Clinical Scientist - Principal Nuclear Med Physicist (XR08)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Leeds is looking for a Principal Nuclear Medicine Physicist to join their Radionuclide Physics Group. This role demands strong analytical skills and a solid background in Nuclear Medicine Physics, including MPE responsibilities. Applicants must have significant experience, with qualifications such as an MSc in Medical Physics. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and deliver advanced clinical services within a dynamic Medical Physics and Engineering Department.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Access to cutting-edge technology

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Nuclear Medicine Physics required.
• Registered Clinical Scientist with MPE recognition preferred.
• Ability to handle radioactive materials safely.

Responsibilities

• Provide Medical Physics Expert support across the Trust.
• Deliver complex clinical and technical services.
• Supervise junior scientists and trainees.

Skills

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Supervision

Education

Good honours degree in physical sciences

MSc in Medical Physics or relevant subject

HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist

Tools

Data analysis software

Software for clinical systems

Job description

Clinical Scientist - Principal Nuclear Med Physicist (XR08)

Applicationsare invited for the post of Band 8A Clinical Scientist - Principal NuclearMedicine Physicist to join our growing Radionuclide Physics Group within theDepartment of Medical Physics & Engineering.

Thisclinical scientist role will fulfil the role of Medical Physics Expert (MPE)as required by the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2017(IR(ME)R).

Applicantsmust be registered Clinical Scientists with significant experience in NuclearMedicine Physics. Applicants should either be on the list of MPEs held byRPA2000 or in a position to submit a portfolio and obtain certificationwithin 1 year. Applicants with less experience but the right qualities willbe considered for appointment at a lower level until MPE certification isgained.

TheRadionuclide Physics group provides specialised and complex scientific andtechnical support to the Nuclear Medicine service at two locations within theTrust and to other providers. This includes PET/CT service support to anon-NHS provider.

Thetherapeutic administrations of unsealed radioactive materials are alsodelivered by the group. The group also advises on radiation protection andother regulatory matters relating to the use of unsealed radioactivematerials, as agreed with the lead Trust Radiation Protection Adviser and theRadioactive Waste Adviser.

Main duties of the job

Thisjob offers a unique opportunity for an experienced nuclear medicine clinicalscientist.

Keyaspects of this job role are:

Deliveringspecialised and complex clinical services

Providingspecialised and complex scientific and technical support and advice to staffdelivering clinical services, particularly with respect to specialistclinical computer systems, quality assurance, service developments andequipment

Providingscientific & technical advice to staff and others as relates to servicesdelivered or supported, including radiation protection and IRMER advice asappropriate

Providesupervision and line management of scientific and technical staff.

Providingteaching and training for a range of staff groups in basic and advancedPhysics, techniques, applications and safety, trainees in radiology (FRCR)& oncology

Participatingin collaborative research and development work with NHS and universitydepartments.

About us

LeedsTeaching Hospitals NHS Trust cares for 2 million patients each year and isone of the largest hospital trusts in the UK serving an immediate populationof 770,000, providing regional specialist care for 5.4 million people. TheTrust has strong academic links with regional universities, collaboratingclosely with commercial partners in the development, investigation &evaluation of medical equipment & clinical systems. Medical Physics &Engineering Department supports the established range of applications ofphysics & engineering in medicine, tries to be actively involved in thedevelopment / assessment / implementation of new & existing health caretechnologies / procedures / treatments. Radionuclide Physics is based in theLeeds Cancer Centre at St Jamess University Hospital.

LeedsTeaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk'members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job advertsare subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or removeadverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in theshortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while thisprocess is completed, and contact the named contact if you have anyquestions.

Job responsibilities

The post holder will act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) under the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2017 [IR(ME)R], providing medical physics support across the Trust and to external clients. The Radionuclide Physics Group supports diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine and PET/CT services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering complex clinical and technical services
• Providing expert advice on specialist equipment, radiation protection, IR(ME)R, and clinical software systems
• Supporting equipment selection, installation, testing, calibration, QA, and maintenance
• Contributing to training for NHS staff, FRCR trainees, and students
• Leading and collaborating on research and development projects

The group also supports therapeutic administration of unsealed radioactive materials and provides regulatory advice in partnership with the Radiation Protection Adviser and Radioactive Waste Adviser.

