Clinical Scientist in Imaging & Radiation Protection

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A major NHS Trust in Plymouth is seeking a clinical scientist to deliver clinical scientific services for ionising radiations. The role involves quality control testing of imaging equipment, training staff, and contributing to research. Candidates must have an honours degree and MSc in a relevant field, along with advanced knowledge of radiation protection. This position offers a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to impact healthcare significantly.

Qualifications

• Essential: advanced knowledge of radiation protection legislation and physics of imaging.
• Good communication skills with the ability to handle distressing circumstances.
• Advanced IT skills for developing customized IT solutions.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality control testing on imaging equipment and analyze data for safety.
• Participate in training programs for staff on radiation protection.
• Initiate and support research and development projects in imaging physics.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of radiation protection legislation

Quality control techniques in medical imaging

Advanced IT skills

Good communication

Education

Honours degree in Physics or equivalent

MSc in Radiation Physics or equivalent

GCSE English at A–C/4–9

Tools

Specialist testing equipment

Measurement equipment for high-precision measurements

Job description

Overview

Provide clinical scientific/technical services for uses of ionising radiations. Perform QC tests for imaging equipment. Organise and deliver QC testing for specified modalities. Participate in training of Service Line trainees and other staff. Contribute to service development and improvement. Initiate and contribute to research and development projects. Act as system manager for the Dose Management System.

Note: Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as employees with Priority or At Risk status, including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who have recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main duties

• Assist with the performance of the Quality Assurance programme for all equipment involved in exposure of patients and staff to ionising radiation, ensuring statutory compliance (including highly complex, patient-critical equipment) across Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection.
• Deliver the programme of radiation safety and equipment performance testing of x‑ray equipment for a specified modality, ensuring testing is completed within required timescales. Plan and organise QA testing and liaise with clinical staff.
• Undertake quality control testing on a broad range of imaging equipment (e.g., CT scanners, DR x‑ray, Fluoroscopy, Mammography, Dental x‑ray, gamma cameras).
• Analyse data and make professional judgments to inform safe and appropriate clinical use of equipment.
• Maintain and develop protocols for testing of x‑ray equipment (high-level physics tests and routine tests) in accordance with regional and national guidelines to satisfy legislative requirements.
• Develop and maintain IT solutions for departmental activities, including spreadsheets, databases, simple networking and specialist analytical tools.

Teaching, Training and Research

• Participate in formal training programmes and courses for staff on radiation protection and imaging physics. Include preparation and presentation of lectures; follow statutory staff training requirements under IRR 2017 and IR(ME)R 2017.
• Involve undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses as directed by the Head of Department (e.g., Plymouth University degree in Diagnostic Radiography).
• Participate in training of Clinical Scientists and Clinical Technologists, including supervision of trainees; participate in Service Line seminars; present work at national and regional meetings.
• Initiate, direct and support research and development projects; act as Group representative in research initiatives; introduce new techniques and applied research (e.g., phantoms and methods for new imaging techniques, including optimisation).

Quality and Clinical Governance

• Follow procedures for record keeping and maintain accurate records of all work; participate in governance initiatives; be familiar with quality management systems and ensure documentation is up to date; propose changes to quality documentation for own areas; support the maintenance and development of the accredited quality system; be familiar with the Trust adverse incident reporting procedure; participate in audits and service reviews.

Professional

• Maintain CPD records in line with professional standards; pursue further training as directed; stay informed of recent scientific and technical developments and attend relevant seminars and courses; ensure activities conform to statutory regulations, APCs and local safety rules; participate in relevant professional activities with Head of Group approval.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Essential: advanced knowledge of radiation protection legislation in healthcare and biomedical research; physics of imaging in medicine; quality control techniques in medical imaging; use of specialist testing equipment for measuring safety and performance of imaging equipment; understanding of risks from radiation exposure; ability to interpret situations and judge safety/compliance; advanced IT skills for developing customised IT solutions (spreadsheets, databases, image analysis).

Desirable

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals; advanced knowledge of digital image detector physics; quantitative image analysis techniques; physics of imaging in breast imaging; specialist knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine; advanced programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Visual Basic).

Qualifications

• Essential: honours degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Physics) or equivalent; MSc in a relevant subject (e.g., Radiation Physics) or equivalent; successful completion of the MSc Scientist Training Programme in Radiation Safety or Imaging with Ionising Radiation (or equivalent e.g., DipIPEM); GCSE English at A–C/4–9; HCPC registered Clinical Scientist.

Aptitude and Abilities

• Good communication; ability to judge test results and report interpretation to customers; able to plan and prioritise work; able to manage own and others’ workload; ability to work in a busy environment and meet deadlines; use of sophisticated test/measurement equipment for high-precision measurements; ability to concentrate for long periods; occasional lifting/moving of equipment; ability to handle distressing circumstances.

Other requirements

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of Rehabilitation of Offenders Act; UK skilled worker sponsorship considerations; current UK professional registration; UK home office guidance on criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Employer details

Employer: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address: Clinical & Radiation Physics, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
Website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/