Clinical Scientist - Principal Nuclear Med Physicist (XR08)

Integrated Care System; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK seeks an experienced Clinical Scientist - Principal Nuclear Medicine Physicist to join their Radionuclide Physics Group. The role involves delivering specialized clinical services, providing medical physics support, and engaging in research. Candidates must be registered Clinical Scientists with significant experience in Nuclear Medicine Physics and possess advanced degrees in relevant fields. The position offers competitive remuneration and a chance to contribute to significant patient care improvements.

Qualifications

• Registered Clinical Scientist with experience in Nuclear Medicine Physics.
• Expertise in radiation protection standards and medical physics.
• Proficient in data analysis and clinical support.

Responsibilities

• Deliver specialized clinical services to nuclear medicine.
• Provide medical physics support and supervision to staff.
• Engage in research to improve nuclear medicine practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Education

Honours degree in physical sciences

MSc in Medical Physics

PhD in a relevant subject

Tools

Data analysis software

Clinical computer systems

Job description

Clinical Scientist - Principal Nuclear Med Physicist (XR08)

Applications are invited for the post of Band 8A Clinical Scientist - Principal Nuclear Medicine Physicist to join our growing Radionuclide Physics Group within the Department of Medical Physics & Engineering.

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

Applicants must be registered Clinical Scientists with significant experience in Nuclear Medicine Physics. Applicants should either be on the list of MPEs held by RPA2000 or in a position to submit a portfolio and obtain certification within 1 year. Applicants with less experience but the right qualities may be considered for appointment at a lower level until MPE certification is gained.

The Radionuclide Physics group provides specialised and complex scientific and technical support to the Nuclear Medicine service at two locations within the Trust and to other providers. This includes PET/CT service support to a non-NHS provider.

The therapeutic administrations of unsealed radioactive materials are also delivered by the group. The group also advises on radiation protection and other regulatory matters relating to the use of unsealed radioactive materials, as agreed with the lead Trust Radiation Protection Adviser and the Radioactive Waste Adviser.

Main duties of the job

This job offers a unique opportunity for an experienced nuclear medicine clinical scientist.

Key aspects of this job role are:

1. Delivering specialised and complex clinical services
2. Providing specialised and complex scientific and technical support and advice to staff delivering clinical services, particularly with respect to specialist clinical computer systems, quality assurance, service developments, and equipment
3. Providing scientific & technical advice to staff and others as relates to services delivered or supported, including radiation protection and IRMER advice as appropriate
4. Providing supervision and line management of scientific and technical staff
5. Providing teaching and training for a range of staff groups in basic and advanced Physics, techniques, applications, safety, trainees in radiology (FRCR), & oncology
6. Participating in collaborative research and development work with NHS and university departments

About us

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust cares for 2 million patients each year and is one of the largest hospital trusts in the UK, serving an immediate population of 770,000, and providing regional specialist care for 5.4 million people. The Trust has strong academic links with regional universities, collaborating closely with commercial partners in the development, investigation & evaluation of medical equipment & clinical systems. Medical Physics & Engineering Department supports the established range of applications of physics & engineering in medicine, and is actively involved in the development, assessment, and implementation of new & existing healthcare technologies, procedures, and treatments. Radionuclide Physics is based in the Leeds Cancer Centre at St James's University Hospital.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. All our job adverts are subject to this policy, and we reserve the right to close, delay, or remove adverts during this process. If you experience a delay in the shortlisting stage, please bear with us and contact the designated contact with any questions.

Job responsibilities

Principal duties & areas of responsibility:

Scientific & Clinical

• Act as a Medical Physics Expert as defined in IR(ME)R, providing expert medical physics, radiation protection, and dosimetry advice to clinical staff and others within and outside the Trust
• Provide expert medical physics support to nuclear medicine services within the Trust and to external clients
• Deputise for the Head of Section if required
• Supervise other staff as agreed with the Head of Section
• Assess competency of trainees and advise when staff are competent to carry out procedures independently
• Provide expert advice during technology failures and determine clinical readiness of equipment
• Manage quality assurance work for relevant systems

Clinical Service Development

• Identify areas for service improvement and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams
• Implement new techniques to maximize patient benefit from equipment
• Develop and evaluate new equipment, accessories, techniques, and complex software systems

Teaching and Training

• Provide education and training to students, radiographers, technologists, physicists, clinicians, management, and the public on nuclear medicine topics

Research and Development

• Engage in research to improve nuclear medicine practices and develop new techniques and technologies

Person Specification

Additional Requirements

• Technical skill and concentration handling radioactive materials and fragile, heavy objects
• Proficiency in data analysis, database, word processing, and spreadsheet tools
• Willingness to work outside normal hours and travel between sites
• Able to exert light physical effort for short periods
• Highly developed physical skills for operating complex equipment

Skills & Behaviours

• Strong analytical, judgement, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise others
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Critical, flexible, and committed to service improvement
• Ability to manage change in complex environments
• Develop good relationships and liaise with external stakeholders
• Mentor and supervise junior colleagues

Qualifications

• Honours degree in physical sciences (1st or 2nd class)
• MSc in Medical Physics or relevant field
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
• RPA2000 registered Medical Physics Expert (MPE)
• Knowledge of IR(ME)R requirements for MPE
• PhD in a relevant subject
• Corporate Membership of IPEM

Experience

• Expertise in nuclear medicine physics, equipment testing, radiation protection, and clinical pathways
• Experience with research, study design, ethics, funding, and project management

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure check will be required.