Job overview
Radiation Physics are looking for a Principal Clinical Scientist with experience in diagnostic radiology and non-ionising radiation to join our large team. If you are a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist who is working towards your MPE, LPA or RPA and expect to achieve this within the next 12-months then we would love to hear from you. We can support you to achieve your full potential (and offer personal study time too!). Please note: Appointment would be at Band 7 until you achieve this.
The Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Safety Sections ensure the safety of all patients, visitors and staff who come into contact with sealed or unsealed sources of ionising radiation (e.g. x-rays, beta rays etc) and non-ionising radiation (e.g. ultrasound, lasers etc.)
Informal visits are welcomed and encouraged.
Main duties of the job
In this varied and rewarding position, you will:
- Provide high‑quality scientific support to the Trust and external partners.
- Provide specialist MPE and LPA advice to the Trust and external partners.
- Act as a site lead for one or more of our hospital sites.
- Contribute to the quality assurance programme for a wide range of diagnostic radiology equipment, including CT, mammography (including two NHSBSP services) general X‑ray, angiography and fluoroscopy.
- Development and maintenance of local rules, risk assessments and radiation safety documentation for X-rays and Lasers.
- Provide high quality teaching and training to staff from across the UK, including STP trainees and those aspiring Healthcare Scientists undertaking alternative training pathways.
- You’ll also provide specialist guidance on legislation, national standards and compliance, helping departments maintain safe and effective practice.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Standard Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Able to communicate highly complex information to non-specialists at all levels including senior management, consultant medical staff, radiographers, nurses, medical physicists and technicians.
- Able to independently undertake audits of legislative compliance e.g. for Lasers, X-ray facilities or under IR(ME)R.
- Able to self-manage and to manage others.
- Able to exercise own initiative when dealing with issues within own specialist area of competence.
- Working knowledge of diagnostic image networks
- NB The postholder will carry responsibilities of an Operator under the requirements of IR(ME)R legislation.
Qualifications
Essential
- 1st or 2nd class Honours degree in physics or a related subject
- Relevant accredited MSc and/or higher degree
- HCPC Registered Clinical Scientist
- Certification as an MPE, LPA or RPA (at least one of)
Desirable
- Working towards certification as an LPA
- Working towards certification as an MPE
- Working towards certification as an RPA
- Corporate Membership of IPEM or SRP (MSRP or MIPEM)
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Expert knowledge of ultrasound and laser radiation.
- Expert knowledge of diagnostic radiology physics.
- High level of understanding of patient and staff risks arising from ionising and nonionising radiation.
- Specialist knowledge of radiation protection and the risks arising from exposure of patients and staff to radiation.
- High level of understanding of patient and staff risks arising from equipment failure.
- Experience of supervision and training of staff e.g. those undertaking recognised training programmes.
Desirable
- Specialist knowledge of MR.
- Experience of teaching, training and supervising others.
- Understanding of HR policies and procedures.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Principal Clinical Scientist - Radiation Safety, Diagnostic Radiology with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust in Maidstone Hospital. It is listed as a Band 8 Clinical scientist role. The advertised salary is £57,528 - £64,750 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 18 Sep 2026.
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