About the department

The mission of the Department of Radiation Oncology is to improve pediatric cancer cure rates and minimize treatment-related long-term side effects. Radiation therapy has historically been considered a pillar of cancer therapy and here at St. Jude, it has long been instrumental in advancing treatment strategies for several types of pediatric cancers. Our faculty are reimagining pediatric radiation therapy and redefining its scope. 

Our team provides pediatric and young adult cancer patients with expert and compassionate clinical care in close collaboration with pediatric oncologists, surgeons and other medical specialists. The department fully embraces St. Jude’s “bench to bedside” mission and strives to conduct innovative research that advances knowledge and improves the outlook for all children. We are refining and redefining the role of imaging in pediatric radiation therapy in cancer treatment through utilizing the latest technologies and by leveraging valuable institutional and global collaborations.

Research

The Department of Radiation Oncology is performing critical research in the fields of pediatric oncology, pediatric radiation oncology and medical physics. We are exploring new indications for irradiation and combined modality therapy, intelligent sequencing and advanced technology including proton therapy. These endeavors are allowing us to focus on advancing cures for pediatric cancers with the lowest survival rates as well as for children with relapsed disease. 

We are also optimizing radiation therapy in order to deliver the precise type and amount of therapy needed to maintain survival rates while reducing the overall burden of therapy. This allows us to reduce the toxicity of cancer therapy and enhance the quality of life for the children we treat. 

man working in radiation lab

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Technology and protocols

The Department of Radiation Oncology is devoted to providing the highest quality patient care through integrating cutting-edge imaging technologies into all aspects of the radiation therapy process and conducting novel pediatric-focused research. 

Chair

Clinical Faculty

Medical Physics Faculty

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    Chia-ho Hua, PhD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Director of Medical Physics Research, Radiation Oncology Department

    Chia-ho Hua, PhD

    Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Director of Medical Physics Research, Radiation Oncology Department

    Research Interests

    • Improving proton therapy targeting accuracy
    • Advanced imaging for precision radiation therapy
    • Predictive modeling for tumor response and treatment late effects

    Contact Information

    Chia-ho Hua, PhD

    Radiation Oncology

    MS 210, Room I3133

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

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    Ozgur Ates, PhD, DABR

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Ozgur Ates, PhD, DABR

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Research Interests

    • Adaptive proton therapy
    • Surface guided radiation therapy
    • Motion management strategies
    • DECT-based proton dose calculations
    • Safety and toxicity analysis
    • Particle therapy metrology systems

    Contact Information

    Ozgur Ates, PhD, DABR

    Radiation Oncology

    MS 210

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

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    Andrew J. Boria, PhD, DABR

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Andrew J. Boria, PhD, DABR

    Assistant Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Research Interests

    • Implementing AI-based whole body pediatric auto-segmentation
    • Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of proton therapy for children with cancer
    • Implementing pulsed reduced dose rate radiotherapy for large-volume recurrent cancer
    • Evaluating patient positioning on accuracy of craniospinal pediatric proton therapy

    Contact Information

    Andrew J. Boria, PhD, DABR

    Radiation Oncology

    MS 210

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38105-3678

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    Chin-Cheng Chen, PhD, DABR

    Associate Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Chin-Cheng Chen, PhD, DABR

    Associate Member, St. Jude Faculty

    Research Interests

    •  Implementing clinical physics workflows, quality assurance measures and adoption of cutting-edge treatment planning techniques
    • Developming tailored, patient-specific treatments 

