Principal Clinical Computer Scientist (MRI)

Swansea Bay University Health Board; Swansea; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Swansea Bay University Health Board is seeking a Principal Clinical Computer Scientist (MRI) to lead MRI computing, AI and imaging informatics initiatives. The role sits within the MRI Physics Service and involves developing computational tools, quantitative MRI methods, and advanced data workflows across Wales.

You will work with MRI physicists, radiographers, clinicians and academic partners to advance clinical software and safety, contributing to research translation and national service

Qualifications

• Honours degree in computing or related field.
• HCPC registration as Clinical Scientist.
• Advanced knowledge of Clinical Scientific Computing and MRI computing.
• Experience with software development and Python.

Responsibilities

• Lead MRI computing projects and develop computational tools.
• Support MRI services across Wales and collaborate with academic partners.
• Translate research into clinical practice and drive innovation.
• Ensure data governance and safety in computational workflows.

Skills

MRI computing

Imaging informatics

Software development

Python

Leadership

Education

Honours degree in computing/science/engineering

MSc in a relevant field

HCPC registration as Clinical Scientist

Tools

MATLAB

SQL

IDEA/ICE

EPIC

Job description

Welcome to Swansea Bay University Health Board. We welcome applications from people who share our values: caring for each other, working together and always improving.

Swansea Bay University Health Board reserve the right to close this vacancy after 24 hours if a large number of suitable applications are received. Therefore we encourage early applications to ensure consideration for this post.

Prior consideration for this vacancy will be given to staff currently awaiting redeployment and we therefore reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any stage.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job overview

Candidates are expected to possess: - Clinical Scientist registration

However, if all other essential criteria are met, the candidate will be considered for appointment via Annex 21. In such a case, the candidate will be required to achieve this requirement within three years of appointment.

Applicants appointed under Annex 21 arrangements will undertake a structured training programme and will receive 65% of the (top of) Band 8A salary in Year 1, 70% in Year 2 and 75% in Year 3. Progression to the full Band 8A post and salary will be subject to successful completion of the required competencies, qualifications and training requirements.

The MRI Physics Service is the dedicated MRI Physics service in Wales, providing specialist scientific support across Wales. We support MRI safety, quality assurance, research, innovation and clinical service development.We are seeking an enthusiastic Clinical Scientist specialising in Clinical Scientific Computing to join our growing team. This is a unique opportunity to help develop a dedicated MRI scientific computing service in Wales, working at the interface of healthcare science, AI, imaging informatics and advanced MRI technologies.

Main duties of the job

As a Principal Clinical Computer Scientist (MRI), you will provide expertise in MRI computing, AI, imaging informatics, and clinical software. Working within the MRI Physics Service, you will support MRI services across Wales through development of computational tools, quantitative MRI methods, image reconstruction pipelines, automation technologies and advanced data workflows, with focus areas depending on your expertise.

The role will support MRI services across multiple NHS Wales organisations and partner institutions, contributing to nationally coordinated service development and innovation.

You will lead projects, working closely with MRI physicists, radiographers, clinicians, Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW), Health Board digital services and academic collaborators.

The role offers a rare opportunity to combine clinical service delivery, research, software engineering and healthcare innovation. You will contribute to the translation of computational technologies from research into clinical practice and help shape the future of MRI computing and artificial intelligence within NHS Wales.

We have strong links with Swansea University and a wide network of NHS, academic and industry collaborators, providing excellent opportunities for research and innovation.

Opportunities exist to contribute to grant-funded research programmes, supervise students, publish scientific work and develop an academic portfolio alongside clinical responsibilities.

Working for our organisation

We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.

As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.

You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.

There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.

Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.

If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and person specification for a detailed outline of the job requirements. This is available for you bilingually, in English and Welsh.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person specification

Qualifications & Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Honours degree and MSc in a relevant computing, scientific or engineering discipline.
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist.
• Advanced knowledge of Clinical Scientific Computing, MRI computing, imaging informatics, software development, digital safety and healthcare data standards.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, governance, quality systems, software lifecycle methodologies and scientific programming (including Python).
• Experience of MRI computing, scientific software development and digital innovation within healthcare or research environments.

Desirable criteria

• Corporate membership of IPEM, BCS or equivalent professional body.
• Teaching qualification (e.g. FHEA).
• PhD or equivalent research experience.
• MRI scanner, pulse-sequence, MATLAB or advanced MRI algorithm development experience.
• Experience leading research projects, securing funding or contributing to national professional groups.

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of MRI computing, imaging informatics and scientific software development within healthcare or research environments.
• Experience of developing and implementing computational methods, digital workflows and Python-based software solutions.
• Experience of applying information governance, cybersecurity and quality-management principles.
• Experience of research, service development and supervision of staff, trainees or students.

Desirable criteria

• Experience leading research projects or securing grant funding.
• Experience developing advanced MRI algorithms, AI applications or pulse-sequence software.
• Experience of MATLAB, SQL or vendor development environments (e.g. IDEA/ICE, EPIC).
• Experience contributing to national or international professional groups.
• Experience of MRI scanner operation and QA data acquisition.

Aptitude and abilities

Essential criteria

• Adhere to and can demonstrate SBU Values & Behaviours.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop innovative computational solutions and produce high-quality scientific documentation.
• Ability to work independently, supervise others and manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to MRI safety, information governance, cybersecurity.

Desirable criteria

• Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Welsh.

Other

Essential criteria

• Valid UK driving licence and Enhanced DBS clearance.
• Ability to travel between sites and work safely within MRI environments.
• Ability to use specialist equipment and undertake prolonged VDU work.

Swansea Bay University Health Board is committed to supporting its staff and processes to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing service users experience. In our commitment to increase the number of staff able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

Equality remains at the centre of the Health Boards policy-making, service delivery and employment practices. We value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from people from protected groups under the Equality Act 2010, this specifically includes age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/reassignment, race, religion, disability, pregnancy and maternity and marriage and civil partnership.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and applications are welcomed from persons with disabilities. A disability will not prejudice your application. If you are unable to submit your application in the requested format because of a disability please contact the Recruitment Team, who will agree a more suitable way for you to apply. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification will be invited to interview.

To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a