Principal Clinical Scientist - Lead for Dosimetry and Quality Control

NHS; Preston; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The NHS seeks an experienced Medical Physics Expert for its Rosemere Cancer Centre, responsible for leadership in dosimetry and quality control procedures. Ideal candidates will have a strong educational background in physical science and relevant certifications, contributing to critical healthcare operations amidst an enthusiastic multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• HCPC registered as a clinical scientist required.
• Medical Physics Expert certification from RPA2000 necessary.
• Sufficient experience in radiotherapy to act as Medical Physics Expert.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for scientific and technical aspects of dosimetry and quality control procedures.
• Oversee calibration and performance of radiotherapy equipment.
• Lead audits and ensure compliance with quality management systems.

Skills

Leadership

Quality Management

Dosimetry

Education

Honours degree in an appropriate physical science

Postgraduate Degree (e.g. Masters level and above)

State Registered Clinical Scientist

Registered as a MPE with RPA 2000

Job description

Job summary

Are you looking for a role with increased responsibility? We are seeking an experienced, highly skilled and motivated Medical Physics Expert to join our multidisciplinary team at the Rosemere Cancer Centre radiotherapy department. The successful applicant will provide scientific leadership and day-to-day operational management of Dosimetry and Quality Control of Radiotherapy Equipment.

You will join an enthusiastic and friendly team of 18 clinical scientists, 12 dosimetrists, 8 engineers and a quality manager. In addition to this we also currently have 3 STP trainees and looking to actively recruit apprentice engineers in to our team.

You will already be a HCPC registered as a clinical scientist and have Medical Physics Expert certification from RPA2000.

Main duties of the job

To be responsible on a day-to-day basis and act as primary point of scientific and technical contact for operational aspects and issues relating to dosimetry and quality control procedures for radiotherapy equipment.

To develop and maintain dosimetry and quality control procedures for radiotherapy equipment within the department's quality management system using a risk-based approach based on manufacturer, national and international recommendations.

To organise and schedule, with support from the Head of Radiotherapy Engineering and Principal Radiographers, the dosimetry and quality control program for radiotherapy equipment.

To oversee and monitor the calibration, performance and quality assurance of radiotherapy equipment and appropriately feedback any issues to all Radiotherapy Physics and clinical staff.

To lead on and organise acceptance testing and commissioning of radiotherapy equipment and software as agreed with the Head/Deputy Head of Radiotherapy Physics.

To be department lead for dosimetry audits.

To undertake the role of lead Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) within Radiotherapy Physics.

Understand and undertake role as Medical Physics Expert and Operator under IR(ME)R 2017.

To escalate serious/strategic issues in relation to radiotherapy equipment to the Head/Deputy Head of Radiotherapy Physics and other senior colleagues within the wider department.

About us

Rosemere Cancer Centre is on the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Royal Preston Hospital site and provides an external beam radiotherapy service for the adult population of Lancashire and South Cumbria (1.6 Million population). The centre has:

• • Eight clinical Elekta linacs (including two Harmony Pro linacs), all with Vision RT surface guided technology, CBCT, flattening filter free treatment capability and equipped with Response ABC system.
  • Two dedicated Philips Big Bore CT scanners with Vision RT surface guided technology.
  • MOSAIQ and SYNERGISTIQ(TM).

• Treatment planning is conducted on Pinnacle throughout the department. Some treatment planning is also being carried out on Raystation.
• Independent VMAT plan verification is carried out using Sun Nuclear DoseCHECK.
• Rosemere is commissioned to provide SABR for primary lung tumours and oligometasteses (non-spine and spine, lung, liver and adrenal) in addition to intracranial SRS.
• Current exciting developments include:
  • Commissioning and implementation of our first Elekta EVO linac.
  • Commissioning and implementation of Monaco treatment planning system to replace Pinnacle.
  • Evaluation of Sun Nuclear PerFRACTION for pre-treatment and in vivo QA.
  • Roll out use of Vision RT surface guided technology for all sites. System already in use for all palliative, breast, lung and prostate patients as a result we are offering tattoo-less radiotherapy for some of these sites.
  • Implementation of Elekta ONE Smart View

Details Date posted

16 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£62,215 to £72,293 a year Per annum/Pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

438-PB3140

Job locations

Royal Preston Hospital

Sharoe Green Lane

Preston

PR2 9HT

Job description Job responsibilities

See attached Job Description for details of main responsibilities.

