Nuclear Medicine Principal Physicist, Band 8a

NHS; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job description

Nuclear Medicine Principal Physicist, Band 8a

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Nuclear Medicine Principal Physicist- Band 8a

We welcome applications from candidates with relevant qualifications, however those with less experience are invited to apply.

The post holder will advise on the safe and optimised use of ionising radiation, sealed and unsealed sources within the Nuclear Medicine departments, providing advice on the appropriate choice of clinical equipment and technique and act as a Medical Physics Expert to the Trust. Scientific advice and support is provided to the Nuclear Medicine service in the areas of quality assurance, imaging, image processing, non-imaging, therapy, radiation protection, and also to other staff groups. The post-holder will be responsible for the provision of training and education to trainee clinical scientists within the speciality of Nuclear Medicine.

Main duties of the job

1. To participate in the organisation and provision of commissioning and routine performance testing of Nuclear Medicine diagnostic imaging and non-imaging equipment in the Nuclear Medicine departments.
2. To be responsible for the programme of routine quality control (QC) of imaging and non-imaging equipment including isotope calibrators, gamma counter, radiation and contamination monitors and gamma cameras.
3. To be appointed as a Medical Physics Expert in the field of Nuclear Medicine as defined in the IR(ME)R 2017. To have an in-depth knowledge of the legislation associated with ionising radiation, including the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017, the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017, Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 and the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009.
4. To be the scientific training lead for trainee clinical scientists, clinical technologists and radiographers.
5. To analyse nuclear medicine procedures to optimise patient dose and image quality and advise on safe working practices.
6. To assist in the development and maintenance of scientific aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic services and radiation protection in the Nuclear Medicine department. Taking the lead in developing new techniques and processes. To disseminate the work locally, regionally and nationally, making presentations at national meetings when appropriate.

About us

Gloucestershire Hospitals is one of the largest hospital trusts in England serving a diverse population of almost 620,000 people. We provide acute hospital services from two large district general hospitals, Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Maternity Services are also provided at Stroud Maternity Hospital.

Our people are at the heart of what we do. Our workforce is almost 9,000 strong and our caring and dedicated staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care across a range of clinical areas. We also have exceptional teams of professional services staff underpinning our vision every step of the way.

We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our vision of providing Best Care for Everyone and our success depends on the commitment and dedication of our staff.

We are committed to diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity for everyone, valuing and celebrating differences and encouraging a workplace and culture where all can thrive. We endeavour to ensure each and every person working in our organisation feels respected and valued. Respecting and valuing differences will help to ensure that our policies and services reflect the needs and experiences of the people and community we serve.

Job responsibilities

1. To carry out audit of staff and patient doses in Nuclear Medicine and to provide dose data for national databases. To investigate and analyse, using complex calculations, irregular staff and patient doses and to make appropriate recommendations.
2. To assist in the preparation and maintenance of comprehensive operating manuals for all procedures carried out within the areas of radiation safety audit, patient dosimetry and quality control. To ensure that all activities are carried out within a quality framework and meet regulatory requirements.
3. To teach and train Trainee Clinical Scientists and Technologists. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science for STP training and by IPEM for Clinical Technologists training. To provide radiation protection training to other professional groups and GLOSRAD customers.
4. To carry out where appropriate the calibration of specialist instruments used in commissioning and performance testing of Nuclear Medicine equipment.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• MSc in Medical Physics
• HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist (Medical Physics)
• Certificate of competence as a Medical Physics Expert in Nuclear Medicine
• Certificate of competence as an RPW or RWA
• Leadership Course

Experience

• Previous experience in a leadership role

Knowledge, Skill, Abilities

• Experience of performing routine QC on imaging and non-imaging equipment and able to analyse results and recommend most appropriate course of action.
• Demonstrates detailed knowledge of Radiation Protection Legislation and how it applies to Nuclear Medicine.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and ability to deliver training.
• Good organisational skills, including ability to prioritise workload.
• Ability to establish good working relationships with staff in and outside the department.
• Knowledge of software, e.g. Isostock, CRIS, PACS.

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.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£53,755 to £60,504 a year (pro rata if part time)