Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Technologist)

NHS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization located in Manchester is looking for a motivated Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Technologist) to join their x-ray equipment evaluation team. This role involves performing equipment performance testing and radiation protection surveys while providing essential quality assurance to NHS radiology departments. Suitable candidates should possess a STEM degree and demonstrate excellent problem-solving abilities. Full training will be offered for the role, with a competitive salary range of £31,049 to £37,796 annually.

Qualifications

• Registered with RCT as Clinical Technologist or eligible for HCPC registration.
• Experience with a variety of X-ray imaging equipment.
• Valid driving licence and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Undertakes level B equipment performance and radiation protection surveys.
• Produces electronic reports detailing findings and recommendations.
• Calibrates x-ray dose measuring equipment.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Good communication skills

Ability to work independently

Teamwork

Advanced Excel skills

Education

Degree or equivalent in appropriate STEM subject

GCSE English, Maths and ICT or science

Job description

Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Technologist)

We are seeking a motivated, methodical Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Technologist) with problem solving skills to join our x-ray equipment evaluation team. The successful applicant will join a growing team of ~30 scientists, technologists and administrators - providing equipment quality assurance and scientific support to NHS radiology departments in the North West of England.

You will be assisting in all aspects of the service, including regular travel to customer sites to provide performance testing on a variety of diagnostic imaging equipment (e.g. dental, CR&DR radiographic and fluoroscopic), radiation protection surveys of diagnostic radiology installations and calibration of radiation instruments. When not working off-site you will be analysing data and producing reports, assisting with training of staff and customers.

Candidates should have scientific and interpersonal skills. There is a need for good communication skills to be able to work with colleagues in physics and radiology and professional behaviours are expected. Proactive team working is essential as well as the ability to work independently.

Please note that this role is in diagnostic radiology physics, not radiotherapy or nuclear medicine. It is not a 'radiographer post' nor patient-facing. However, radiographers with experience of performing QA on diagnostic equipment hoping for a change of field would be suitable candidates.

Main duties of the job

Undertakes level B (physics) equipment performance and radiation protection surveys. Writes reports detaining findings and making recommendations. Investigates equipment performance concerns where they arise. Takes ownership of the quality of their work.A working understanding of x-ray equipment, radiation instrumentation (such as dosemeters) and the relevant UK ionising radiation regulations and guidance/standards will be expected.Calibrates x-ray dose measuring equipment.

Providing advice on level A (radiographer) QC testing, review results and report findings. Training and supporting customers to fulfil their QC requirements for equipment.

Support senior practitioners and scientists in aspects of regulatory compliance at The Christie and in the North West region. Taking a lead in a small aspect of organisation for the team as required.

Applicants should be registered with the RCT as a Clinical Technologist or the HCPC as a Healthcare Science Practitioner (or eligible for these registrations) and have experience in the use of a range of X-ray imaging equipment.

Suitable applicants without knowledge/skills/experience (or registration) will be considered for appointment at band 4 while training (see job description). A current valid driving licence and a willingness to travel is essential to the role.

About us

We are the Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Section of the Imaging Physics and Radiation Protection Group within CMPE, based at The Christie in Manchester. We have a large, fast paced service with opportunities for service development in response to government strategies around imaging capacity, workforce growth, role advancement, uptake of digital tools and efficient/flexible teams. Due to the size of the regional service we have access to an extensive portfolio of equipment with a focus on diagnostic/interventional radiology. Continued professional development is essential and supported. There is a well-established career structure for Clinical Technologists within our team.Manchester is a hub for sport, music and culture as well as a friendly, vibrant city. The Christie is located 4 miles to the south of the City, in close proximity to Didsbury and Chorlton where there are many independent shops, restaurants and bars. There is a number of National Parks nearby and, for travelling further afield, Manchester International Airport (with flights to over 200 destinations) is minutes away while London is only 2 hours by train.Additional information about the group can be found via The Christie website at Christie Medical Physics and Engineering.

Job responsibilities

Equipment performance testing and radiation protection surveys (main focus of role) Undertakes equipment performance and radiation protection surveys, alone or with a colleague, following standard operating procedures defined within an ISO9001 quality system.

