Clinical Scientist | The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer treatment center in Manchester is seeking an experienced Clinical Scientist to provide scientific support in diagnostic radiology and lead projects focused on patient radiation safety. The role requires MPE and/or RPA qualifications and strong leadership skills. Ideal candidates will have experience in radiotherapy or related fields. This position offers an opportunity to work in an inclusive and impactful environment dedicated to improving patient care.

Qualifications

• Must provide radiation protection advice for diagnostic and interventional radiology.
• Experience with MPE imaging and RPA support is desirable.
• Leadership and project management skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific support to diagnostic radiology.
• Lead specific projects, ensuring high equipment performance.
• Manage staff and conduct staff training regularly.

Skills

Radiation protection advice

Patient dosimetry optimisation

Leadership

Quality management

Education

Medical Physics Expert (MPE) qualifications

Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) qualifications

Job description

Overview

The Imaging Physics & Radiation Protection group within Christie Medical Physics & Engineering are seeking an experienced Clinical Scientist with MPE and/or RPA qualifications to join our growing team of ~30 scientists, technologists and administrators. We deliver scientific support to NHS and independent sector clinical radiology departments in the North West of England.

You will be involved in the CMPE RPA body (recognised by the Health and Safety Executive as an RPA body under the requirements of IRR17), providing radiation protection advice to diagnostic and interventional radiology/cardiology departments and dental practitioners. You will be the primary radiation protection contact for specified organisations. In addition, as Medical Physics Expert you will provide support for the optimisation of diagnostic and interventional radiology, developing and maintaining a close working relationship with the radiographic and clinical teams in these organisations.

Applicants should be patient focused and flexible to change where quality can be improved. Candidates with experience delivering MPE (imaging) and RPA support to radiotherapy would be welcomed as the group grows support to The Christie radiotherapy centres. Suitable, experienced applicants without MPE or RPA qualifications will be considered for appointment at band 7.

Responsibilities

1. Scientific support to diagnostic radiology
   1. Provide a wide range of scientific advice to departments of radiology/cardiology and other users of X-ray equipment, including matters such as patient dosimetry optimisation of radiation dose and image quality, and resolution of problems in these areas.
   2. Take the lead for specific areas of the group’s work (e.g. fluoroscopy, digital radiography, dental etc.) providing in-depth expertise in these areas, driving the group strategy and its implementation e.g. x-ray equipment testing methods.
   3. Undertake critical examinations, commissioning tests and quality control measurements on a wide range of x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects. Provide written reports and advice to radiographic, clinical and management teams including outside Radiology. Liaise with manufacturers’ representatives where necessary.
2. Leadership and project work
   1. Lead in an area of the group’s work, focusing on equipment performance or another element of radiation protection, dependent on past experience and the group’s needs. Welcoming candidates with experience in mammography, dental or CT with opportunities for growth.
   2. Learn the CMPE way of working using the quality management system before initiating changes, with a focus on bringing a large team along when changes are made.
   3. Provide in-depth expertise and implement improved ways of working. Initiate and undertake projects to support clinical research in line with the group priorities.
   4. Day-to-day management of staff and contributing to the group service management is a key part of the role. Teaching is a regular part of the role.
   5. A current driving license is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role (pool cars available).

About The Christie

The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, with national reach as a specialist centre.

We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years and run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, much of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

Requirements / Qualifications

Essential: Medical Physics Expert (MPE) and/or Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) qualifications or equivalent experience; ability to provide radiation protection advice and optimisation for diagnostic/ interventional radiology settings; strong knowledge of IRR17 and IRMER17; willingness to lead and develop areas of the group’s work.

Desirable: experience delivering MPE (imaging) and RPA support to radiotherapy; experience in mammography, dental or CT; ability to manage projects and supervise staff; full driving license.

The Christie is an inclusive employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. This advert closes on Friday 3 Oct 2025.