Being Caring and Compassionate

Being caring and compassionate is at the heart of everything we do, it is about understanding what each person needs and striving to make a positive difference in whatever way we can.

Recognising Individuality

Appreciating differences, making staff and patients feel respected and valued.

Seeking to Involve

Actively gets involved and encourages others to contribute and share their ideas, information, knowledge and skills in order to provide a joined up service.

Building Team Spirit

Working together as one team with shared goals doing what it takes to provide the best possible service.

Taking Personal Responsibility

Individuals are accountable for achieving improvements to obtain the highest standards of care in the most professional way, resulting in a service we can all be proud of.

Job description Job responsibilities

See attached Job Description for details of main responsibilities.

Being Caring and Compassionate

Being caring and compassionate is at the heart of everything we do, it is about understanding what each person needs and striving to make a positive difference in whatever way we can.

Recognising Individuality

Appreciating differences, making staff and patients feel respected and valued.

Seeking to Involve

Actively gets involved and encourages others to contribute and share their ideas, information, knowledge and skills in order to provide a joined up service.

Building Team Spirit

Working together as one team with shared goals doing what it takes to provide the best possible service.

Taking Personal Responsibility

Individuals are accountable for achieving improvements to obtain the highest standards of care in the most professional way, resulting in a service we can all be proud of.

Person Specification Qualifications & Education Essential

• State Registered Clinical Scientist
• Honours degree in an appropriate physical science
• Postgraduate Degree (e.g. Masters level and above)
• Registered as a MPE with RPA 2000

Desirable

• Full membership of IPEM or other equivalent professional body
• PhD or equivalent evidence of research training
• Recognised leadership / management qualification
• Registered as a Higher Specialist Scientist with AHCS
• RPA Certificate

Knowledge & Experience Essential

• Sufficient experience to act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in the required areas of radiotherapy
• Expert knowledge in one or more aspects of radiotherapy physics
• Experience of planning/implementation of new facilities/techniques/equipment within a team
• Knowledge of computer software packages used for analysing and presenting data
• Working knowledge of quality management systems
• Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional guidelines
• Basic understanding of HR policies and procedures
• Line management experience for staff including staff appraisals

Desirable

• Involved with the operation of Quality management systems
• Extensive planning / implementation experience of new facilities / equipment
• Understanding of research and clinical governance

Person Specification Qualifications & Education Essential

• State Registered Clinical Scientist
• Honours degree in an appropriate physical science
• Postgraduate Degree (e.g. Masters level and above)
• Registered as a MPE with RPA 2000

Desirable

• Full membership of IPEM or other equivalent professional body
• PhD or equivalent evidence of research training
• Recognised leadership / management qualification
• Registered as a Higher Specialist Scientist with AHCS
• RPA Certificate

Knowledge & Experience Essential

• Sufficient experience to act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in the required areas of radiotherapy
• Expert knowledge in one or more aspects of radiotherapy physics
• Experience of planning/implementation of new facilities/techniques/equipment within a team
• Knowledge of computer software packages used for analysing and presenting data
• Working knowledge of quality management systems
• Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional guidelines
• Basic understanding of HR policies and procedures
• Line management experience for staff including staff appraisals

Desirable

• Involved with the operation of Quality management systems
• Extensive planning / implementation experience of new facilities / equipment
• Understanding of research and clinical governance

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Preston Hospital

Sharoe Green Lane

Preston

PR2 9HT

Employer's website

https://www.lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Preston Hospital

Sharoe Green Lane

Preston

PR2 9HT

Employer's website

https://www.lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)