What is it you do at Varian?
As a manager, I supervise a team of clinical experts trained as Medical Physicists or Radiation Therapists, who are responsible for the validation of Varian software products. As a team of System Validation Specialists, we test Radiation Oncology planning and patient management software against the intended use, validating that it meets the clinical user needs.
Previous career highlights?
I previously trained and worked as a Radiation Therapist in New Zealand where I was involved in numerous projects within the clinic. Career highlights included the introduction of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, as well as acting as a project lead in several software upgrades and new machine installations.
How did you end up at Varian?
Having worked in the clinical environment for several years, I was interested in different ways that I could approach Radiation Therapy from a new perspective, as well as have the opportunity to live in a new city and travel more within my role. When I saw the position at Varian Medical Systems Finland I thought it was a great opportunity to fulfill these interests.
Why did you choose Varian?
Throughout my career as a Radiation Therapist, I had always been working with Varian products and with the work I had done in Varian software and hardware upgrades, I had developed positive relationships with local Varian employees. Based on my experience with the product and the people, the choice to work for Varian was an easy one.
What are the best things about your job at Varian?
Testing new features in the software gives me as a clinical user a positive sense of contribution to the development of Radiation Therapy software. What’s the work community like? It’s very positive and supportive. Having moved from New Zealand, everyone in the office was very welcoming and helped me to really settle in Helsinki. What gives you a sense of accomplishment / meaningfulness at work? Successful completion of projects and being able to effectively contribute to the whole team effort.
How would you improve your work conditions?
More testers so that we can do more testing!
Would you recommend Varian as a workplace? Why?
Yes! I find the work interesting and think we have a great team of people to work with.