Head of Radiology Physics | East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A large NHS Trust in the UK is seeking a Clinical Scientist specializing in Radiology Physics. The ideal candidate will have MPE accreditation, with a strong background in radiation protection and the ability to lead scientific services. Responsibilities include advising on imaging equipment, ensuring compliance with radiation regulations, and supporting Radiology teams to enhance service quality. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement are available.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Essential MPE accreditation required for the role.
• Knowledge of IR(ME)R and IRR regulations.
• Experience in clinical leadership within Radiology Physics.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on equipment for X-ray imaging.
• Lead on Radiation Protection Advising duties.
• Conduct compliance audits of radiation facilities.

Skills

MPE accreditation

RPA accreditation

Radiation protection expertise

Leadership skills

Education

Degree in Medical Physics or related field

Job description

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.

Please Note: MPE accreditation is essential for this role. We may be able to consider candidates who are close to submitting a portfolio for RPA accreditation within an agreed time frame.

Radiology Physics is part of the Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department, which has a high profile within the Trust and is building networks with other Trusts and Universities. We support a wide range of Diagnostic Radiology facilities, including CT, Mammography, Cardiac and the Kent Interventional Radiology Centre. Committed to providing a high quality, safe and effective service, we are able to offer opportunities for career development and progression within a vibrant, progressive and supportive team.

Main duties of job

• Helping to ensure that a safe and effective Radiology Physics service is provided to the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT)
• Delegated day-to-day scientific, technical, clinical and regulatory aspects of the Radiology Physics service
• Delegated day-to-day managerial aspects of the Radiology Physics service, in conjunction with the operational lead
• Lead Medical Physics Expert under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R 2017) for Diagnostic Radiology, leading the equipment assessment program, including specification, acceptance testing, commissioning, quality assurance and optimisation of complex imaging equipment, acting with a high degree of autonomy when dealing with varied and specialist issues
• Lead on the investigation of complex radiation dosimetry issues and advising on the associated risks
• Calculating dose and risk in the event of planned, unintended or accidental exposures including to the unborn child, and advising clinicians
• Providing / overseeing specialist radiation protection teaching and training to a range of staff groups and being the training lead for STP and Route 2 within the section
• Being an appointed Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR 2017) to EKHUFT
• Improving the delivery of the Radiology Physics services and conducting research and development

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'. Everything we do is guided by our 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'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day‑to‑day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.

Detailed JD and main responsibilities

• Act as Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA), Medical Physics Expert (MPE) and Operator for Radiology within the Trust and other healthcare organisations, fulfilling the legal requirements of IRR, IR(ME)R and associated guidelines / approved codes of practice
• Providing expert advice at all levels on highly complex issues, including specification, selection, commissioning and routine assessment of highly complex and patient‑critical equipment for X‑ray imaging, in an efficient and timely manner
• The design of new or modified radiation facilities including sophisticated shielding calculations and surveys to ensure staff and the public are protected in accordance with the limits and recommendations set in national legislation
• Regular IRR and IR(ME)R compliance audits of radiation facilities
• Managing programs for the examination, testing and calibration of radiation protection and quality assurance equipment in accordance with national guidance and best practice
• Clinical incident investigation, including notification of clinically significant incidents to the Care Quality Commission; advising when the patient and IR(ME)R duty holders need to be notified
• Incident investigation and reporting, including notification of serious incidents to the Health and Safety Executive
• Specific risk assessments for patients, staff and members of public relating to radiation exposure
• Leading on Trust input and response to external reviews and audits from the Care Quality Commission and Health and Safety Executive regarding the use of ionising radiation in imaging
• Optimisation programmes, dose audits and local diagnostic reference level setting for radiographic equipment
• Assisting clinical teams in the implementation of new techniques and diagnostic procedures using X‑ray imaging equipment
• Devising assessment methodologies for a wide range of imaging equipment to establish and maintain diagnostic suitability and radiation safety
• Creation and review of IR(ME)R Employer’s Procedures in collaboration with clinical staff
• Oversight of the development, testing, validation and full documentation of software tools required for the Radiology Physics service
• Provision of MPE advice to clinical trials involving X‑ray imaging
• Keeping scientific and clinical developments in Diagnostic Radiology under review. Working with Radiographers, Radiologists and other medical staff to introduce new techniques for patient processes so as to provide the highest standard of imaging
• Advising the Head of Clinical Physics and the Head of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering on issues relating to Radiology Physics
• Producing and maintaining good documentation for protocols and procedures of the Radiology Physics service and assisting in the development and maintenance of the ISO accredited quality system
• Maintaining agreed statistics and producing the required data for regulatory agencies

This advert closes on Sunday 23 Nov 2025.