Radiology Physics is part of the Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering. We are a diverse, vibrant and dynamic department, well-integrated into the Trust and with representation and support at Care Group level. We provide scientific, technical and regulatory support to X-ray, ultrasound and laser facilities across the Trust.

This is a brand new post enabling the successful applicant to build and shape an MR Physics service. The postholder will develop and participate in the delivery of high-quality scientific support by being the lead for MRI Physics and acting as the Magnetic Resonance Safety Expert.

Training and development are actively encouraged and supported. This post may initially be offered on a lower banding to a promising candidate who does not currently meet all of the essential requirements. We are able to offer flexible working and opportunities for career development and progression. We are based in modern, air-conditioned accommodation with up-to-date desktop IT and video-conferencing facilities, a training room and kitchen area.

The current radiology physics team comprises 6 members of staff, including clinical scientists, clinical technologists, a medical physics radiographer and technical administrator. In addition to this post, there is funding available for another band 7 clinical scientist and two clinical technologists (bands 6 and 5).

A driving license and access to a vehicle is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role.

Main duties of the job

• To act as Magnetic Resonance Safety Expert (MRSE) for East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
• Develop, provide and direct the highest quality MRI safety and Physics advice, analysis, measurement and training services.
• To assist with the development of clinical MR
• To provide a comprehensive and effective quality assurance service to MRI

About us

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 695,000 people.Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'.

We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

If you are considering applying for any vacancy with East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust (EKHUFT) please ensure you are comfortable being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and that you understand that we are treating COVID-19 positive patients within our hospital.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical and Scientific

• To act as Magnetic Resonance Safety Expert (MRSE) for East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
• To advise employers, staff, patients and others as appropriate of all safety matters relating to MRI, and to carry out the duties of an MRI Safety Expert as recognised by National Guidance.
• Maintain the Trusts inventory of MRI equipment including carrying out surveys of facilities and audits of safety and radiological practice undertake detailed investigations following MRI incidents and present at meetings and committees within the post holders scope.
• Develop, provide and direct the highest quality MRI safety and Physics advice, analysis, measurement and training services. This will involve a close working relationship with members of staff from other sections and groups who will also provide services to the Trust.
• To assist with the development of clinical MR services in a variety of clinical areas, to optimise MR protocols and to provide support and expert advice with the procurement, evaluation and planning of new MR installation (including hardware and software and associated site requirements for the Trust).
• To carry out commissioning and acceptance testing of new MRI
• To provide a comprehensive and effective quality assurance service to all MRI (and other non-ionising where appropriate) departments within the Trust and other organisations as necessary. Develop this service as required and interpret the QA results and provide recommendations when appropriate and also advise on image quality.
• To prepare written reports on results of equipment and instrument testing, effectively communicating results of complex tests to users.
• To design and implement new QA techniques for advance MRI techniques.
• Provide scientific and technical support for other clinical and scientific R& D programmes within the Trust.
• Evaluate complex medical image MR artefacts in clinical patient data. Analyse and identify possible causes and provide immediate advice on their reduction or elimination.
• Perform first line troubleshooting for faults, which may be complex, non-reproducible and subtle, on highly-complex patient-critical MRI systems and extensive complicated auxiliary equipment (e.g. chilled water plant, air conditioning/handling units) and make decisions on whether faults require immediate remedial action.
• Work/liaise with manufacturers engineering and technical staff to identify and rectify equipment faults to minimise system down time. In conjunction with the Trusts technical staff and outside contractors implement and supervise preventative maintenance systems.
• Train radiographic staff in aspects of fault finding and rectification and ensure that written procedures are available for dealing with common fault situations. Maintain an overview of the proper operation of supporting plant, particularly with respect to functioning of indicators, proper setting of control parameters, and maintenance of appropriate environmental conditions within the Unit.
• To assist in the provision of other parts of the non-ionising and ionising Radiology Physics service, including ultrasound, lasers, UV and imaging with ionising radiation (general X-Ray, CT, mammo etc) where appropriate
• To carry out scientific quality control and performance assessments on non-ionising systems.
• To provide a comprehensive and effective quality assurance service to all MRI and non-ionising radiology departments within the Trust and other organisations as necessary
• To provide scientific advice to users of medical imaging equipment, within own scope of practice.
• To provide training and teaching in MR Physics for medical physics STP trainees, other trainees, other professional groups (e.g. non-medical referrers, operators)
• To maintain safe working practices under the guidance of established protocols, Local Rules, regulations and professional guidelines.
• To advise the Trust on compliance with statutory regulations relating to the safe use of non-ionising radiation within own scope of practice.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current legal requirements and anticipate the impact of future regulation and legislation on working practices, identify the implications for resources and formulate long-term strategic plans for the development of policy
• To develop and maintain computerised records, scientific spreadsheets, databases and inventories used by the section assisting in their validation and full documentation as required by the departments Quality System.
• Develop and design techniques, software and equipment to enhance the quality and efficiency of radiology physics
• Write software where necessary modifying and customising existing scripts, programmes and macros

