Principal physicist

Job overview

A rare opportunity to work at a national level has arisen in the National Coordinating Centre for the Physics of Mammography (NCCPM), Department of Medical Physics at the Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford. The successful candidate will be able to influence the use of technology in the breast screening programme.

The NCCPM is run on behalf of the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) by the Medical Physics Department of the Royal Surrey County Hospital. NHS England (NHSE) provides core funding and additional funding is obtained by research bids. NCCPM has a key role in ensuring the quality and radiation safety of the work of the NHSBSP.

This is an opportunity for any current 8A/B physicist who wishes to gain deeper experience in mammography. An excellent scientist is required for this post, they will need to be flexible, enthusiastic, a communicator and a good team player. National and international travel is involved. State registration is required. This post could be adapted to suit those seeking part-time employment. Flexible working and some working from home are options.

Main duties of the job

The role is a full time position as a Principal Physicist in the NCCPM providing Medical Physics advice to the NHS Breast Screening Programme.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder is to manage the work of staff in NCCPM follows.   •    Undertake the work to fulfil the Service Level Agreement with NHS England (currently) for “Performance monitoring of breast screening equipment”

The National Co-ordinating Centre for the Physics of Mammography (NCCPM) is run on behalf of the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) by the Medical Physics Department of the Royal Surrey County Hospital. The NCCPM is an integral part of the department and is led by a Consultant Physicist. NHSE provides core funding via a Service Level Agreement (SLA). NCCPM has a key role in ensuring the quality and radiation safety of the work of the NHSBSP. The NHSBSP screens over 2 million women a year and is the largest national breast screening programme in the world. There are approximately 90 screening centres across England and using over 500 mammographic X-ray and ancillary systems with a capital value of about £80m and a running cost of £100m. Approximately 35 medical physics departments provide local and regional services liaising with the NCCPM on national issues.

The post holder will be expected to gain a deep understanding of both the technical and clinical requirements for breast screening.