Clinical Scientist - Radiotherapy Research Physicist (XR07)

Integrated Care System; Leeds; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

An Integrated Care System in Leeds seeks a Clinical Scientist - Radiotherapy Research Physicist to support research and clinical duties in a dynamic environment. Candidates will engage in advanced radiotherapy projects aimed at improving patient outcomes through innovative technologies. The role requires a strong foundation in radiotherapy physics, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to professional development.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience as an IR(ME)R operator in radiotherapy.
• Practical experience in main areas of radiotherapy physics.
• Understanding patient progress and safety requirements in radiotherapy.

Responsibilities

• Provide Medical Physics support for radiotherapy research and development.
• Support the day-to-day operation of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy.
• Contribute to system design, data management, and the integration of new technologies.

Skills

Professional conduct

Effective communication skills

Creative lateral thinking

Education

First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject

IPEM-accredited MSc in medical physics or equivalent

State registration as a Clinical Scientist

Job description

Clinical Scientist - Radiotherapy Research Physicist (XR07)

Applications are invited for a band 7 Clinical Scientist Radiotherapy Research Physicist position at the Leeds Cancer Centre, St Jamess University Hospital. This vacancy follows successful applications for externally funded research projects, including an Innovation award from the West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance, Cancer Research UK RadNet Leeds centre of excellence, NIHR Advanced Fellowship Award, and a RaySearch research agreement. These projects aim to develop advanced technologies to improve radiotherapy treatment and outcomes, as well as streamline workflows.

We seek a Clinical Scientist with radiotherapy physics experience and a proven research and development track record.

This 4-year role supports the departmental Research and Innovation expansion, providing treatment workflow efficiencies for NHS staff and patients, and enhancing treatment quality for better patient outcomes.

Main duties of the job

The role is based within the Radiotherapy Imaging and Treatment Planning Groups in the Radiotherapy Physics Department. It involves a 50/50 split between clinical duties and research, maintaining clinical competencies while engaging in radiotherapy research and innovation. Research areas may include MR-only planning, AI in contouring and planning, reirradiation strategies, motion management, outcome prediction, among others.

Clinical responsibilities include treatment planning, plan checking, dosimetry, quality assurance, commissioning, protocol development, and equipment installation and quality control to ensure high standards of safety and performance.

The postholder will contribute to system design, data management, and develop tools for data analysis, integrating new technologies into workflows.

Collaboration with clinical, academic, and technical teams is essential to ensure research informs practice. Opportunities for publication, conference presentations, and participation in national and international collaborations are available.

This dynamic role is suited for individuals with a strong foundation in radiotherapy physics, an interest in innovation, and a desire for professional development in clinical and academic settings.

About us

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is among the UK's largest and busiest hospital trusts, committed to delivering high-quality, safe treatment and care. Our staff helped define The Leeds Way, the foundation of our culture and values.

The radiotherapy service treats over 7,500 new patients annually, equipped with state-of-the-art technology including Versa HD, CT Sim, MR Sim, RayStation planning, HDR brachytherapy, I-125 prostate brachytherapy, and Gamma Knife ICON. The equipment service was recently renewed to support the next 15 years.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to redeploying at-risk staff to new roles and may close, delay, or remove adverts during this process. Please bear with delays in the recruitment process and contact the specified person with questions.

Job responsibilities

Provide Medical Physics support for radiotherapy research and development, focusing on the strategic goals of the Radiotherapy Physics section in the Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department.

Support the day-to-day operation of external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and Gamma Knife services, including treatment planning, dosimetry, research, quality assurance, imaging, and medical physics advice.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
• IPEM-accredited MSc in medical physics or equivalent, and Corporate Membership of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
• State registration as a Clinical Scientist.
• PhD preferred.

Skills & Behaviours

• Professional conduct, courtesy, and respect for staff and patients.
• Maintain patient dignity and confidentiality.
• Creative lateral thinking.
• Flexibility and workload management.
• Decisiveness in stressful situations.
• Positive attitude to change.
• Effective communication skills, capable of explaining complex physics concepts to non-physicists.
• Concentration and effectiveness in complex, unpredictable situations.

Experience

• Knowledge and experience as an IR(ME)R operator in radiotherapy.
• Practical experience in main areas of radiotherapy physics.
• Understanding patient progress and safety requirements in radiotherapy.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, standards, and guidelines.
• Experience as a Referrer and Practitioner for concomitant doses.

Other criteria

• Ability to meet Occupational Health requirements, including blood-borne virus clearance, with reasonable adjustments if needed.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role requires a DBS check due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.