Clinical Scientist (magnetic resonance physics and computing)

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in London seeks a Clinical Scientist Specialist in MRI Physics. This role involves optimising software pipelines for clinical image analysis and supporting neuroradiology applications. Ideal candidates have a relevant postgraduate degree, HCPC registration, and knowledge of scientific software development. Join a team advancing imaging methods to enhance patient care and contribute to groundbreaking research with UCL, all while improving operational efficiencies in a high-quality healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Registered Clinical Scientist with HCPC.
• Expertise in MRI physics and clinical applications.
• Practical experience in scientific software development.

Responsibilities

• Optimising and maintaining software for advanced MRI examinations.
• Providing intra-operative MRI support during surgeries.
• Supporting new image fusion methods in clinical practice.

Skills

Magnetic resonance physics

Scientific programming (C/C++, Python, Matlab)

Software development

Medical image manipulation

Education

Good Honours degree in a relevant subject

Relevant postgraduate degree (MSc or higher)

Job description

We offer an exciting opportunity for a clinical scientist specialist in MRI Physics and Scientific Computing to join our established team supporting the Neuroradiology service at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London.

We seek someone with enthusiasm for applying advanced imaging and clinical computing methods to benefit our patients, today as they attend our hospital, and in the future through service innovation and patient-focused translational research.

The post-holder will play a lead role at the interface between MRI physics and scientific computing, maintaining, improving and ensuring quality management of software pipelines for clinical image analysis, and supporting computational neuroradiology applications as well as our intra‑operative surgical guidance system.

There will be opportunity for research in collaboration with the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, and the UCL Hawkes Institute, translating computational medical imaging innovations into the neuroradiology reporting and treatment‑guidance workflow. With a relevant MSc or higher degree, and significant postgraduate experience, you will be an HCPC‑registered Clinical Scientist. Experience in scientific software development, neurosurgical guidance systems, advanced MR methods (fMRI/DTI and/or MRS), including clinical post processing software pipelines, and neuroimaging research is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating within our group providing MRI physics and computing support to the MRI service at the National Hospital for Neurology, you will be responsible for optimising, maintaining and developing software code and/or pipelines necessary to support advanced MRI examinations (including clinical fMRI and DTI) analysis, and neuroradiology innovation projects, within appropriate quality management frameworks.
• You will join our team providing MRI physics and scientific computing support to the Department's intra‑operative MRI service, including preparation of data for surgical guidance, and when required, an in‑theatre presence for scientific support, including safety support, and imaging systems integration, to enable the successful completion of neurosurgical procedures.
• Supporting the translation of new image fusion, image registration, advanced image analysis, and accelerated MRI acquisition methods from the research domain into clinical neuroradiology practice to improve diagnosis, treatment monitoring, pre‑surgical planning, and service efficiency; and supporting the procurement and deployment of new commercial AI/computationally enabled neuroradiology reporting tools.
• Assisting with the maintenance and development of a small network of image‑processing workstations and servers for quantitative image analysis, including system administration, data management, and software engineering activities.

About Us

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top‑quality patient care, excellent education, and world‑class research.

We provide first‑class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

• University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net‑zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Qualifications & Experience

• Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in a relevant subject.
• A relevant postgraduate degree (MSc level or higher, or equivalent experience).
• Health and Care Professions Council registration as a Clinical Scientist.
• IPEM Diploma or equivalent specialist qualification in Medical Physics or Clinical Scientific Computing (desirable).
• Expertise in magnetic resonance physics, including pulse sequences, image acquisition and optimisation, clinical applications, artefacts and MRI safety.
• Specialist knowledge of medical image manipulation, medical image formats/standards, analysis methods, and the requisite software tools.
• Practical experience of scientific software development.
• In‑depth knowledge of at least one scientific programming language such as C/C++, Python, or Matlab.
• Working understanding of relevant statutory guidelines, national standards, or other professional guidelines, including UK MHRA MR safety guidance, medical device regulations and information governance legislation.
• Experience of research techniques (desirable).
• Well‑developed programming and software development skills.
• Ability to work with Unix/Linux and Windows operating systems, including command line and scripting operation.

Personal, Mental and Emotional Skills

• Able to concentrate when subject to frequent unpredictable working patterns.
• Able to concentrate for prolonged periods.
• Good negotiation skills.
• Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations.
• Able to communicate complex information at postgraduate level to other professional groups.
• Able to present scientific papers at national and international conferences (desirable).
• Able to deliver teaching and training on complex subjects at university level (desirable).
• Able to train other professional staff individually or in groups.
• Able to supervise trainees or students.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives, and/or knowledge of the NHS obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duties.

Health & Safety

• Personal commitment to become familiar with, and adhere to Trust policies and guidance on infection prevention and control. Complete all required training and education (both via e‑learning and face‑to‑face) and include infection prevention and control as an integral part of your continuous professional development, applying it consistently.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer Details

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, UCLH

Queen Square

London

WC1N 3BG

Employer's website: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk