Graduate Student
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
We are seeking a highly motivated Graduate Research Assistant (Bachelor's degree holder pursuing a Master's degree) to support research in upright proton therapy delivery with a focus on evaluating the clinical and dosimetric implications of beam spot size characteristics of the Mevion FIT proton therapy system.
The position is based within a multidisciplinary radiation oncology and medical physics research environment and provides hands-on experience in treatment planning, image analysis, and quantitative evaluation of advanced radiation therapy technologies.
This role is ideal for students pursuing a Master's degree in Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a related field who are interested in clinical research and proton therapy technology.
Key Responsibilities
Support research projects investigating upright proton therapy workflows and delivery techniques
Evaluate the impact of beam spot size characteristics on dose distribution, plan quality, and robustness using the Mevion FIT system
Perform treatment planning studies and dosimetric comparisons across delivery configurations
Analyze imaging and treatment data using quantitative and statistical methods
Develop computational workflows for data processing and analysis (Python/MATLAB preferred)
Assist with experimental design, data collection, and validation studies
Generate figures, reports, and documentation for publications and presentations
Collaborate with medical physicists, radiation oncologists, and clinical staff
Participate in research meetings and contribute to manuscript preparation
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Physics, Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Engineering, or related quantitative field
Currently enrolled in or accepted to a Master's program in a relevant discipline
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Programming experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Interest in radiation therapy or medical physics research
Experience with radiation therapy concepts (dose calculation, treatment planning, imaging)
Familiarity with DICOM data, image processing, or treatment planning systems
Experience with statistical analysis or scientific computing
Prior research experience in medical imaging or radiation therapy
Learning Opportunities
Proton therapy technology and clinical implementation
Upright patient positioning and treatment delivery
Dosimetric modeling and beam characterization
Clinical research methodology
Scientific publication and presentation
Work Environment
Academic medical center / radiation oncology department
Collaborative clinical research setting
Flexible schedule compatible with graduate coursework
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusiveenvironment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionateprofessionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
EEO Poster.
Pay Transparency Statement
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate's relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$41,200.00 - $49,600.00