Higher Scientist - Radiotherapy and Radiation Dosimetry

National Physical Laboratory; Teddington; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific research organisation based in Teddington is seeking a Higher Scientist to advance research in radiation dosimetry. This role involves planning and delivering research projects that hone dosimetry techniques for innovative radiotherapy methods. The successful candidate will hold a first degree in physical sciences and a relevant PhD, along with excellent experimental skills and computer literacy. The position allows hybrid work arrangements, promoting a good work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Good experimental skills with high attention to detail.
• Experience in a calibration laboratory or radiotherapy department is advantageous.
• Strong computer skills and oral/written communication.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver research projects and measurement services.
• Support standard measurements using graphite calorimeters.
• Develop tools and guidelines for microdosimetry.

Skills

Experimental skills

Computer literacy

Presentation skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Good first degree in physical sciences

Relevant PhD or postgraduate experience

Tools

Monte Carlo modelling

X-ray sets

Clinical linacs

Ionisation chambers

Job description

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a permanent position as Higher Scientist in NPL’s world-leading Radiotherapy and Radiation Dosimetry group. As a Higher Scientist, you’ll be expected to acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research. Also, if commercial opportunities arise from your work, you’ll need to flag these – as this is how new products and services are born. At NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other, and work together to do better for ourselves and our customers.

The Radiotherapy and Radiation Dosimetry group provide world‑class research, calibrations, specialised measurement services and training for the dosimetry of ionising radiation in cancer therapy, industrial sterilisation of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and radiation protection.

Responsibilities

We are looking to recruit a talented physicist with significant experience in radiation therapy dosimetry to plan and deliver a variety of exciting research projects and measurement services that support the development of dosimetry for new and emerging radiotherapy techniques. This may include:

• Support of primary standard measurements using graphite calorimeters in various radiotherapy modalities.
• The use of modelling techniques using Monte Carlo methods
• The development of tools and guidelines for clinical adoption of microdosimetry
• The development of measurement techniques and detectors for various radiotherapy modalities
• Presenting research results in the form of publications, reports and oral presentations at symposia and international conferences

The successful applicant would assist in the development and delivery of a range of medical and radiation protection related measurement services for approximately 1 / 3 of their time. This would mainly be on‑site at Teddington making use of our own state‑of‑the‑art facilities, which include a clinical linac, theratron cobalt‑60 irradiator and RayStation treatment planning system. On occasion it will involve work off‑site at various clinical medical physics departments or in overseas centres. As well as delivery of measurement services the work will involve:

• Applying your expertise to solve customer challenges and help to grow our commercial business in this area
• Working closely with the radiotherapy community

We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work‑life balance – if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

About You

To be successful in this Higher Scientist role, you should have a good first degree in the physical sciences and a relevant PhD and / or postgraduate experience. Beyond that, we’re looking for someone who’ll thrive in an environment like ours. You must be willing to occasionally work off‑site or abroad for limited periods of time. You will be encouraged to pursue continual professional development and to seek membership of the relevant professional bodies.

Other requirements include excellent experimental skills, be highly computer literate, possess excellent written and oral presentation skills and demonstrate a strong attention to detail and adherence to the highest quality standards. Previous experience in a calibration laboratory or radiotherapy department would be an advantage, as would experience of Monte Carlo modelling. Familiarity with the use of X‑ray sets, clinical linacs and associated imaging equipment, ionisation chambers and other radiation detectors is also highly desirable. You will be a team player, enthusiastic, conscientious, and a quick learner with excellent attention to detail.

Why NPL?

At NPL, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, the National Physical Laboratory is helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases, and the development of cutting‑edge communications technology. Our role is to research, create and deliver the measurement infrastructure which underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life across many fields of industry.