    Contact Information

    Chin-Cheng Chen, PhD, DABR

    Department of Radiation Oncology

    MS 210, Room IP304

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    262 Danny Thomas Place

    Memphis, TN 38112

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Studies and clinical trials


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Clinical Research Assoc II
The World’s Most Dedicated Never Give UpThe world’s brightest researchers and most compassionate caregivers come to St. Jude to experience world-class resources and unmatched support to do amazing work. Here you can be part of a collaborative culture that will inspire you every day to be your best. Join us and you’ll quickly learn why St. Jude is consistently ranked as one of The Commercial Appeal’s Top Workplaces in the greater Memphis area.The Clinical Research Associate II is responsible for performing data abstraction, collection, and entry to support clinical research. Develops, maintains, and/or monitors case report forms. Ensures compliance with prescribed interventions and evaluations of the assigned protocol(s).  Provides data and reports to the collaborating research organization or study sponsor.Job Responsibilities:Act as site study coordinator conducting informed consent process as designated, and assisting with protocol submissions (internally sponsored and/or externally sponsored) for review by federal or institutional committees (e.g. CTSRC and IRB) as applicable.Develop, maintain, monitor, and/or share assigned/relevant documentation (e.g., investigator files, case report forms, study data).Perform data abstraction, collection, and entry to support clinical research.Prepare submission for all reportable events (e.g., adverse events, protocol variances, violations).Prepare detailed data reports as required.(As applicable) Provide patient care, education, and management (e.g., routine test conduct; assistance in clinical procedures; medication instruction, monitoring, and documentation; patient care coordination; education on protocol activities).Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.Maintains regular and predictable attendance.Minimum Education and/or Training:Bachelor's degree in relevant area required.Master's degree preferred.Minimum Experience:Minimum Requirement: 2+ years of experience in carrying out research preferably in healthcare settings.Experience Exception: Master's degree and some experience preferred.Experience managing cross-functional communication, including liaison between site and study teams.Some experience with documentation and tracking systems/processes.Proven performance in earlier role.Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:NoneLicensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:NoneSpecial Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:Understands the task at hand, seeks out information, and draws conclusions from available data to deliver outcomes.Adapts quickly to changing priorities to perform as needed in his/her role.Remains calm when faced with changes to (and in) his/her work.Effectively relays understanding of diverse perspectives.Can handle communication upwards and downwards as needed.Presents information in a clear, well thought out way and tailored to the audience.Shows support for the new direction even when the details have not been finalized.Spots early indications of underperformance and takes corrective actions. Celebrates successes.Works with partners inside his/her function to find the best solutions that align with functional priorities. Is easy to work with to find solutions.Contributes to study management and research procedures by consistently executing on assigned tasks in compliance with GCP guidelines, with minimal supervisionApplies understanding of clinical study/site operations to address requirements (e.g., study selection and set-up, clinical monitoring, risk mitigation support).CompensationIn recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $70,720 - $126,880 per year for the role of Clinical Research Assoc II.Explore our exceptional benefits!St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity EmployerNo Search FirmsSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.
Medical Physics Assistant
The World’s Best Stop at Nothing There’s a reason St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is consistently ranked on Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work” list. Actually, there are more than 6,500 reasons. At our world-class pediatric research hospital, every one of our 6,500 professionals shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children we serve. There’s a unique bond when you are part of a team that will stop at nothing to advance the treatments and cures of pediatric catastrophic diseases. The result is a collaborative, positive environment where all employees, regardless of their role, receive the resources, support, and encouragement to advance and grow their careers.Performs routine quality assurance services under direction of Qualified Medical Physicist on photon/proton treatment machines, imaging systems, and patient-specific quality assurance, including the collection and processing of treatment-related data. Assists in maintaining physics equipment and organizing documentation related to radiation physics, equipment calibration, and quality assurance. Supports the implementation of radiation safety protocols and assists in maintaining and reporting department quality improvement plans and quality control programs.Job Responsibilities:Under direction, perform routine services (e.g., photon/proton treatment machine, imaging systems, patient-specific QA, collection and processing of treatment-related data).Assist in maintenance of physics section equipment.Organize and document records related radiation physics, equipment calibration, and quality assurance.Assist in implementation of radiation safety protocols.Assist in implementing, maintaining and reporting department quality improvement plans and quality control programs.Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.Maintain regular and predictable attendance.Minimum Education and/or Training:Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or related field required, bachelor's in physics preferred.Master's in physics preferred.Minimum Experience:2+ years of relevant experience preferred.CompensationIn recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $29.00 - $50.50 per hour for the role of Medical Physics Assistant.Explore our exceptional benefits!St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity EmployerNo Search FirmsSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.
Medical Physicist Faculty Position, Department of Radiation Oncology
St. Jude Children's Research HospitalThe Department of Radiation Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is recruiting medical physicists to join its physics faculty. Appointments are available on either the clinical track or the clinician-scientist track, with academic rank determined by the candidate’s expertise, experience, and record of achievement. The successful candidate will have a PhD in medical physics, engineering, or related physical science. Applicants should hold a PhD in medical physics, engineering, or related physical science. Certification in radiation oncology physics by ABR, ABMP, or CCPM - or eligibility for certification - is highly desirable. Board certification is expected within three years of hire. Candidates trained at foreign institutions who meet the requirements for the ABR alternative certification pathway will also be considered.The department is dedicated to the research and treatment of pediatric patients, with a particular emphasis on investigator-initiated clinical trials for brain, musculoskeletal, and solid tumors. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong interest in developing innovative methods for targeting, treatment planning, delivery, and outcome modeling in children treated with photon and proton beams. The department actively supports the partnership between St. Jude and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to address inequality in global childhood cancer care creating unique opportunities for faculty interested in global pediatric medicine. The department supports four clinician-scientist track faculty physicists, six clinical-track faculty physicists, four dosimetrists, two medical physics assistants, and dedicated engineering, information systems, and research staff - including research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical research associates. The team also includes five full-time pediatric radiation oncologists, as well as supportive nursing, radiation therapy, and child life specialist teams. As one of the largest pediatric radiation oncology facilities in the world, the department treats approximately 300 children, adolescents, and young adults each year.The St. Jude Proton Therapy Center is the only proton therapy facility in the world dedicated exclusively to treating children with cancer. The center is equipped with the Hitachi PROBEAT-V System, featuring two gantry rooms and a fixed beam room. Each room is outfitted with high-precision patient positioning, volumetric CBCT, planar image-guidance systems, and a dedicated pencil-beam scanning nozzle. Video-based surface image guidance is also available.The department is centrally located and encompasses 45,000 square feet of clinical space, including a dedicated clinic, treatment planning, therapy, and anesthesia support areas. Additionally, the department houses a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator system with image guidance. There are multiple imaging systems in the department (CT, PET/CT, 1.5T MR, and 3.0T MR) dedicated to treatment planning and on-treatment assessment.St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, named as one of the best places to work, is dedicated to supporting the professional and career development of faculty allowing for protected time and support based on effort distribution and responsibilities. St. Jude faculty receive generous benefits, such as retirement compensation plans, professional development allowance, and tuition assistance.How to apply:Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae, a letter outlining their career plans and interests that align with the Department’s mission, and the names of three references directly online.For more information:Chia-Ho Hua, PhD, Member, Director of Medical Physics ResearchandChin-Cheng Chen, PhD, Associate Member, Chief Clinical PhysicsDepartment of Radiation OncologySt. Jude Children’s Research Hospital262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 210Memphis, TN 38105Chia-ho.hua@stjude.orgChin-cheng.chen@stjude.org St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity EmployerNo Search FirmsSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

Contact us

Department of Radiation Oncology
MS 210, Room I3131
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105-3678

Email: thomas.merchant@stjude.org
Phone: (901) 595-3604
Fax: (901) 595-3113

Preferred contact method: Phone