The post holder will lead on designated areas within Nuclear Medicine, developing new technologies and techniques. They will:

• Investigate gamma camera and PET/CT performance
• Oversee calibrator QC, software troubleshooting, and image processing
• Support radionuclide therapy compliance and optimisation
• Supervise junior scientists and trainees
• Act as an IR(ME)R Operator and contribute to audits and regulatory compliance

Scientific and clinical duties include:

• Acting as MPE and advisor on dosimetry, radiation safety, and clinical equipment
• Deputising for the Service Manager or Section Head
• Managing QA systems and data
• Advising on nuclear medicine innovation and legal compliance
• Delivering specialist training
• Supporting therapy dose planning and delivery
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including manufacturers and regulatory bodies

Clinical Service Development:

• Identifying and implementing service improvements
• Evaluating and introducing new equipment, software, and techniques

General Responsibilities:

• Ensuring safe working practices for self and others
• Producing and maintaining technical procedures
• Supporting departmental organisation and clinical communication
• Reporting unresolved issues to senior staff
• Undertaking other duties as required

Teaching and Training:

• Teaching NHS staff and university students
• Delivering lectures (e.g. Medical Physics MSc, FRCR training)
• Supervising trainees

Research and Development:

• Leading and participating in R&D projects to improve practice and understanding
• Publishing and presenting work nationally and internationally
• Supervising students and research assistants

Professional Duties:

• Participating in CPD (e.g. IPEM/HCPC schemes)
• Managing and prioritising own workload
• Staying updated with technical and scientific developments
• Attending relevant seminars and training courses

Patient and Public Involvement:

• Listening to patient feedback and contributing to service improvements

Respect for Patient Confidentiality:

• Upholding confidentiality and data protection at all times

The Leeds Way Values:

• Patient-centred, Collaborative, Fair, Accountable, Empowered
• Promoting safety, quality, and professional integrity
• Supporting scientific rigor, teaching, and a positive attitude to change
• Working across West Yorkshires acute Trusts to improve care through shared expertise and innovation

Infection Control:

• Complying with infection control policies and hygiene standards

Health & Safety / Risk Management:

• Maintaining quality, safety, and incident reporting practices

Equality and Diversity:

• Delivering services that are inclusive and accessible to all

Training and Personal Development:

• Taking ownership of professional development and completing all mandatory training

Communication & Working Relationships:

• Regular contact with clinical service managers, clinicians, scientists, technologists, radiographers, and academic/industry partners
• Presenting at meetings, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, and managing complex information exchanges

Special Working Conditions:

• Physical: Light physical effort and handling of radioactive materials and heavy equipment
• Mental: High concentration, unpredictable interruptions, complex problem-solving
• Emotional: Supporting anxious patients undergoing scans
• Working Conditions: Regular radiation exposure (monitored), occasional exposure to body fluids, use of PPE, regular VDU use, travel to external sites

Person Specification

Additional Requirements

• Technical skill and concentration when handling radioactive materials and fragile and sometimes heavy imaging test objects.
• Proficiency in data analysis using database, word processing, and spreadsheet tools.
• Willingness to occasionally work outside normal hours and travel between sites.
• Able to exert light physical effort for short periods.
• Highly developed physical skills with the ability to set up, calibrate and operate expensive equipment used in Nuclear Medicine.
• Skilled in handling radioactive materials with precision.
• Proficiency in data analysis using database, word processing, and spreadsheet tools.
• Willingness to occasionally work outside normal hours and travel between sites.

Skills & behaviours

• Strong analytical and judgement skills, lateral problem-solving.
• Ability to plan and organise own work and supervise others.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Critical and flexible mindset with a commitment to service improvement.
• Ability to manage change and work in complex clinical environments.
• Negotiation and liaison with external stakeholders (e.g., contractors, academic partners).
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior colleagues.

Qualifications

• Good (1st or 2nd class) honours degree in physical sciences.
• MSc in Medical Physics or relevant subject.
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist.
• RPA2000 registered Medical Physics Expert (MPE).
• Knowledge and experience to act as MPE under IR(ME)R.
• PhD in a relevant subject.
• Corporate Membership of IPEM.

Experience

• Expert knowledge and practical experience across all areas of nuclear medicine physics.
• Acceptance testing and commissioning of nuclear medicine equipment.
• Radiation protection and handling of radioactive sources.
• Understanding of clinical pathways and service requirements in nuclear medicine.
• Understanding of ionising radiation risks and legislative frameworks.
• Knowledge of research including study design, ethics, and funding.
• Experience in project management.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Lead Clinical Scientist - Radionuclide Physics