Head of Radiology Physics

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 76,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

A large UK hospital trust seeks a Clinical Scientist specializing in Radiology Physics. This pivotal role includes ensuring safety and effectiveness in service delivery, acting as the lead Medical Physics Expert, and providing guidance on complex dosimetry issues. Candidates must have MPE accreditation and experience in Radiation Protection, alongside essential qualifications. The full-time position is based at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, offering a salary range of £76,965 to £88,682 annually.

Qualifications

• MPE accreditation and background in Radiology Physics required.
• Previous experience as Medical Physics Expert under IR(ME)R is essential.
• Desirable qualifications include PhD and Chartered status.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe and effective Radiology Physics service.
• Act as lead Medical Physics Expert.
• Lead investigation of radiation dosimetry issues.

Skills

Highly specialised practical experience in Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Protection

Knowledge of budget holding and financial resource management

Ability to communicate complex information

Ability to analyse and interpret complex data

Supervision of clinical and scientific practice

Education

1st or 2nd class honours degree in Physics or related subject

IPEM-accredited MSc in Medical Physics or relevant higher degree

HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist

Corporate Membership of IPEM or equivalent

Inclusion on RPA2000 list of Core Competence

Certificate of Competence as a Radiation Protection Adviser

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Clinical Scientist with MPE and RPA accreditations and a background in providing scientific leadership and support in Radiology Physics. MPE accreditation is essential for this role. Candidates who are close to submitting a portfolio for RPA accreditation within an agreed time frame may also be considered.

Main duties of the job

• Help to ensure that a safe and effective Radiology Physics service is provided to the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT).


• Delegate day‑to‑day scientific, technical, clinical and regulatory aspects of the Radiology Physics service.


• Delegate day‑to‑day managerial aspects of the Radiology Physics service, in conjunction with the operational lead.


• Act as the lead Medical Physics Expert under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R 2017) for Diagnostic Radiology, leading the equipment assessment programme—including specification, acceptance testing, commissioning, quality assurance and optimisation of complex imaging equipment—while acting with a high degree of autonomy for specialist issues.


• Lead investigation of complex radiation dosimetry issues and advise on the associated risks.


• Calculate dose and risk in the event of planned, unintended or accidental exposures, including to the unborn child, and advise clinicians.


• Provide and oversee specialist radiation protection teaching and training to a range of staff groups; act as the training lead for STP and Route 2 within the section.


• Serve as the appointed Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR 2017) to EKHUFT.


• Improve the delivery of Radiology Physics services and conduct research and development.

About Us

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is ‘great healthcare from great people’ and everything we do is guided by the values: ‘People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference’. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called ‘We care’, which empowers frontline staff to lead improvements day‑to‑day.

Employment Details

• Date posted: 31 December 2025


• Pay scheme: Agenda for change


• Band: Band 8c


• Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 a year per annum


• Contract: Permanent


• Working pattern: Full‑time, Flexible working


• Job locations: Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG


• Reference number: 344‑7308DCB‑B

Person Specification – Essential Qualifications and Training

• 1st or 2nd class honours degree in Physics or a closely related subject.


• IPEM‑accredited MSc in Medical Physics, MSc in Medical Imaging or a relevant higher degree.


• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist.


• Corporate Membership of IPEM or equivalent relevant professional body.


• Inclusion on RPA2000 list of Core Competence to act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) under IR(ME)R17.


• Certificate of Competence to act as a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) under IRR17.

Person Specification – Desirable Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field.


• Chartered Physicist (CPhys) or Chartered Scientist (CSci).


• HSS registration or the necessary experience to obtain this.


• Chartered Radiation Protection Professional (CRadP).


• Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA).

Person Specification – Essential Skills and Experience

• Highly specialised practical experience in Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Protection.


• Knowledge of budget holding and financial resource management.


• Specialist knowledge and practical experience of the techniques employed to measure the performance and radiological safety of a wide variety of digital and analogue state‑of‑the‑art X‑ray imaging equipment.


• Specialist knowledge and practical experience of the dose‑measurement techniques of ionising radiations, including the various techniques for measurement of patient dose in radiography, fluoroscopy, cardiology, CT, mammography and dental.


• Specialist understanding of risks to patients and staff arising from ionising radiation, and the precautions required.


• Ability to supervise individual staff in their clinical and scientific practice.


• Experience in the application of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and other guidelines and ability to communicate their application to other health professionals including senior management.


• Experience working in teams.


• Experience of auditing others.


• Experience of service provision.


• Ability to communicate highly complex, sometimes sensitive information effectively in oral and written forms to multi‑disciplinary groups at all levels and to patients and their carers.


• Ability to analyse and interpret complex data, compare ranges of options, make judgements from the results and determine the cause of erroneous results.


• Ability to interpret technical and scientific situations, in which facts may conflict, and judge measures required to deal with them.


• Ability to produce detailed and accurate written reports and present scientific papers at national and international conferences.


• Highly developed manual dexterity skills to achieve precision and speed in the use of sophisticated scientific and technical equipment.


• Ability to develop electronic documents, spreadsheets and Clinical Applications software.


• Ability to teach, train and supervise.


• Experience of supervising STP and/or Route 2 trainees.


• Good negotiating and influencing skills; able to gain acceptance and agreement in situations where change is needed.

Person Specification – Desirable Skills and Experience

• Use of Quality Systems.


• Knowledge of risk management systems.

Person Specification – Governance – Essential

• Understanding of incident reporting pathways (internal and external) in the context of diagnostic imaging.


• Participation in and contribution to Radiation Protection Committees, the Trust Radiation Modalities Group and the Trust Radiation Advisory Committee.

Person Specification – Personal/Professional Attributes – Essential

• An understanding of the risks associated with the incorrect calibration, misuse or failure of equipment.


• Highly developed scientific, analytical, interpretation and reasoning skills.


• Able to concentrate for long periods and when the work pattern is unpredictable.


• Flexibility in approach to coordinating workload.


• Able to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

Person Specification – Other Requirements – Essential

• Awareness of and adherence to the Trust's Vision, Mission and Values.


• Full UK driving licence and access to vehicle.

Employment Eligibility and Legal Requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions. 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. The UK Visas and Immigration website and the national Disclosure and Barring Service provide further information. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer Details

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Kent and Canterbury Hospital
Ethelbert Road
Canterbury
CT1 3NG
Website: https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/