Managerial

• The post holder will lead the MRI Physics section and will have line management responsibility for any MRI Physics staff if appointed in the future. The postholder may need to deputise for the Radiology Physics Team Lead in their absence.
• Take responsibility and supervise the work of other scientific, technical and administrative staff when they are performing work under the postholders direction
• In collaboration with the Physics Lead for Non-Ionising Radiation, manage the operational budget of the section.
• Contribute to income generation by proactively setting up contracts with external customers.
• Help to facilitate the professional development of line managed staff.
• To plan, prioritise and manage own workload and have a positive input into all routine and research and development services provided by the section.
• Represent the department at local governance / management meetings if required

Professional

• To maintain evidence of Continuing Professional Development in order to maintain HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist.
• To participate in clinical governance activities of the Trust.
• To develop professional, scientific and technical skills across the range of activities being undertaken in the role. This may include competencies required for professional accreditation schemes such as LPA.

Miscellaneous

• Carry out all duties in accordance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act, relevant Statutory Regulations, Approved Codes of Conduct and Local Rules.
• When working in other departments, liaise with local heads of department, medical consultants, superintendents, nursing sisters or their representatives as appropriate, adhering to local policies and practices.
• Behave courteously and professionally at all times.
• Develop, implement and maintain compliance with the ISO accredited Quality Systems in the areas of work for which the post-holder carries responsibility.
• Work hours necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work. In practice, the appointee will occasionally be required to perform duties outside the normal working hours of the department.
• Perform other appropriate duties that may be required from time to time by the Radiology Physics Team Lead/ Head of Clinical Physics.

• Take all precautions as required by the relevant regulations when dealing with ionising and non-ionising radiation hazards.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• 1st or 2nd class honours degree in Physics or closely related subject
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
• IPEM-accredited MSc in Medical Physics, or relevant higher degree
• Membership of relevant professional body

Desirable

• Relevant PhD

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Highly specialist knowledge of the scientific, technical, and safety aspects of magnetic resonance imaging physics, and its clinical applications
• Significant responsible experience in MRI including appointment as MRSE
• High level of understanding of patient procedures and problems arising from system errors, equipment failure and clinical factors
• Broad knowledge of MR techniques and clinical applications
• Specialist understanding of risks to patients and staff arising from non-ionising, and the precautions required.
• Experience of managing scientific staff members
• Good negotiating and influencing skills able to gain acceptance and agreement in situations where change is needed
• Knowledge of Excel, Word, Access etc for the purpose of setting up spreadsheets and databases to carry out complex scientific analysis of measurement data.
• Good understanding and practical experience of other non-ionising modalities including ultrasound, UV and laser

Desirable

• oSpecialist theoretical and practical experience of diagnostic radiology imaging, (especially X-ray and ultrasound) equipment, (including design, performance, quality assurance and calibration), patient dosimetry, image processing and analysis techniques
• oRecord of Scientific publications in relevant peer reviewed journals
• oParticipation in national professional affairs
• oProject management
• oExperience of managing operational budgets
• oUnderstanding of risks to patients and staff arising from ionising radiation

Governance

Essential

• oIn-depth understanding of relev
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