Principal Clinical Scientist in Non-Ionising Radiation Physics

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Principal Clinical Scientist in Non-Ionising Radiation Physics. The role involves leadership within a multi-disciplinary team, focusing on NIR safety, managing QA programs, and participating in clinical training. Candidates should possess advanced knowledge in NIR technologies and relevant degrees, including a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Medical Physics. Opportunities for career development and participation in conferences are included.

Benefits

Opportunities for career development

Participation in scientific conferences

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist is mandatory.
• Demonstrable experience in judging compliance with health legislation.
• Evidence of relevant publications in physics or healthcare.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical scientist in UV and US physics services.
• Manage and supervise scientific support activities.
• Coordinate training programs for staff in imaging physics.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of NIR safety

IT and data management skills

Experience in MRI physics

Clinical teaching and mentoring

Education

B.Sc. or equivalent

M.Sc. in Radiation/Medical Physics

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Image processing software

Office suite

Job description

Principal Clinical Scientist in Non-Ionising Radiation Physics

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic HCPC registered Clinical Scientist to take on a leadership role in Medical Physics within the Clinical Measurement and Innovation team at UHPT.

The successful candidate must have significant experience in non-ionising radiation (NIR) safety and optimisation, be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge in all areas of NIR. Candidates with 1-2 years experience working as an HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist may be considered for appointment as a Band 7 Clinical Scientist on a development pathway.

The applicant must be able to work and communicate effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team. There may be some line management duties as part of this role.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop their NIR physics skills, as well as attend scientific conferences and partake in development projects and continuing professional development. They will also actively participate in teaching and training within the section.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will undertake, supervise and manage scientific support for the following key work streams:

Lead clinical scientist in provision of UV and US physics services to act in defined roles (Nominated Medical Physicist in Phototherapies / Medical Physics Expert in Ultrasound).

Act as Assistant MR Safety Expert (MRSE*) and provide clinical scientific/technical services for MRI, UV, LASER and Ultrasound supporting Safety, Quality and Compliance Assurance.

Carry out acceptance testing and establish baseline performance criteria including device calibration

Responsible for organisation and delivery of routine QA tests including data and image analysis and patient dosimetry

Develop novel / advanced QA tests.

Investigate image quality issues such as artefacts and advise on remedies

Support clinical protocol implementation and optimisation across MRI, UV and US modalities

Advise on safety policies and procedures across MRI, UV, LASER and US modalities

Participate in the teaching, training and mentoring of Directorate trainees and other staff

Initiate and contribute to research, development and innovation projects, participate in service development and improvement.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job responsibilities

Managerial

Prioritize and manage own work.

Adhere to the ISO 9001:2015 accredited quality system.

Coordinate competency program for new staff and Clinical scientists

Coordinate staff assignment for quality assurance programme.

Work with the Head of Clinical Measurement and Innovation in developing relevant Service Level Agreements.

Plan and develop commissioning programs for new NIR equipment or upgrades to existing equipment.

Supervise unregistered clinical scientists employed in CM&I.

Maintain appropriate and accurate records of the procedures performed.

Organize the calibration of equipment in accordance with statutory requirements.

Participate and organize regular multi-disciplinary meetings, as required.

Teaching, Training and Research

Participate in training programmes for other staff including the preparation and presentation of lectures on areas of Imaging Physics and Radiation Protection to:

Radiology Registrars undertaking the FRCR Part 1 examination.

Trainee Clinical Scientists and Technologists

Participate and present in regular journal club meetings.

Attend national and international meetings/conferences, providing structured feedback to local staff.

Present original work at national meetings and conferences, and in publication.

Regularly propose and participate in research and development projects and clinical audits.

Co-ordinate development work within areas of responsibility.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Advanced theoretical proven knowledge and practical demonstrable experience across the range of working procedures and practices in NIR
• Advanced proven knowledge relevant legislation and guidance in healthcare and biomedical research
• Advanced proven knowledge of MR imaging technologies and image processing software
• Proven knowledge of the techniques employed to measure the performance and safety of state-of-the-art NIR equipment
• Advanced demonstrable experience in judging measures required to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.
• Demonstrable experience in MR physics as a registered clinical scientist
• Well-developed IT skills, including Office suite and specialist software systems; able to manage, manipulate and report information
• Proven evidence of publications.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. or equivalent
• M.Sc. in Radiation/Medical Physics or related subject.
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist.
• PhD. or equivalent
• Certificate of competence as a MRSE from IPEM
• LASER Protection Advisor certification from RPA2000
• Patient focus. Able to deal with occasional distressing circumstances
• Honesty, integrity and respect for confidentiality.

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.