Principal Clinical Scientist

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider seeks a Principal Clinical Scientist for the Radiotherapy Physics Department. This role involves working with a multidisciplinary team, utilizing data analysis to enhance radiotherapy systems, and ensuring quality care delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in clinical computing and be HCPC registered.

Qualifications

• HCPC registered as a clinical scientist.
• Experience as a Medical Physics Expert in radiotherapy.

Responsibilities

• Support management of radiotherapy systems.
• Integrate data for decision-making in treatment planning.

Skills

Data analysis

Scientific leadership

Communication

Education

Honours degree in a physical science

Postgraduate degree

Tools

Pinnacle

Raystation

Monaco

Mosaiq

Suncheck

QAtrack+

Limbus

ProKnow

SGRT

XVI

Job description

Job summary

Are you looking for a role with increased responsibility? There is a vacancy for a Principal Clinical Scientist based in the Radiotherapy Physics Department at the Royal Preston Hospital.

You will join an enthusiastic and friendly team of 17 clinical scientists, 12 dosimetrists, 8 engineers, and a quality manager. We are also actively recruiting apprentice engineers and currently have 3 STP trainees.

You must already be HCPC registered as a clinical scientist and have or be close to gaining Medical Physics Expert certification.

Main duties of the job

We seek an experienced, highly skilled, and motivated clinical scientist to join our multidisciplinary team at the Rosemere Cancer Centre radiotherapy department. You will work in the Imaging and Clinical Computing section and serve as a Medical Physics Expert within the broader radiotherapy department.

This role offers a unique opportunity for someone with a strong background in clinical computing and data analysis to support management of a wide range of radiotherapy systems, including treatment planning systems (Pinnacle, Raystation, Monaco), oncology management system (Mosaiq), quality control systems (Suncheck, QAtrack+), and treatment delivery/support systems (Limbus, ProKnow, SGRT, XVI). Collaboration with the Trust IT department to ensure system and data governance is also essential.

You will integrate data from multiple systems to provide decision-making support, including in treatment planning and adaptive radiotherapy, with a focus on evaluating clinical outcomes. You will also utilize data to optimize quality assurance and ensure efficient care delivery.

About us

Rosemere Cancer Centre, located at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Royal Preston Hospital, provides external beam radiotherapy for Lancashire and South Cumbria's adult population (1.6 million). The centre features:

• Eight clinical Elekta linacs, including two Harmony Pro units, with Vision RT surface-guided technology, CBCT, FFF treatment capability, and Response ABC system.
• Two Philips Big Bore CT scanners with Vision RT technology.
• MOSAIQ and SYNERGISTIQ systems.

Treatment planning is primarily conducted on Pinnacle, with some on Raystation. Independent VMAT plan verification is performed using Sun Nuclear DoseCHECK. The centre offers SABR for primary lung tumors and oligometastases, including intracranial SRS.

Recent developments include:

• Commissioning and implementation of Monaco treatment planning system.
• Evaluation of Sun Nuclear PerFRACTION for pre-treatment and in vivo QA.
• Expansion of Vision RT surface-guided technology use across all sites, enabling tattoo-less radiotherapy for select cases.
• Implementation of Elekta ONE Smart View.

Details

Date posted: 16 May 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8a

Salary: £53,755 to £60,504 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 438-PB2939

Location: Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane, Preston, PR2 9HT

Job responsibilities

See attached Job Description for details of main responsibilities.

Core values

We value caring and compassion, understanding individual needs, and making a positive difference. We appreciate diversity and aim to make staff and patients feel respected and valued. We encourage involvement, teamwork, and personal responsibility to achieve high standards of care and service excellence.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Education (Essential)

• State Registered Clinical Scientist
• Honours degree in a physical science
• Postgraduate degree (e.g., Masters or higher)
• Registered as an MPE with RPA 2000

Qualifications & Education (Desirable)

• Full membership of IPEM or equivalent
• PhD or research training evidence

Knowledge & Experience (Essential)

• Experience as a Medical Physics Expert in radiotherapy
• Expert knowledge in radiotherapy physics
• Experience with planning/implementation of new facilities/techniques/equipment
• Data analysis software proficiency
• Knowledge of quality management systems and health and safety legislation

Knowledge & Experience (Desirable)

• Experience with quality management systems operation
• Supervision of students/trainees
• Research and clinical governance understanding

Skills & Abilities (Essential)

• Strong scientific leadership
• Excellent communication of complex concepts
• Publication record

Skills & Abilities (Desirable)

• Collaboration experience
• Externally funded research projects
• Teaching experience

Additional requirements

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check and requires current UK professional registration. Applications requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome, with further details available on the UK Visas and Immigration website.