The Imaging Physics & Radiation Protection group within Christie Medical Physics & Engineering are seeking a Clinical Scientist to join our growing team of 30 scientists, technologists and administrators. We deliver scientific support to mainly NHS and independent sector clinical radiology departments in the North West of England.

This is a 4-year fixed term 'Route 2' training post, to facilitate development of a portfolio for state registration as a HCPC Clinical Scientist in Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection. The trainee must be self-motivated and driven to gain state registration. The portfolio is generated through work in the field and as such this is a working trainee post, though time 'off the job' will be given for the academic component. Successful completion of registration will make a suitable candidate highly employable as a band 7 Clinical Scientist, as the profession seeks to double the workforce.

Candidates should have scientific and interpersonal skills. Good communication and proactive team working is essential.

We welcome external applicants and would encourage you to get in touch if you would like to informally discuss your suitability for the post. Registered Clinical Scientists wishing to work for us, note we will be putting out band 7 posts in early 2024 but make contact to discuss other possibilities.

A current driving license is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role.

Main duties of the job

You will be involved in the CMPE RPA body (recognised by the Health and Safety Executive under the requirements of IRR17), providing radiation protection advice to diagnostic and interventional radiology/cardiology departments and dental practitioners. Typical work includes advice on facility design, personal dosimetry, risk assessments and local rules.

You will be heavily involved in the performance and safety assessment of X-ray equipment and the provision of Medical Physics Expert support for diagnostic radiology departments. Work will include undertaking patient dosimetry, optimisation of dose and image quality, digital imaging, computed tomography, interventional andcardiac imaging, mammography, bone densitometry and equipment calibrations.

Teaching small groups is fairly common and occasionally presenting to large audiences on the topic of radiation protection of diagnostic radiology is required.

Relevant experience in imaging physics or radiation protection is essential, such as through previously providing technical or scientific services in diagnostic radiology. There is an academic component of registration that must either be achieved already or gained during the employment e.g. through undertaking a Masters in Medical Physics (we will fund this). Those with relevant skills without the relevant qualifications/experience should look into the national Scientist Training Programme (STP).

About us

The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This post allows development of a portfolio for state registration as a HCPC Clinical Scientist in Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection through the delivery of work within a medical physics department. This will include aspects of diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection support to healthcare facilities. The current departmental need is to have a support scientist working within the group to deliver services so this will be an Association of Clinical Scientists Route 2 pathway to registration for someone with significant relevant experience in imaging and/or radiation protection. The scheme must be completed by the end of the 4 year fixed term post.

• Be responsible for data entry and processing for equipment testing results or radiation protection assessments etc. Provide timely written reports in line with group Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and give advice to radiographers, radiologists and others.

• Liaise with manufacturers representatives where necessary.
• Assess and provide advice (within the QMS and scope of practice)on doses and risks to patients in routine and research procedures.

• Provide dose estimates and reports for accidental and unintended exposures.

• Assist (within the QMS and scope of practice) in the provision of Medical Physics Expert support to NHS and independent sector healthcare establishments, with specific emphasis on the optimisation of patient dose and image quality and assist departments in resolving problems in these areas.
• Provide radiation protection advice (within the QMS and scope of practice)and support to specified Trusts and private hospitals, to help ensure that they meet their statutory obligations.
• Draft reports to radiation/imaging management meetings and attend.
• Undertake radiation facility assessments and prepare reports to be signed off by the Radiation Protection Adviser.
• Draft radiation protection documents such as risk assessments and local rules.

Undertake calibrations of equipment as required

• Provide physics teaching for the departments teaching commitments as appropriate to grade and experience e.g. the radiation protection courses.
• Undertake research and development work aimed at improving the service in line with group needs.
• Present results of research and development work at appropriate meetings.
• Participate in outreach events that the group undertake such as the CMPE open evening or IPEM big bang events etc.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• 1st or 2nd class Honours degree (or integrated masters) in pure or applied Physics (or equivalent, to meet registration needs). A 2.2 will only be accepted if the applicant already has a higher (MSc/PhD) degree in the field.

Desirable

• MSc in Medical Physics (or must be completed or equivalence gained during training)
• Registration as a technologist/HCS Practitioner in our field
• Membership of IPEM (may be expected later to undertake the supported training scheme)

Experience

Essential

• Relevant experience in imaging physics or radiation protection such as providing technical or scientific services in diagnostic radiology.

Desirable

• Involvement in relevant aspects of service delivery management / coordination
• Teaching / training experience
• Supervision of trainees
• Experience of optical radiation protection

Skills

Essential

• Excellent basic computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
• Clear and articulate communicator to communicate complex information
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability To Problem Solve
• Ability to work independently in line with GSP
• Ability to work well as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to position intricate tests tools with precision, routinely
• Analysis & interpretation of investigations/results, drawing conclusions
• Motivated and resilient

Desirable

• Advanced computer applications such as image analysis and processing, programming

Knowledge

Essential

• Good knowledge of radiological physics and radiation protection
• Working knowledge of radiation instrumentation
• Working knowledge of appropriate radiation legislation

Desirable

• Working knowledge of recommended standards of X-ray equipment
• Appropriate knowledge of radiation physics and a wide range of diagnostic X-ray equipment (including CT, angiography and mammography)
• Working knowledge of quality management systems

Values

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisation's values and behaviours including respect towards others at all times.
• Patient focused
• Accountability

Other

Essential

• Valid UK driving licence for a car - essential
• Willing to work flexibly in line with service needs
• Enthusiasm and commitment

Employer details

Employer name

The Christie NHS FT

Address

CMPE Diagnostic Radiology Physics Serv - D00003

Manchester

M20 4BX

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

413-78700-CMPE-SD