1

Chief Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview The Chief Medical Physicist is in charge of all technical aspects of the Radiation Oncology department to include treatment planning, quality assurance, new treatment modalities, dosimetry ...

Calculations are checked for accuracy and in accordance with physicians' prescriptions. - Reviews patient treatment records, as directed by Chief Medical Physicist. - Performs calibrations and ...

Overview The Chief Medical Physicist is in charge of all technical aspects of the Radiation Oncology department to include treatment planning, quality assurance, new treatment modalities, dosimetry ...

Calculations are checked for accuracy and in accordance with physicians' prescriptions. - Reviews patient treatment records, as directed by Chief Medical Physicist. - Performs calibrations and ...

Calculations are checked for accuracy and in accordance with physicians' prescriptions. - Reviews patient treatment records, as directed by Chief Medical Physicist. - Performs calibrations and ...

Physicist-Medical Junior

Memphis, TN ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Overview Job Summary Under the guidance of the Chief Physicist, performs a variety of medical physics services including calibrating and ensuring proper operation of imaging and therapy equipment ...

Medical Physicist

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site

$70.92 - $96.15/hr

Under the direction of the Chief Medical Physicist, provides professional medical physics for the Radiation Oncology service. Collaborates with the Radiation Oncologist and Dosimetrist staff to ...

Showing results 21-40

Chief Physicist information

See salary details

$36.5K

$194.6K

$349.5K

How much do chief physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief physicist in the United States is $194,562.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $175,000.00 and $210,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief physicist?

Chief physicists are senior scientists who oversee the physics operations within organizations such as hospitals, research institutions, or industrial facilities. They are responsible for managing teams of physicists, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and directing research or clinical activities involving physics principles. In medical settings, chief physicists often oversee radiation safety and the application of medical physics in diagnostics and treatment. Their leadership ensures that high standards of quality, safety, and innovation are maintained in their department.

What are some common challenges faced by a chief physicist when managing a multidisciplinary team in a healthcare setting?

As a Chief Physicist, one common challenge is ensuring effective communication and collaboration among team members from diverse backgrounds, such as medical physicists, radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, and technologists. Balancing administrative responsibilities with clinical and technical oversight can also be demanding, especially when implementing new technologies or protocols. Additionally, staying up to date with regulatory compliance and quality assurance standards, while supporting the professional development of the team, requires strong leadership and organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Physicist, you need a doctorate in physics or medical physics, extensive experience in radiation physics, and board certification (such as from the ABR or CCPM). Expertise with radiation therapy equipment, treatment planning systems, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure safe, accurate treatment delivery, regulatory adherence, and strong team coordination in clinical or research environments.

What is the difference between Chief Physicist vs Medical Physicist?

AspectChief PhysicistMedical Physicist
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Physics or Medical Physics, board certificationMaster's or Doctorate in Medical Physics, certification (e.g., ABR)
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, industryHospitals, clinics, cancer treatment centers
Employer & Industry UsageLeading research, policy, or industry rolesHealthcare, radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership, research, policyClinical practice, patient safety, treatment planning

The main difference between a Chief Physicist and a Medical Physicist lies in their roles and work settings. The Chief Physicist often oversees physics departments or research initiatives, while the Medical Physicist focuses on clinical applications in healthcare. Both roles require advanced degrees and certifications, but their daily responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

More about Chief Physicist jobs

What states have the most Chief Physicist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Physicist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Chief Physicist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $194,562 per year, or $93.5 per hour.

