Clinical Scientist - Principal Nuclear Med Physicist (XR08)

NHS; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Leeds seeks a Band 8A Clinical Scientist to join their Radionuclide Physics Group. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in Nuclear Medicine Physics, act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE), and provide specialized clinical services. Responsibilities include advising on equipment and radiation protection, managing QA systems, and training NHS staff. This permanent, full-time role offers a salary between £55,690 to £62,682 annually.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Nuclear Medicine Physics required.
• Must be a registered Clinical Scientist.
• Ability to investigate gamma camera and PET/CT performance.

Responsibilities

• Deliver specialized clinical and technical services.
• Provide expert advice on specialist equipment radiation protection.
• Manage QA systems and data.

Skills

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Supervisory skills

Education

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)

Tools

Data analysis tools

Clinical software systems

Job description

Job summary

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 fulfil 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 be in a position to submit a portfolio and obtain certification within one year. Applicants with less experience but the right qualities will 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, including 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.

Key responsibilities

• Delivering specialised and 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

Additional responsibilities specific to the role

• 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

• Act as MPE and advisor on dosimetry, radiation safety and clinical equipment
• Deputise for the Service Manager or Section Head
• Manage QA systems and data
• Advise on nuclear medicine innovation and legal compliance
• Deliver specialist training
• Support therapy dose planning and delivery
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including manufacturers and regulatory bodies

Service development and general responsibilities

• Identify and implement service improvements
• Evaluate and introduce new equipment, software and techniques
• Ensure safe working practices for self and others
• Produce and maintain technical procedures
• Support departmental organisation and clinical communication
• Report unresolved issues to senior staff
• Undertake other duties as required

Teaching and training

• Teach NHS staff and university students
• Deliver lectures (e.g., Medical Physics MSc, FRCR training)
• Supervise trainees

Research and development

• Lead and participate in R&D projects to improve practice and understanding
• Publish and present work nationally and internationally
• Supervise students and research assistants

Professional duties and personal development

• Participate in CPD (e.g., IPEM/HCPC schemes)
• Manage and prioritise own workload
• Stay updated with technical and scientific developments
• Attend relevant seminars and training courses
• Take ownership of professional development and complete mandatory training

Patient and public involvement

• Listen to patient feedback and contribute to service improvements
• Uphold patient 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

Collaboration and professional associations

• Work across West Yorkshire acute Trusts to improve care through shared expertise and innovation
• Maintain compliance with infection control, health & safety, risk management and equality and diversity policies
• Communicate and liaise with clinical service managers, clinicians, scientists, technologists, radiographers and academic/industry partners

Special working conditions

• Physical: Light effort, handling of radioactive materials and heavy equipment
• Mental: High concentration, unpredictable interruptions, complex problem‑solving
• Emotional: Supporting anxious patients undergoing scans
• Working conditions: Regular monitored radiation exposure, occasional exposure to body fluids, PPE use, 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.

Person specification – Desirable

• 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 – Essential

• Strong analytical and judgment 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.

Skills & behaviours – Desirable

• Negotiation and liaison with external stakeholders (e.g., contractors, academic partners).
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior colleagues.

Qualifications – Essential

• 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.

Qualifications – Desirable

• PhD in a relevant subject.
• Corporate membership of IPEM.

Experience – Essential

• 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.

Experience – Desirable

• 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 a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required to check for any previous convictions.

Employer details

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Website: https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/

Recruitment details

Date posted: 31 December 2025

Band: 8a

Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Location: St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF

Reference number: C9298-ONC-0547B