Principal Clinical Scientist

Job overview

The Imaging Physics & Radiation Protection group within Christie Medical Physics & Engineering are seeking an experienced Clinical Scientist with MPE and/or RPA qualifications (LPA also advantageous and worth contacting us for a chat) to join our growing team of ~33 scientists, technologists and administrators.  We deliver scientific support to NHS and independent sector clinical radiology departments in the North West of England.   You will be involved in the CMPE RPA body (recognised by the Health and Safety Executive as an RPA body under the requirements of IRR17), providing radiation protection advice to diagnostic and interventional radiology/cardiology departments and dental practitioners.   You will be the primary radiation protection contact for specified organisations.  In addition, as Medical Physics Expert you will provide support for the optimisation of diagnostic and interventional radiology, developing and maintaining a close working relationship with the radiographic and clinical teams in these organisations. Applicants should be patient focused and flexible to change where quality can be improved. Candidates with experience delivering MPE (imaging) and RPA support to radiotherapy would be welcomed as the group grows support to The Christie radiotherapy centres. Suitable, experienced applicants without an expert qualification will be considered for appointment at band 7.   We welcome external applicants.

Main duties of the job

A large part of the role is leading on RPA and MPE advice to particular imaging organisations, ensuring they have the information necessary to comply with IRR and IRMER (and optical regulations/guidance as appropriate). A detailed knowledge of the regulations and imaging equipment is essential to support these activities.   You will take the lead in an area of the group’s work, focusing on equipment performance or another element of radiation protection, dependent on your past experience and the group’s needs.  You will learn the CMPE way of working using the quality management system before initiating changes (due to the need to bring a large team along when changes are made).  You will be expected to provide in-depth expertise and implement improved ways of working.  You will initiate and undertake projects to support clinical research in line with the group priorities.   Day to day management of staff and contributing to the group service management is also a key part of the role.  Teaching is a regular part of the role.   A current driving license is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role (we have pool cars for use). We encourage you to get in touch if you would like to informally discuss your suitability for the post.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Scientific support to diagnostic radiology 1.1.    Provide a wide range of scientific advice to departments of radiology/cardiology and other users of X-ray equipment, including matters such as patient dosimetry optimisation of radiation dose and image quality, and resolution of problems in these areas. 1.2.    Take the lead for specific areas of the group’s work (e.g. fluoroscopy, digital radiography, dental etc.) providing in-depth expertise in these areas, driving the group strategy and its implementation e.g. x-ray equipment testing methods. 1.3.    Undertake critical examinations, commissioning tests and quality control measurements on a wide range of x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects.  Provide written reports and advice to radiographic, clinical and management teams including outside Radiology. Liaise with manufacturers’ representatives where necessary. 1.4.    Provide specialist technical advice to Radiology Managers and others for the procurement of high capital value complex clinical equipment.  1.5.    MPE (imaging) experience in radiotherapy will be an advantage and offers the group opportunities.  Dependant on group need, it may be that this post holder is expected to learn this support during employment.
• Radiation protection 2.1.    Provide Radiation Protection Advice to specified Trusts, private hospitals and other health service concerns, to ensure that they meet their statutory obligations under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017. Act in the capacity of Radiation Protection Adviser and contribute to the CMPE RPA Body.  This involves dealing with a wide range of staff including senior Trust managers, Radiology managers, Consultant Radiologists, and radiographers. The advice provided will cover such aspects as the design of x-ray facilities including the calculation of shielding requirements, personal monitoring, measures for staff protection and reviewing and providing written reports to Trust Radiation Protection Committees and employers on compliance with the Regulations. 2.2.    Provide, on own authority, Medical Physics Expert advice to specified Trusts, private hospitals and other health service concerns, as required by the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017. This includes the provision of advice on local quality assurance programmes, and measurements and advice to optimise patient dose and image quality. 2.3.    Contribute to formulating CMPE departmental policy on radiation protection. 2.4.    RPA experience in radiotherapy will be an advantage and offers the group opportunities.  Dependant on group need, it may be that this post holder is expected to learn this support during employment.  2.5.    There are opportunities and needs in the group around optical radiation protection and potentially other non-ionising sources.  Experience in these areas will also be advantageous and can be discussed.  Work in this area will be appropriate to the 8A grade which is associated with Laser Protection Adviser qualification, for example.
• Research and Development 3.1.    Provide a lead within the section for research and service development in an area of the group’s work (e.g. fluoroscopy, patient dosimetry) and establish and maintain collaborative links with other Hospitals, Universities and Industry for this area. 3.2.    Undertake research and service development work aimed at both improving the CMPE service and the optimisation of radiological techniques in the health service. 3.3.    To publish research in internationally recognised peer reviewed research journals and present at national /international meetings.
• Teaching and training 4.1.    Involvement in and management of aspects of the Department’s teaching commitments, including FRCR, MSC schemes or equivalence, and local and regional radiation protection courses. 4.2.    Assist in the training and supervision of scientists and technologists and trainees, including acting as supervisor for trainees during their placements within the group.  Applicants with appropriate experience at the right level will contribute to HSST supervisor roles.
• Professional 5.1.    Keep up to date with developments in the field of diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection. 5.2.    Be involved in relevant national activities and initiatives, including the development of national guidance and playing an active role in national professional organisations. 5.3.    Maintain state registration as a Clinical Scientist, recognition as Medical Physics Expert and an up-to-date certificate of competence as Radiation Protection Adviser. 5.4.    Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour
• Management 6.1.    Assist the Group Leader in managing the activities of the Group and in planning services. 6.2.    Participate in workforce development including selection, recruitment and retention of staff. 6.3.    Participate in the ISO9001 Quality System for the Group. 6.4.    Act as day to day manager for physicists and technicians as allocated by the Group Leader and conduct staff appraisals.

NOTE

• Willing to travel on frequent basis (~3 times per week) throughout NW England region and infrequently further afield •    Willing to stay overnight infrequently (5-10 times per year) for equipment testing at more distant hospitals •    Typical hours the team work are between 8am and 6pm Mon-Fri.  Due to the nature of the job there are occasions when work is required outside normal hours.   •    The team work longer days when off site in the region to make visits more efficient e.g.  9.5 hour days.  A 9 day fortnight or 4 day week may be an ideal pattern for balance.   •    Infrequent weekend work required, with notice.

This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service.  Since from time to time these needs may change it is necessary to recognise that the post-holder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the Director.