Principal Physicist in Radiation Protection

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Job Title: Principal Physicist in Radiation Protection

Contract Type: Permanent

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as Principal Clinical Scientist in Radiation Protection. We are looking for a enthusiastic diagnostic radiology Medical Physics Expert (MPE), or someone who will be able to submit a portfolio soon (appointment initially at a lower banding with progression on certification will be considered). The role is focussed on the MPE role but minor engagement in other work of the group, including ionising and non-ionising radiation protection and radioactive materials management can be expected.

The role will be instrumental in optimisation of new X-ray equipment recently installed under the Trust's managed equipment service. This is an opportunity to make an lasting impact on patient radiation doses and set standards for image quality.

The post sits within a team of 13 scientists, technologists, support staff and trainees. It reports to Head of Radiation Protection and will include limited line management responsibility. We work closely as a team so excellent interpersonal skills are a must. The post is based primarily at Southampton General Hospital with travel to other centres. Flexible working will be considered where this aligns with the needs of the group.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The successful candidate will be appointed as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) to UHS and to other organisations, including NHS Trusts and independent healthcare providers in the Hampshire area and Channel Islands.

In this role, your key responsibilities will include:

• Organise and carry out audits of medical radiation use and performance testing of X-ray equipment with the Trust and for client organisations to an annual schedule or as required by the service.
• Carry out quality control testing of all types of medical radiological and ultrasound imaging equipment. This post does not support MRI or radionuclide imaging.
• Work with clinical colleagues to optimise complex radiographic imaging processes using knowledge of equipment performance and clinical imaging requirements
• Support other work of the Radiation Protection team as required by the demands of the organisation.

We are looking for a candidate who has

• HCPC registration.
• An MSc in a relevant subject, and a PhD is desirable.
• Experience of working with a range of diagnostic X-ray equipment
• Ability to work well with a team to solve problems
• Ability to present complex data to varied audiences

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.