Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.
About the Role
Lead, inspire, and make a difference in Northland’s cancer care
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key leadership role in an exciting new regional expansion. As the Principal Physicist, you will lead a small team and play a pivotal role in launching the new facility. Initially, you will be responsible for:
To prepare for this significant launch, you will initially be based with the Auckland Physics team, gaining valuable experience before transitioning to Whangārei. The initial focus of the role will be project management, supporting workforce recruitment, local protocol development, IT implementation, and clinical equipment commissioning to support the department to open in June 2026.
The successful candidate will be well supported by regional Te Pūriri o Te Ora leadership and work closely with several other key personnel soon to be appointed. They will contribute to established workstreams within the wider project and travel to Whangārei while based in Auckland will be facilitated as needed.
This role provides a unique opportunity to build a service from the ground up, drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and advance world-class radiation therapy in the region. You will also receive continuing professional development to support your growth and attendance at international courses and conferences, including vendor training.
To learn more, please refer to the position description - Principal Physicist - Te Tai Tokerau Whangārei
About the Team/Service/Location
The Radiation Oncology service is an integral part of Te Pūriri o Te Ora Regional Cancer and Blood Service, with a dedicated team of Radiation Therapists, Medical Physicists, Radiation Oncologists, and support staff delivering approximately 48,000 radiation therapy treatments annually across the Northern Region.
Now, we are taking a significant step forward by expanding our service to include Northland, with the construction of a new $60.9 million radiation therapy facility in Whangārei. The centre will feature a Varian TrueBeam linac with HyperSight and SGRT, an additional bunker (allowing for future expansion), a Siemens X.Cite CT scanner, RayStation Treatment Planning System, ARIA OIS, and additional chemotherapy spaces. Once complete, this will provide life-changing access to cancer treatment for hundreds of Northlanders who currently travel to Auckland for care.
Previous Minister of Health, Dr Shane Reti, has emphasised the profound impact this expansion will have:
“Having a LINAC facility at Whangārei Hospital will ensure more timely access to treatment for patients from across Te Tai Tokerau, many from very remote areas. We know the burden of travel for cancer patients and their whānau, and providing care closer to home will make a significant difference in their lives.
To learn more about the ongoing construction project please see here
To learn more about the Northland Radiation Oncology unit please visit the below
About you
To be considered for this position, you will be a qualified medical physicist (ACPSEM Certified ROMP or equivalent) with 8+ years of relevant experience post-qualification. However, applications from physicists with less experience will also be considered.
For further information or an informal chat, please contact Laura Ciurlionis, Radiation Oncology Medical Physics Head, at +64 (0) 21539154 or lciurlionis@adhb.govt.nz.
Working at Health New Zealand
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.
Why You Will Enjoy Working Here
In Te Tai Tokerau Northland, you’ll be based at Whangārei Hospital, where your work will have a profound impact. Known as the "winterless north," Northland offers a warm, subtropical climate, stunning coastal scenery, and an excellent quality of life. With affordable housing, great schools, and a strong sense of community, it’s the perfect place for a fulfilling career and lifestyle. Auckland is also just a two-hour drive or a short flight away.
Discover more about life in Northland here: NorthlandNZ.
How to Apply
To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Jade Cowley (Recruitment Consultant) jade.cowley@tewhatuora.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
| Reference | ADHB22482 |
|---|---|
| Posted on | 11/04/2025 |
| Closes on | 19/05/2025 |
| Location | Whangarei |
| Expertise | Physicist |
| This position is a Core Children's worker under the Children's Act & requires full safety checks completed before any new employee starts | |
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Te Toka Tumai | Auckland is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer that values and embraces the diverse population we serve. We welcome and support people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disability and religion.