Senior Physicist - Radiation Oncology

Rochester General Hospital

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$190 - $245/hr

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Senior Physicist - Radiation OncologyDepartment: Medical PhysicsLocation: Lipson Cancer Institute - Rochester General HospitalHours Per Week: 40 hoursSchedule: Days; 8am - 5pm | Monday-FridaySUMMARYAccording to the prescribed procedures, calculates radiation dosage, dose distribution, computes beam analysis using 2D, 3D, SRS & IMRT treatment planning systems; Mentors Staff Physicist for dose calculations for external and brachytherapy treatment plans and verifies dosage accuracy. Supports Lead Physicist to oversee all related technical functions including but not limited to quality assurance and calibration of radiation therapy equipment e.g. linear accelerators, simulators, High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy equipment, Brachytherapy sources, and other brachytherapy procedures & isotopes. Supports Lead Physicist for Physics team participation in all clinical activities including brachytherapy procedures, IMRT, 3-D, SBRT, SRS/SRT planning. Directly reports any problems on floor related to Medical Physics to the Director of Medical Physics.RESPONSIBILITIESMentors Staff Physicist for treatment simulations, and tumor localization on dedicated devices, including CT, CT-Sim, MRI and PET when indicated, for radiation oncology treatment planning.Supports Lead Physicist for implementation of the treatment plan including: the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangements, and other treatment variables with Therapists & Dosimetry team.Mentors Staff Physicist for implementation of Dose calculations for accurate delivery of Radiation Oncologistโ€™s prescribed dose, document all pertinent information in the patient record, and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations & provide all technical support to dosimetrist.Supports Lead Physicist & Chief Physicist in machine commissioning, calibrations, and quality assurance of radiation oncology equipment including 3-D, IMRT, SBRT & SRS/SRT planning systems, brachytherapy planning & source calibrations.Supervises specific methods of dosimetry including ion chamber, TLD, Diode, or film measurements as directed by the chief physicist.Mentors Staff Physicist for intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy including HDR dosimetry related procedures and in the subsequent manual and/ computer calculations of the dose distributions of these treatments, and quality assurance of all brachytherapy equipment.Apprises Lead Physicist & Chief Physicist of calibration and equipment needs.Supports Lead Physicist for necessary technical support to the Chief Physicist for implementation of new technology as IMRT, SBRT, SRS/SRT, HDR, R&V Implementation.Supports Lead Physicist to Ensures coverage for Radiation Safety Officer.Supports Lead Physicist for coverage for treatment planning in emergency or in absence of dosimetrist.Mentors Staff Physicist for Participates in Chart review and weekly chart checks. Provides support/advice to Physicist & Dosimetrist.a) Supports Lead Physicist for Development of specifications for new therapy equipment and the radiation shielding requirements; performs acceptance testing of such equipment and the radiation safety measurements and reports.b) Supports Lead Physicist & Chief Physicist to develop and implement policy and procedures for new techniques as SBRT, SRS/SRT, prostate seed implants, HDR procedures and IMRT in the department.c) Supports Lead Physicist to develop and implement policy and procedures for pregnant patients, patients with pacemaker, and radioactive cadaverMentors Staff Physicist for Performance of Radiation Oncology Equipment QA.d) Mentors Staff Physicist for Calibration and QA Activities on Accelerators, Simulator, CT โ€“Simulator and all Treatment Planning Computers, on monthly and annual basis as established in the AAPM protocols.e) Supports Lead Physicist to maintenance of calibration of radiological measuring equipment by arranging biannual calibration at a regional calibration laboratory as required by various regulatory agencies.Mentors Staff Physicist for Performance of Radiation Oncology Treatment QAf) Supports Lead Physicist for necessary Consultations with Radiation Oncology Physicians as needed in regards to patient treatments as observed by Chief of Radiation Oncology & updates Director of Medical Physics.g) Mentors Staff Physicist for brachytherapy treatment planning as requested by Radiation Oncology physicians.h) Supports Lead Physicist for special dose measurements and calculations as neededi) Mentors Staff Physicist for ongoing Checks on patient charts for completeness at the end of the patientsโ€™ treatment course as expected by radiation oncologist.j) Mentors Staff Physicist for planning for special procedures (tissue compensation, field gaps, etc.). and Supports Lead Physicist for other duties as required.REQUIRED QUALIFICTIONS:Masterโ€™s degree or PhD in Physics/Medical Physics or a related field.Minimum 10-14 years of progressively more responsible work experience in radiation oncology physics in a clinical environmentMust be board certified by the American Board of Radiology (ABR or ABR eqv) or the American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP) in radiation oncology physics and NYS Licensed in Therapeutic Radiological Physics (Radiation Oncology Physics).EDUCATION:LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Requires frequent walking, standing or squatting.For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employeeโ€™s physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.PAY RANGE:$190,000.00 - $245,000.00CITY:RochesterPOSTAL CODE:14621The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for a successful full time applicant. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr