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

Thomas E. Merchant, DO, PhD

Member, St. Jude Faculty 
Chair, Radiation Oncology Department
Baddia J. Rashid Endowed Chair in Radiation Oncology
Chairman, Radiation Oncology Discipline, Children's Oncology Group

Focus: Applying advanced radiotherapy methods in the treatment of children with brain tumors to increase cure rates and reduce side effects

Clinical Faculty

Medical Physics Faculty

Research and treatment team

The department is supported by dedicated experts in physics and medical imaging, software development and IT, dosimetrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, radiation therapists and an administrative team. 

More information

Studies and clinical trials


Related topics

Selected publications


View current openings

Lead Clinical Research Associate
St. Jude is looking for a Lead Clinical Research Associate to join our Department of Radiation Oncology. The Lead Clinical Research Associate is responsible for performing data abstraction, collection, and entry to support clinical research. They will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and/or monitoring case report forms, ensuring compliance with prescribed interventions and evaluations of the assigned protocol(s), and providing data and reports to the collaborating research organization or study sponsor.Job Responsibilities:Lead institutional as well as St. Jude sponsored, multi-center trials, including regulatory, financial, and administrative aspects of the study.Provide clinical operations expertise to inform clinical trial operational feasibility and delivery, and development of study recruitment and retention strategies.Collaborate with pharmaceutical services, study teams, and external stakeholders to forecast study drug needs and develop study-specific supply chain operational plans.Participate in/guide contract drafting, negotiation, administration and renewal; resource/supply management; budget development and management for clinical trials/studies; and financial tracking and follow-up (e.g., reimbursements) for assigned projects.Guide engagement between cross-functional teams (e.g., regulatory, finance, biosafety, IS), cross-institutional teams, and external groups (e.g., FDA, NIH) for effective execution of trials/studies.Drive stakeholder meetings for assigned trials/studies (e.g., PI meetings, CRO trainings, vendor meetings, collaborative study site meetings).Monitor project progress and site performance, communicate regular updates to leadership teams/key stakeholders, and address risks and delays.Oversee compliance of assigned projects with regulatory requirements and institutional policies.Train and mentor teams around clinical trial conduct and project management/coordination.Assist in development of standard operating procedures, and implementation of process improvements where feasible.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: 5+ years of progressive experience in related area (e.g., study design, clinical project management, research study management).Experience Exception: Master's degree and 3+ years of experience.Prior clinical, academic, behavioral, pharmaceutical, biomedical, scientific, or related experience.Prior experience in coordinating clinical trials/studies in academic center, hospital, or pharmaceutical industry (as applicable).Clinical research background strongly preferred.Experience leading complex systems/processes/projects in a technical capacity.Data analysis and reporting skills preferred.Understanding of medical imaging, oncology, or pediatrics preferred.Scientific writing and publication experience preferred.Experience with grant applications and management preferred.Experience implementing optimization/innovation of institutional systems/processes related to clinical research studies within area.Proven performance in earlier role.Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:Able to draw insights from different sets of data and quickly understand why issues are happening.Solves problems quickly by identifying the right causes.Encourages others to see the opportunities ahead with changing circumstances even when the details have not been finalized.Leads team meetings on a need basis and effectively communicates with cross-functional teams for results.Understands and uses digital tools of communication as needed.Speaks up in meetings, raises concerns, and shares information with team.Leverages knowledge of clinical project management tools and methodologies to manage institutional clinical programs/trials/studies.Defines scope and milestones clearly for assigned projects and oversees critical program aspects (e.g., contracting, budgeting, resourcing, supply chain).Identifies critical program/study stakeholders (e.g., cross-functional teams, cross-institutional teams, external groups) and consistently communicates project progress.Advises, guides, and mentors project teams to drive accountabilities.Ensures adherence to timelines and GCP guidelines during the conduct of protocol implementation and data collection.Leverages knowledge of study and site considerations to provide ongoing direction for assigned studies within own area (research management/operations).Understands study interdependencies, and consistently communicates with critical stakeholders to drive execution, escalating as needed.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 $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Lead Clinical Research Associate.Explore our exceptional benefits!Diversity, Equity and Inclusion St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world—regardless of race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital’s roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.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.
Physics Assistant
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-class pediatric research hospital. Every one of our professionals shares a commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve, including those from across the globe.The Medical Physicist Assistant receives direction from, and reports to, the Supervisor-Physics, Department of Radiation Oncology. Performs routine services related to photon and proton treatment machine, quality assurance (QA), imaging system QA, patient specific QA, as well as, collection and processing of treatment related data. Assists in maintenance of physics equipment. Must also pass credentialing exams in each area of work after receiving training.Job Responsibilities:Performs machine and patient QA, laser QA, and commissioning data. Assists in preparation of radiation safety surveys and other data-driven or measurement-driven projects/tasksOrganizes and documents all radiation physics records in coordination with appropriate staff and physicians to ensure accurate and timely performance of proceduresAssists in departmental quality improvement/control activities, namely: Assists in implementing, maintaining and reporting department quality improvement plans in accordance with department, hospital and The Joint Commission standards. Participates in interdepartmental collaborative quality improvement activities. Assists the clinical radiation oncology physicist in maintaining quality control program.Assists in maintenance of physics equipmentParticipates in other technical activities, under the direction of a Qualified Medical Physicist, in order to ensure coverage during critical staff shortagesPerforms other related duties as assigned or directed to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the organizationMaintains regular and predictable attendanceMinimum Education and/or Training:Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences, or related field requiredMinimum Experience:Radiation Oncology preferredLicensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:NoneLicensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH OnlyNoneCompensationIn 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 $26.00 - $45.50 per hour for the role of Physics Assistant.Explore our exceptional benefits!Diversity, Equity and Inclusion St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world—regardless of race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital’s roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.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. Faculty appointment to either a Clinician Scientist track or Clinical track is awarded based on the candidate’s expertise, experience and demonstrated record of academic achievement. The successful candidate will have a PhD in medical physics, engineering, or related physical science. Certification in radiation oncology physics by ABR/ABMP or eligibility for certification is highly desired. Board certification is expected within three years of employment. Foreign equivalents for these qualifications will be considered if acceptable. The department is focused on research and treatment of pediatric patients with an emphasis on brain, musculoskeletal, and solid tumors. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong interest in proton therapy and developing new methods of targeting, treatment planning, delivery, and outcome modeling. The department supports four clinician scientist faculty physicists, six clinical faculty physicists, three dosimetrists, two medical physics assistants and dedicated engineering, information systems, and research staff, inclusive of research scientists, post-doctoral fellows, and clinical research associates. The department includes five full-time pediatric radiation oncologists and supportive nursing, radiation therapy and child life specialist teams. The department is one of the largest pediatric radiation oncology facilities in the world and treats approximately 300 children, adolescents, and young adults each year.Our Proton Therapy Center is the first in the world dedicated solely to the treatment of children with cancer. The Proton Therapy Center is equipped with the Hitachi PROBEAT-V System, including two gantry rooms and a fixed beam room. Each room has a high-precision patient positioning, volumetric CBCT image-guidance system and a dedicated pencil-beam scanning nozzle. Video-based surface image guidance is also available. The department has 45,000 square feet of clinical space that includes a dedicated clinic, treatment planning, therapy, and anesthesia support.  It houses a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator system with image-guidance and multiple imaging platforms (Spectral CT, PET/CT, 1.5T MR and 3.0T MR simulators) dedicated to treatment planning and on-treatment assessment.St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ranked among top 5 pediatric cancer hospital by US News & World Report in 2023, 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 Researchor Chin-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 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world—regardless of race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital’s roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.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