Senior Physicist in Nuclear Medicine

NHS; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated physicist to join its Nuclear Medicine department. In this role, you will provide scientific support to advanced PET-CT systems and participate in groundbreaking research initiatives. You will be part of a collaborative team, ensuring quality control and safety standards in nuclear medicine. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in teaching, research, and contribute to patient care in a state-of-the-art facility. Join a vibrant team committed to excellence and innovation in healthcare.

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant subject and state registration as a Clinical Scientist required.
• Specialist knowledge in radiation and imaging physics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing nuclear medicine physics service to the Trust's Nuclear Medicine Department.
• Conduct quality control and imaging studies at peripheral hospitals.

Skills

Nuclear Medicine Equipment Knowledge

Quality Control

Radioactive Handling

Radiation Safety

Imaging Quality Standards

Teaching Skills

Education

Degree in a Relevant Subject

MSc or Higher Degree

State Registration as a Clinical Scientist

Tools

Nuclear Medicine Equipment

Job description

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The opportunity has arisen within the Nuclear Medicine department for a physicist to join our team of 5 physicists to provide scientific support to the PET-CT. The department is situated within a new, state-of-the-art hospital and supports 2 SPECT-CT systems, a CZT solid state SPECT-CT system, Starguide, and a 5-ring digital GE MI TOF PET-CT. The group also manages 4 outside hospitals, providing comprehensive physics support. Members actively participate in the STP training scheme.

The PET-CT undertakes research including the effects of respiratory gating on tumour detection and imaging in low count situations, such as Y90 SIRT. A software environment will be available for system development and research.

The department is a leading proponent of targeted radionuclide therapy, including Y90 SIRT, Lu177 dotatate, Lu-177 PSMA, Alpha particle, and I131 therapies, coupled with a strong research program in personalised dosimetry.

Applicants should have completed or be about to complete the STP training programme and have achieved state registration. If still in training, the post may be appointed at a lower grade.

Liverpool is renowned for its vibrant culture and character, with historical links across the globe.

For informal discussions, please contact Melvyn Carroll, Head of Physics, Tel [phone], email [e-mail]

Main duties of the job

1. Assist the Chief Physicist and deputies in providing a nuclear medicine physics service to the Trust's Nuclear Medicine Department.
2. On joining the HCPC State Register, become part of the group of physicists conducting Quality Control and other work at peripheral hospitals undertaking radionuclide imaging studies.

About us

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, and Royal Liverpool University Hospital. We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024, aimed at improving patient care. The group employs over 16,800 staff, serving 630,000 people across Merseyside, providing a range of hospital and regional services.

Our hospitals include Aintree University Hospital, a major trauma center; Broadgreen Hospital, offering elective surgical and diagnostic services; Liverpool Women's Hospital, specializing in women and babies' health; and Royal Liverpool University Hospital, the largest hospital in the country with single bedrooms for inpatients.

For roles at Liverpool Women's, please visit their careers page.

Job responsibilities

Specific duties include:

• Image interpretation and analysis
• Quality assurance of imaging and detectors
• Dispensing radioactive I131 for treatment
• Managing radioactive waste disposal
• Collaborating with Radiopharmacy and Radiation Protection teams
• Measurements related to dual x-ray bone mineral densitometry

Additional responsibilities at peripheral hospitals (Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Fazakerley Hospital, Whiston Hospital, Warrington Hospital) involve similar tasks, including image analysis and quality assurance.

The post also involves occasional teaching, research, publication, and conference participation, along with supporting radiation protection, liaising with radiology, and other activities to maintain standards.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject
• Relevant MSc or higher degree
• State Registration as a Clinical Scientist (or eligibility)
• Nuclear medicine specialization in basic training
• Membership of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine

Experience

• Knowledge of nuclear medicine equipment, quality control, radioactive handling, radiation safety, and imaging quality standards
• Specialist knowledge in radiation and imaging physics

Other

• Willingness to teach and communicate with diverse groups and patients
• Ability to operate nuclear medicine equipment

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post requires a DBS check due to the nature of the work involving radioactive materials and patient safety.