Senior phototesting technician/technologist | Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in London is seeking a Specialist Practitioner in Photosensitivity Testing. This senior role involves conducting specialist tests, supervising staff, and engaging in clinical research. Ideal candidates will have a relevant MSc and experience in phototesting, along with skills in training and patient management. This position is vital for delivering high-quality patient care in photodermatology.

Qualifications

• Experience in clinical phototesting or related field essential.
• Knowledge of non-ionising radiation and related policies.
• Ability to supervise and train staff in phototesting.

Responsibilities

• Organise and carry out clinical phototesting on patients.
• Provide clinical advice regarding photoprotection.
• Manage training requirements for staff within the unit.

Education

MSc in relevant field

Job description

Overview

Specialist Practitioner in Photosensitivity Testing – Senior phototesting technician/technologist.

AREA/SPECIALITY: Phototesting | GRADE: Band 7 | DEPARTMENT: Photodermatology Unit and Medical Physics | LOCATION: Guy’s Hospital, Dowling Day Treatment Centre

The post holder will work within the department of Photodermatology, carrying out specialist photosensitivity tests on patients to support their clinical diagnosis. The post holder is responsible for the safe delivery of all aspects of the service, including compliance with Trust policies, maintenance of photosensitivity testing equipment (with support & training from Medical Physics) and coordination of patient workload. The post holder will participate in regular clinical audit and R&D activities and will provide supervision and training for staff and other professionals. The post holder will give clinical specialist advice to patients regarding specialist photoprotection in the photodermatoses.

The Non-Ionising Radiation Section of Medical Physics provides a clinical scientific service to a wide range of clinical departments at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, including Dermatology, and to other Trusts in London and the South East. The role may also provide technical support for clinical phototherapy, though the main role is phototesting. The postholder will engage in and support research and service development across Photodermatology and Medical Physics.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust comprises five hospitals and associated services, with a history of high-quality care, research and innovation. The Trust is part of King’s Health Partners and hosts NIHR facilities and dedicated clinical research facilities.

Responsibilities

• Organise and carry out clinical phototesting on patients as part of clinical investigation of photosensitivity, including monochromator and solar simulator phototesting and minimal erythema/phototoxic dose testing.
• Manage the organisation of patients’ admissions for phototesting and other investigations.
• Provide Specialist Clinical advice to patients regarding effective photoprotection and topical therapy in the photodermatoses (under supervision from Photodermatology consultants).
• Supervise, monitor and regularly calibrate and perform quality control checks of highly complex optical equipment used in phototesting; maintain records of procedures, replacements, adjustments or repairs.
• Maintain clinical databases for the Photodermatology unit and produce monthly/annual phototest reports.
• Collaborate with colleagues in other Photodermatology centres and with the Medical Physics Department as needed.
• Supervise and manage training requirements for all technologist and nursing staff in phototesting, develop in-house training programmes and assess competency levels.
• Coordinate annual appraisal and continuing competency monitoring; participate in recruitment of technologists and contribute to organisational activities within Photodermatology.
• Participate in effective team working and in the organization and smooth running of Photodermatology as directed by the Head of Department and Management Team.
• Maintain compliance with Trust policies on non-ionising radiation equipment and participate in review/update of phototest protocols as evidence evolves.
• Support routine audits, participate in research projects related to phototesting, and ensure risk management and patient involvement in service development.
• Record patient-related results and reports in health records; facilitate high quality, cost-effective care and contribute to standards of care for phototesting.
• Identify and address gaps where standards of care are not met, and work with the Head of Department to implement remedies.

Education, Training and Development

• Teach MSc students and Photodermatology Course delegates about phototesting.
• Educate patients with photodermatoses about their disease and treatment under the Photosensitivity Practitioner role.
• Ensure personal compliance with mandatory professional development and participate in CPD activities, as agreed through appraisal.
• Support learning and development of other staff within Dermatology, including demonstrations of procedures and equipment to MSc students, academic and clinical staff.
• Organise equipment demonstrations at Photodermatology Course and other study days.

Research and Development

• Coordinate the introduction of new phototesting techniques and coordinate clinical studies under the guidance of Principal Investigators in Dermatology and Medical Physics.
• Assist with clinical research studies involving volunteers and patients; arrange studies, provide protocol advice, ensure protocol adherence, and record data per Good Clinical Practice.
• Coordinate with pharmaceutical representatives for study startup, closeout and monitoring to ensure smooth running of research studies.

Management and Leadership

• Organise and manage the Phototesting Service; coordinate the introduction of new techniques in phototesting.
• Participate in departmental meetings, audits and other group activities; contribute to Trust, Regional and National projects as required.
• Ensure Service Level Agreement with Medical Physics is up to date and raise exceptions with senior managers when needed.
• Implement HR policies on staffing matters and address issues in liaison with HR and Head of Photodermatology; adhere to policies and procedures.

General and Professional Standards

• Act in accordance with Professional Standards and maintain confidentiality and accurate record keeping.
• Keep abreast of latest technical and scientific developments and partake in CPD; ensure activities meet regulatory requirements and engage with regional/national standards and benchmarking.
• Participate in quality systems and ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Engage with quality improvement and patient/public involvement in service development.

Miscellaneous

• Ensure compliance with Quality Systems, Health & Safety, statutory regulations and local rules; occasional duties outside normal hours may be necessary.
• When working in other departments, liaise with local leads and adhere to local policies while maintaining high service levels.
• Perform other appropriate duties as directed by the Head of Non-Ionising Radiation Physics or Head of Medical Physics.

This advert closes on Monday 15 Sep 2025