Deputy Head of Radiological Science (Clinical Scientist MPE/RPA)

NHS; Brighton; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading healthcare institution as a Clinical Scientist working towards advanced practices in Radiological Science. The role involves supporting the Head of Radiological Science while managing compliant operations within a dynamic and diverse environment, providing essential radiation protection services. You will be pivotal in ensuring effective service delivery and maintaining high standards in Diagnostic Radiology Physics while benefiting from ongoing professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working

Wellbeing Programme for staff

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience with the full range of Diagnostic Radiology equipment commissioning.
• State registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• On the RPA2000 list of MPEs in Diagnostic Radiology.

Responsibilities

• Advise on interpretation and implementation of policies related to ionising radiation.
• Perform high precision quality assurance and calibration tests on x-ray equipment.
• Lead on the production of Local Rules and policy documents for x-ray use.

Skills

Diagnostic Radiology Physics

Radiation Protection

Communication

Education

MSc in Medical or Radiation Physics

Good (1st or 2nd class) degree in a Physical Science

IPEM Certificate of completion of post-qualification higher training

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

Job summary

We are seeking to appoint an experienced and motivated Clinical Scientist to be the Deputy Head of the Radiological Science section of the Medical Physics Department at University Hospitals Sussex.

For appointment at Band 8B we would expect you to have expert knowledge and experience of Diagnostic Radiology Physics and Radiation Protection, preferably having both RPA and MPE certificates from RPA2000.

Appointment at Band 8A would be possible for those without one of the required certificates with development into the Band 8B role expected.

A willingness and ability to travel would be essential and the use of your own car would be an advantage.

Main duties of the job

Support the Head of Radiological Science to provide and develop a wide range of radiation protection and diagnostic radiology physics services to University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and its customers*. Operate with a high degree of autonomy to ensure the effective delivery of services. Liaise with staff in a large number of departments working with x-rays.

Act as a Medical Physics Expert and Radiation Protections Adviser in the field of diagnostic radiology to UHSussex and its customers. Work at a senior level of professional expertise to assist in the implementation and audit of legislation and other relevant guidance in diagnostic radiology.

Manage the day to day working of the group and line manage Band 8A DR MPEs and Band 7 Clinical Scientists / Medical Physicists working in Radiological Science as required.

*The primary area of responsibility of this post will be UHSussex but you would be expected to provide cover for other Trusts and hospitals that are customers of UHSussex. Significant travel within Sussex and Kent is required

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Details Date posted

17 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

279-7239953-JUL25

Job locations

Royal Sussex County Hospital

Eastern Road

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Job description Job responsibilities

As an RPA, advise the relevant Trusts and hospitals, either directly to the CEO, through Radiation Safety Committees or Departmental Managers on the interpretation and implementation of scientific, technical and other policies, including legislation, related to ionising radiation. Attend Radiation Protection Committee (RPC) Meetings. Attend inspections by regulatory bodies such as the HSE, Care Quality Commission and Environment Agency to demonstrate compliance with legislation. lead on the production of Local Rules and other policy documents for x-ray use, particularly for new installations.Perform Radiation Safety Assessments and Radiation Risk Assessments.

As an MPE, perform high precision quality assurance, calibration, acceptance and commissioning tests (including critical examinations of new installations) on highly specialist and complex, patient-critical X-ray equipment, for appropriate areas of responsibility within UHSussex and its customers. This covers all types of x-ray equipment, including CT, fluoro and digital radiographic systems, for compliance with relevant legislation, standards and agreed good practice.

Take a leading role in the specification, tender adjudication and installation of new x-ray equipment. Give advice on x-ray dose optimisation, radiation protection and compliance with the regulations for areas given to you as your main area of responsibility, and in liaison with the MPE(s) who are leading on patient dosimetry and relevant optimisation groups.

Take a leading role in the IRMER aspects of research trials as the MPE for diagnostic radiology.

See full job description for further details

Job description Job responsibilities

As an RPA, advise the relevant Trusts and hospitals, either directly to the CEO, through Radiation Safety Committees or Departmental Managers on the interpretation and implementation of scientific, technical and other policies, including legislation, related to ionising radiation. Attend Radiation Protection Committee (RPC) Meetings. Attend inspections by regulatory bodies such as the HSE, Care Quality Commission and Environment Agency to demonstrate compliance with legislation. lead on the production of Local Rules and other policy documents for x-ray use, particularly for new installations.Perform Radiation Safety Assessments and Radiation Risk Assessments.

As an MPE, perform high precision quality assurance, calibration, acceptance and commissioning tests (including critical examinations of new installations) on highly specialist and complex, patient-critical X-ray equipment, for appropriate areas of responsibility within UHSussex and its customers. This covers all types of x-ray equipment, including CT, fluoro and digital radiographic systems, for compliance with relevant legislation, standards and agreed good practice.

Take a leading role in the specification, tender adjudication and installation of new x-ray equipment. Give advice on x-ray dose optimisation, radiation protection and compliance with the regulations for areas given to you as your main area of responsibility, and in liaison with the MPE(s) who are leading on patient dosimetry and relevant optimisation groups.

Take a leading role in the IRMER aspects of research trials as the MPE for diagnostic radiology.

See full job description for further details

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Good (1st or 2nd class) degree in a Physical Science or equivalent.
• MSc in Medical or Radiation Physics or equivalent qualification or experience.
• IPEM Certificate of completion of post-qualification higher training or equivalent (e.g. Full membership of IPEM)

Desirable

• PhD in relevant or similar subject

Professional Registration Essential

• State registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• On the RPA2000 list of MPEs in the Diagnostic Radiology field

Desirable

• Certificate of Competence to act as an RPA issued by RPA2000.
• Certificate of Competence to act as an LPA or RWA issued by RPA2000

Driving Licence Essential

• Full UK Driving Licence

Experience Essential

• Practical experience with the full range of Diagnostic Radiology equipment commissioning and performance testing.
• Detailed knowledge of radiation regulations in the UK and the physics of radiation interaction
• Experience of using Microsoft Office applications and other advanced mathematical computer systems including programming

Desirable

• Experience of other imaging modalities - Nuc Med/MRI/Ultrasound
• Experience of training Clinical scientists and other staff
• Experience of software development and testing

ED&I and Skills Essential

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Good (1st or 2nd class) degree in a Physical Science or equivalent.
• MSc in Medical or Radiation Physics or equivalent qualification or experience.
• IPEM Certificate of completion of post-qualification higher training or equivalent (e.g. Full membership of IPEM)

Desirable

• PhD in relevant or similar subject

Professional Registration Essential

• State registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• On the RPA2000 list of MPEs in the Diagnostic Radiology field

Desirable

• Certificate of Competence to act as an RPA issued by RPA2000.
• Certificate of Competence to act as an LPA or RWA issued by RPA2000

Driving Licence Essential

• Full UK Driving Licence

Experience Essential

• Practical experience with the full range of Diagnostic Radiology equipment commissioning and performance testing.
• Detailed knowledge of radiation regulations in the UK and the physics of radiation interaction
• Experience of using Microsoft Office applications and other advanced mathematical computer systems including programming

Desirable

• Experience of other imaging modalities - Nuc Med/MRI/Ultrasound
• Experience of training Clinical scientists and other staff
• Experience of software development and testing

ED&I and Skills Essential

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Royal Sussex County Hospital

Eastern Road

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Royal Sussex County Hospital

Eastern Road

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)