We are looking for an enthusiastic experienced Planning Radiographer/dosimetrist to join the dosimetry team as part of the radiotherapy and proton therapy physics team. The successful applicant will report to the Lead dosimetrist for the service and deputise for them in their absenceApplicants should be State Registered or equivalent.

Experience of IMRT/VMAT, SABR and conformal planning is essential and knowledge or experience of pencil-beam proton planning is desirable. The successful applicant will join a growing team of dosimetrists liaising closely with physics, clinical and radiographic staff in the in the provision of radiotherapy and proton therapy physics services. The ability to work effectively with the minimum of supervision is essential.

The work will involve communicating complex information across different electronic platforms. A clinical background with good knowledge of relevant physiology and pathology is also essential. Understanding of Varian radiotherapy and PBT treatment delivery equipment and limitations is essential.

This vacancy has been advertised in accordance with the new NHS pay rate which will take effect from autumn 2024. Please note if your employment starts before the 24/25 pay scales are implemented you will be paid under the 23/24 pay scales and any backpay will be adjusted accordingly. Further information can be found athttps://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202425

Main duties of the job

The dosimetry team will be expected to produce photon and proton treatment plans for the UCLH casemix, including treatment complex sarcoma, head and neck, neurological and paediatric cancers.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate in multidisciplinary discussions in order to produce the best treatment options for the patient.

The postholder will support the Lead dosimetrist in ensuring treatment planning pathways are delivered in a timely fashion across the radiotherapy and proton therapy services. The post holder will also support the development and management of the dosimetry team alongside the other senior dosimetrists.

Organise and attend weekly catchup with relevant planning to support, delegate and communicate the planning workload.

The postholder will support the development of new and existing techniques including production of the standard operating procedures and training competencies for staff.

The team participates in planning activities for clinical trials and service development. There are close links with University College London (UCL) and the individual will be expected to contribute to research projects alongside clinical academics alongside the physicists.

About us

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

• University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)

• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals

• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building

• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine

• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre

• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases

• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Radiotherapy Physics Services consists of a team of over 60 staff consisting of clinical scientists, dosimetrists and engineers.

The Radiotherapy Physics Section is part of a multi-disciplinary team in the Department of Clinical Oncology, which sees about 2000 new patients per year. The Radiotherapy Department is equipped with four Varian TrueBEAM linear accelerators. The department equipment also includes one orthovoltage unit and an Elekta High Dose Rate Brachytherapy unit. Planning equipment includes a CT simulator with full 4D imaging capabilities for Respiratory Gated studies.

The Department offers a variety of specialised treatment services and is continually developing advanced treatment techniques. Treatments offered include: IMRT Volumetric Arc Therapy IGRT CT-based TBI Ultrasoundguided and CT-planned HDR prostate brachytherapy.

UCLH has also been designated as one of two national Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) centres for the UK. The Trust will be one of two sites delivering PBT across the NHS from 2021. The proton department is equipped with four Varian ProBEAM gantries with dedicated CT and MR planning. ARIA and Eclipse is in use across both radiotherapy and proton therapy.

The proton service is sited within the Trusts campus in the heart of the capital where it enjoys a close collaboration with UCL on ground breaking research projects. The site has direct access to the Trusts existing radiotherapy department and will be a closely located to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*

UCLH top trust to work at in England for the second year running! : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

*In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the second year in a row.

UCLH top trust to work at in England for the second year running! University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Once again, UCLH has received the highest score of all general acute and acute/community NHS trusts in England for staff that would recommend us as a place to work.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential

• BSc Therapeutic Radiography or Diploma of the College of Radiographers D.C.R.T.
• State registration or eligible

Desirable

• Evidence of further study/ ongoing education
• MSc Level equivalent education

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge of varied radiotherapeutic techniques.
• Experience with Microsoft applications such as Word and Excel
• Treatment Planning experience
• Experience of 3-D Treatment Planning systems.
• Experience of IMRT/VMAT planning
• Understanding of hazards posed by, and precautions needed with: Ionising radiation

Desirable

• Knowledge of Varian treatment equipment and techniques.
• Experience with ARIA Radiation Oncology Management system

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the day-to-day running and organisation of a Treatment Planning section.

Desirable

• Flexibility and ability to use own initiative and be innovative
• Experience with ARIA Radiation Oncology Management system
• Understanding of Quality systems within Radiotherapy
• Ability to participate in introduction of new radiotherapy techniques and to implement change

Communication

Essential

• Excellent communication skills with an ability to relate confidently to all hospital staff
• Must be able to communicate in a sensitive manner when talking to patients.

Personal and People Development

Essential

• Evidence of Continuing personal development (CPD)
• Willingness to attend courses and keep abreast of developments in the service

Desirable

• Experience of training junior Staff including doctors and radiographers

Specific Requirements

Essential

• Able to vary working hours to meet needs of the department

Employer details

Employer name

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University College London Hospitals

250 Euston Road

London

NW1 2PG

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

309-UCLH-5025