Clinical Scientist in Imaging & Radiation Protection

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare trust in Plymouth seeks a Clinical Scientist to provide clinical scientific services, focusing on radiation safety and quality control for imaging equipment. Candidates must have advanced knowledge in radiation protection legislation and possess an MSc or equivalent in a relevant subject. The role offers an opportunity to contribute to service development and research initiatives within an innovative healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with Quality Assurance programme for patient x-ray equipment.
• Deliver radiation safety and performance testing.
• Analyze data to inform clinical equipment use.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of radiation protection legislation

Advanced knowledge of physics of imaging

Advanced IT skills for customized solutions

Good communication skills

Ability to interpret safety measures

Ability to prioritize workload

Education

Honours degree in a relevant subject

MSc in Radiation Physics

HCPC registered as a Clinical Scientist

Tools

Advanced imaging equipment

Computer software for data analysis

Job description

Job summary

Provide clinical scientific/technical services for uses of ionising radiations. Performance and analysis of QC tests for imaging equipment. Responsible for organisation and delivery of QC tests for specified modality. Participate in the training of Service Line trainees, and other staff. Participate in service development and improvement. Initiate and contribute to research and development projects. System manager for Dose Management System.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main duties of the job

• Assist with the performance of the Quality Assurance programme for all equipment involved in the exposure of patients and staff to ionising radiation to ensure statutory compliance. This will include highly complex, patient critical equipment. This includes Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection.
• Deliver the programme of radiation safety and equipment performance testing of x-ray equipment for a specified modality with responsibility for ensuring all testing is performed within required timescales. Plan and organise QA testing and liaise with relevant clinical staff.
• Undertake quality control testing on a wide range of complex imaging equipment including CT scanners, DR x-ray systems, Fluoroscopic x-ray systems, Mammography systems, Dental x-ray systems, gamma cameras, etc.
• Analyse data and make professional judgments based on findings to inform safe and appropriate clinical use of the equipment.
• Maintain and develop protocols and procedures for testing of x-ray equipment, for both high level physics tests and routine testing carried out by radiographers, in accordance with regional and national guidelines to satisfy legislative requirements.
• Develop and maintain IT solutions for departmental activities, including development and maintenance of spreadsheets and databases, simple networking and specialist analytical tools.

About us

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust values a people-focused culture where every member of staff matters. We are committed to innovation, clinical excellence and high-quality customer care, with opportunities for career development in a progressive working environment. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. Communication during the recruitment process is electronic. For support with applications or reasonable adjustments, contact the recruitment team.

Job responsibilities

• Managerial – Maintain accurate records of procedures in compliance with the accredited Quality System; organise staffing for testing programmes of x-ray equipment; monitor performance data for breast screening service in accordance with NHSBSP and SLA standards; plan and manage own workload and contribute to team work programmes; respond to customer requests in a timely manner; supervise junior staff and trainees under the post holder’s direction.
• Teaching, Training and Research – Participate in formal training and courses for Radiation Protection and Imaging Physics; undertake staff training; supervise trainees; participate in Service Line seminars; present work at national/regional meetings; initiate and support R&D projects; introduce new techniques and applied research, including phantom development and optimisation of imaging techniques.
• Quality and Clinical Governance – Follow record-keeping procedures; participate in governance initiatives; maintain up-to-date quality documentation; contribute to audits and reviews; support maintenance and development of the quality system; be familiar with adverse incident reporting procedures.
• Professional – Maintain CPD records; participate in further training; stay updated with scientific/technical developments; ensure activities comply with statutory regulations, codes of practice and local safety rules; engage in professional activities with Head of Group approval.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Advanced knowledge of radiation protection legislation in healthcare and biomedical research
• Advanced knowledge of physics of imaging in medicine
• Advanced knowledge of Quality Control techniques in medical imaging
• Advanced knowledge of testing equipment used to measure safety and performance of medical imaging equipment
• Advanced understanding of patient and staff risks from radiation exposure
• Ability to interpret situations and determine safety/compliance measures
• Advanced IT skills to develop customised IT solutions (spreadsheets, databases, image analysis)

Desirable

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Knowledge of digital image detector physics
• Quantitative image analysis techniques
• Physics of breast imaging with x-rays
• Specialist knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures
• 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 grade A–C / 4–9 (or equivalent)
• HCPC registered as a Clinical Scientist

Desirable

• Membership of a professional body (e.g., IPEM)

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

• Good communication skills and ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to judge test results and report interpretation to customers
• Ability to plan work for self and others
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload
• Ability to work in a busy environment and meet deadlines
• Ability to use sophisticated testing equipment for high-precision measurements
• Concentration for long periods and ability to handle occasional physically demanding tasks
• Ability to deal with occasional distressing circumstances

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to the DBS will be required.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered alongside other applications.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer name
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address
Clinical & Radiation Physics, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Employer's website