger. The machine defects may include high voltage systems, high power microwave modules, extreme high vacuum components, microelectronics, interlocks and transducers, mechanical interlocks, motors, pumps, computer hardware, and computer software. . Mechanical accessories and equipment supports may fail physically and require diagnosis before repair. Responds to machine interlocks, works with other medical physics staff to evaluate continued use and corrective action if required Reviews machine performance observations by Radiotherapy Technologists, Medical Physicists and Physics Technicians to assess machine operation. Uses feedback to plan with rest of service team preventive maintenance and repairs.




Maintain:
Perform regular preventative maintenance inspection for all therapy equipment as specified under cancer program's Class II Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) service licences and as recommended by manufacturers. Performs special start-up procedures on linear accelerators including dose constancy checks and field flatness measurements. Performs select quality assurance (for example, radiation output, beam constancy measurements, select HARP testing), reviews and documents results. Maintains accurate repair and service logs for each machine. Maintains service material such as schematic diagrams for each machine as made available. Maintains up-to-date files of all parts suppliers, catalogues, reference manuals and data sheets for equipment and parts. Maintains a neat and functional Electronic and Mechanical shop.




Repair:
The types of repairs of the equipment can vary from minor to complex and may include repair of computer hardware and reloading software. Switch out circuit boards with spares and perform electronic repairs to defective printed circuit boards. Replace defective electron guns and x-ray targets in extreme high vacuum containment. Replace high power microwave generating devices such as klystrons and magnetrons and associated radio frequency waveguides. Replace couch, kV and MV imaging arm, and collimator gears, fasteners, motors and drive systems and machine cooling systems, etc. Calibrate mechanical position and electron beam alignment. Work with manufacturer service personnel and phone support to effect select repairs. Arranges for delivery and/or pick-up of replacement parts in emergency situations. Repair miscellaneous electronic equipment for Physics and other departments. Designs and constructs specialized electronic equipment required by Radiotherapy and Medical Physics Departments.




Design:
Design test equipment for the radiation therapy equipment. This test equipment is used to extensively test subassemblies after they are repaired before they are reconnected to the machine. Design safety equipment for controlled entry to the radiation therapy rooms and radiation detection; these devices are required under CNSC licences. Establishes and maintains a comprehensive range of test instruments and spare parts inventory for all radiotherapy equipment. Design specialized electronic equipment required in Medical Physics development work.




Manufacture:
Includes work on individual circuit boards (e.g., power supplies, etc.). Also low quantity or singly produced test and safety equipment are manufactured here. Minor simple mechanical fabrication may also be performed given appropriate staff qualifications.




Professional Development:
Maintains knowledge base and competency for machine servicing including web based training, and attending service training courses for new equipment as required by the CNSC and equipment vendors. Attend vendor/ manufacturer training courses which vary in length from one to five weeks. Must attend radiation safety courses and machine service training courses. Develop system drawings and policies and procedures if not available through the vendor. Communication: Meet regularly with Chief Medical Physicist and other staff members discuss the current status of the equipment. All repairs must be co-coordinated with Radiation Therapy and Medical Physics departments. All warranty repairs and parts orders are co-coordinated with outside vendors. Maintains accurate repair and service logs for each machine. Teaches select aspects of machine operation, testing and QA to other accelerator service personnel and medical physics staff

Communication:
Meet regularly with Chief Medical Physicist and other staff members discuss the current status of the equipment. All repairs must be co-coordinated with Radiation Therapy and Medical Physics departments. All warranty repairs and parts orders are co-coordinated with outside vendors. Maintains accurate repair and service logs for each machine. Teaches select aspects of machine operation, testing and QA to other accelerator service personnel and medical physics staff

Other Duties:
Other duties as assigned by the Head of Physics.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Three year Electronic Technologist diploma from a community college, university electrical engineering degree, or equivalent. Demonstrated excellence in clinical service and development 3 - 5 years relevant experience in knowledge and repair of radiation therapy equipment preferred. Completed two accelerator manufacturer's training courses, or preferred equivalents, preferred In-depth knowledge of practical theory and service of linear accelerators, preferred Able to use and service medical and quality assurance devices used in a Medical Physics Department Experience with analogue and digital circuits and computers. Demonstrated analytic skills with the ability to diagnose and repair equipment malfunctions. Mechanical aptitude. Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) Service Authorization Training, preferred High degree of interest, enthusiasm and commitment to high quality patient care. Ability to respond to workload pressures and work evenings and weekends as necessary to maintain quality patient care and operational readiness. Ability to work with a minimum of supervision to work effectively with medical, professional, and technical staff. Demonstrated oral and written communication skills including accurate and thorough documentation skills. Must be able to lead and direct peers in service and development work Exercises extensive independent judgment, initiative and decision making to resolve complex clinical problems. Contributes toward development of Department guidelines, procedures and standards. Supervises work performed by Service Technologists; outside contractors and other non-CNSC approved staff working in Radiation Treatment areas where potential exposure from radiation sources exists. Works well with people from different disciplines and with varying levels of technical expertise. Satisfactory criminal reference check with vulnerable sector search.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The applicant must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position.

KHSC is located on the ancestral lands and waters of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee and serves a wider geographical area that encompasses many Indigenous communities including Tyendinaga, Katarokwi, as well as communities within the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. As we partner in care, discovery, and learning to achieve better health outcomes for our communities, KHSC is committed to actively advocating for and acting upon the Truth and Reconciliation Committee's Calls to Action on Health.

KHSC is committed to recruitment practices that support and contribute to building a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome all applications from women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, persons in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and members of other equity deserving groups.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Recruitment Team.