Principal Physicist Radiation protection B8a

Job overview

To be a Principal Physicist (clinical scientist) and a senior member of the Regional Radiation Protection (RRPS) team, working with other team members in the provision of a comprehensive radiation protection and radiological physics service to the NHS and outside bodies. To act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 [IR(ME)R2017]. To participate in all areas of work, and to take on responsibility for key aspects of the service.  The postholder works at a senior professional level, providing advice and services to employers facilitating compliance with ionising radiation legislation and working towards further certification such as RPA.  Issues are very specialist, varied and highly complex.  They will operate with a high degree of autonomy, particularly in the areas for which they are responsible.

Main duties of the job

JOB PURPOSE

The Regional Radiation Protection Service (RRPS) provides comprehensive radiation protection, diagnostic radiology physics and X-ray engineering services out of the Royal Surrey County Hospital area mainly to the south and south west of the country, but also works nationally and internationally. Services include the statutory provision of Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA), Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in Diagnostic Radiology, Laser Protection Advisers (LPA), Radioactive Waste Advisers (RWA) and MR Safety Experts.

We have a team of 11 clinical scientists,11 medical physics technical officers, a computer scientist and 3 admin staff, plus postgraduate trainees and undergraduate students. The RRPS also provides advice and services to users of non-ionising radiations including MRI, lasers, radiofrequency, ultraviolet and microwaves.  The Service provides NHSBSP mammography services for the South East (East) region. The RRPS is active in income generation outside the NHS and provides a wide range of radiation protection advice and services to a variety of employers including corporate organisations, companies, private hospitals, dentists, vets and others. The service is active in research, development and training, including organising courses both locally and at a national level.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification

Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology

Applications are invited for a Band 8A Principal Physicist post within the Regional Radiation Protection Service (RRPS), part of the Department of Medical Physics at the Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford.

You will join a team of 24+ medical physicists, technicians and computer scientists supported by an admin team. The service provides comprehensive radiation protection, diagnostic radiology and x-ray engineering services to a wide variety of NHS Trusts, private healthcare providers, dentists, veterinary practices, industrial services and others. We are active in research, development and training, organising courses both locally and at a national level. The Service is closely involved in the University of Surrey’s MSc programmes in Medical Physics, Medical Imaging and Radiation and Environmental Protection. Opportunities to participate in teaching, research and development are highly encouraged.

The postholder will support all aspects of the work across all types of diagnostic X-ray systems and will also be able to get involved in other areas such as MRI, ultrasound, lasers and UV.  Radiation protection / waste advisory support is also given to a number of Nuclear Medicine departments, PET/CT scanners and radiotherapy centres. Management responsibilities will also be part of the role.

This is an exciting opportunity for any physicist who has recently attained their MPE status and is looking to gain a wide range of experience to aid in gaining further certification and career development.

Travel is involved and occasional overnight stays required. Overseas travel may arise. A current driving licence would be required.

Informal enquiries and visits are welcomed.  Please contact the Head of Service Matt Pryor on 01483 408395, [email protected]