• Performs routine quality control on existing installations
• Assists in the critical examination and commissioning of new equipment to ensure that it is safe for bringing into clinical use
• Assists with investigation of faults on existing installations
• Calibrates patient dose measuring equipment to confirm the accuracy of recorded doses
• Checking the radiation protection of the installation to ensure staff and public safety. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects
• Analysing the results of equipment performance measurements
• Write electronic reports for the Radiation Protection Advisor/Medical Physics Expert and customers, detailing findings and recommending actions required
• Calibrating x-ray dose measuring equipment
• Perform testing of UV units, as required by the group. providing advice on level A QC testing, review results and report findings.

Radiation Protection Assist in providing radiation protection advice and support as required in the team. This includes

• Producing ad hoc reports on equipment or customer sites, e.g. lists of equipment due, inter-comparison of similar equipment types
• Updating central records of measurements, e.g. typical patient doses, equipment calibration factors
• Calibrating radiation protection meters as required and/or organising dispatch of equipment for external calibration.

Supervision and responsibilities for information resources Maintains accurate records using Excel and Access (or other databases as rolled out in the NHS), e.g. results from testing, details of equipment Liaise with radiographic staff to book survey visits in conjunction with the Booking Team as required Supervise less experienced healthcare science staff (assistants, associates, practitioners or scientists) when undertaking equipment performance and radiation protection surveys as part of their training. Undertake internal audits. A take a lead on a number of group functions such as H&S checks, oversight of online QA platforms, maintaining our inventory etc, as required

Professional Undertakes training identified as required for role, including continuing professional development Gains and maintains registration as clinical technologist Follow the appropriate key work instructions, risk assessments and systems of work and ensure direct supervision of those you are responsible for until they are competent. Collaborates with other members of the group in the improvement of test protocols. Contributes to the teaching (and outreach) commitments of the service such as assisting in the preparation and delivery of material, e.g. at the Radiation Protection Supervisors courses. Contributes to the research and development of the service, e.g. by carrying out measurements or processing data

Note:This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service. Since from time to time these needs may change it is necessary to recognise that the post holder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the Director.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• GCSE English*, Maths and ICT or science (C grade & above)
• Degree or equivalent in appropriate STEM subject
• Eligible for registration with the Register of Clinical Technologists or HCPC**
• Registration in Diagnostic Radiology / Rad. Prot. field

Experience

• Operation of diagnostic X-ray equipment across a range of modalities (independently)
• QA of rad/CR/DR equipment
• QA of fluoroscopy mobiles
• QA of dental equipment
• Writing equipment performance reports for QA visits
• Performing investigations into DX X-ray equipment performance issues
• QA of more advanced x-ray equipment
• RP tasks (see notes in JD)
• Calibration of dosemeters
• Providing training or advice for Level A (radiographer) QA
• Assisting with non-routine QA of diagnostic X-ray equipment
• Supervision/training of staff

Skills

• High level of literacy and numeracy
• Ability to operate complex imaging equipment
• Ability to position tests tools with precision, routinely
• Ability to operate radiation instruments/dosemeters
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, scientific software and word processing to analyse data and produce reports
• Ability to problem solve/fault find/investigate issues
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to analyse complex scientific data and clearly communicate findings/recommendations
• Ability to apply health & safety and risk management principles to practical scenarios
• Ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Advanced Excel skills
• Training / presenting

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of appropriate UK radiation legislation and practical radiation safety principles
• Knowledge of radiation physics and a wide range of diagnostic X-ray equipment
• Working knowledge of radiation instrumentation and test objects
• Working knowledge of recommended standards of X-ray equipment
• Knowledge of X-ray equipment life cycle and stages of QA
• Basic knowledge of quality systems

Values

• Ability to demonstrate the organisation's values and behaviours including respect towards others at all times.
• Commitment to reflective practice and CPD
• Adherence to RCT code of conduct

Other

• Valid driving licence for manually operated cars.
• Willing to work flexibly within group expectations (see notes below)
• Physically able to lift heavy measuring equipment (up to 15 kg)
• Enthusiasm, integrity and commitment to this 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.

CMPE Diagnostic Radiology Physics Serv - D00003

£31,049 to £37,796 a yearper annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

413-101072-CMPE-AK

Job locations

CMPE Diagnostic Radiology Physics Serv - D00003