Clinical Scientist - Nuclear Medicine

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 4,000 - 6,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Clinical Scientist to manage nuclear medicine responsibilities. This role involves specialized training, communication of complex data, and patient handling. Applicants should have a relevant degree and experience with radiation protection. The position offers a competitive salary supplemented by a High Cost Area Supplement.

Qualifications

• Good (1st or 2nd Class) Honours degree in physics or engineering.
• Specialised training and practical experience in Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Protection.
• Ability to teach and supervise students.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate work involving staff and equipment.
• Make accurate measurements using specialized equipment.
• Assist with patient handling and safely prepare radioactive materials.

Skills

Good communicator of complex information

Ability to use Excel, Word

Highly developed physical accuracy

Education

Good (1st or 2nd Class) Honours degree in relevant subject

Postgraduate qualification in relevant branch

Job description

ENHT is seeking to maintain and expand the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre staff as we move to an exciting new future.

We welcome applications from those who would relish the opportunity to be part of new and developing cancer service, building on the excellent reputation, research and patient experience the Cancer Centre already delivers.

You will receive a High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of your basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £4,552 and a maximum payment of £5,735 per annum pro rata.

Person specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential criteria

• Good (1st or 2nd Class) Honours degree in a relevant subject (physics or engineering).
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant branch of physics or medical physics to the level of at least a Master's degree (MSc)
• State registration with the Health & Care Professions Council, as a Clinical Scientist.

Desirable criteria

• Completion of Scientist Training Programme (STP) or equivalent.
• Applicants that can demonstrate they are close to completion of training and registration may be considered for initial appointment on band 6 until they have qualified and registered.

Previous Experience

Essential criteria

• Specialised training and practical experience in Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Protection.
• Specialised training and practical experience in the use and quality assurance testing of a range of highly technical equipment
• Experience in computing relevant to Nuclear Medicine.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in SPECT/CT imaging
• Experience in Nuclear Medicine therapy procedures
• Experience in radiopharmacy and / or cell labelling

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Specialist knowledge of imaging and therapy techniques and procedures used in nuclear medicine
• Knowledge and understanding of patient and staff risks arising from use of ionising radiation with unsealed radionuclides, including equipment failure, procedural defects and human error.
• Specialist knowledge of radiation protection legislation, national standards, professional and other guidelines

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of principles and practice of radiopharmacy and in-vitro diagnostic tests
• Knowledge of good clinical practice as applied to research studies

Other requirements

Essential criteria

• Ability to plan and co-ordinate work involving staff and equipment from other departments and hospitals or outside contracting companies.
• Ability to make accurate measurements using specialised equipment.
• Can occasionally lift or move medium/heavy weight test equipment and lead shielded sources.
• Able to assist with patient handling /moving.
• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time and respond effectively to unpredictable working patterns. Able to work within an area of cancer diagnosis and treatment and comfortable dealing with anxious patients & relatives when carrying out diagnostic/therapeutic/palliative procedures.
• Flexibility and ability to deal with complicated and unpredictable situations.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Ability to work alone in an isolated environment when working in the radiopharmacy
• Ability to safely and rapidly prepare radioactive materials to patients and for testing purposes.
• Can understand the hazards posed by, and be prepared to work in an environment where the following hazards exist: Ionising radiation Infected material / biohazards Solvents / fumes
• Experience and evidence of engagement around equality, diversity and inclusion issues in relation to policy, service development and service delivery in respect of both services to users and the management of staff
• Role model our Trust values every day

Skills

Essential criteria

• Good communicator of complex and sensitive information to patients and members of the public. Able to communicate highly complex scientific data to multi-disciplinary staff
• Ability to use own judgement involving complex facts that require analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options as, for example, in analysing the results of scientific measurements or processes, which may conflict, and deciding upon an appropriate course of action
• Able to use Excel, Word etc. to set up documents and spreadsheets and extract information
• Highly developed physical accuracy, manual dexterity skills and good eye-sight to achieve precision and speed in radiopharmaceutical dispensing procedures and the use of sophisticated scientific and technical equipment
• Ability to teach, train and supervise students and other members of staff within their areas of competence
• Good public speaking and presentation skills (able to present scientific papers at meetings)
• Ability to apply knowledge and experience of practical nuclear medicine and radiation protection in order to implement new procedures and suggest developments to existing ones
• Ability to manage prioritise own work and respond flexibly to changing requirements.
• Able to use and develop clinical applications software

Desirable criteria

• Able to act independently, without supervision, within professional guidelines, but can refer to his manager where necessary. The individual's manager assesses work at intervals.