Radiation Safety Physicist

Job overview

Medical Physics provides scientific and technical support to a wide range of clinical and laboratory services in the Trust and to many external clients. With a large staff of scientific and technical personnel, and good facilities, the Department provides advice and support in applying physical science and engineering to a wide range of techniques and facilities in health care.

Main duties of the job

You will be working in the Radiation Safety Section of the Medical Physics Department and primarily based at the St Thomas Hospital site, although completing work assignments at any of the Trust locations and for a range of external contracts. The Radiation Safety team comprises of experienced scientists and technicians whose aim is to ensure the quality, safety and effectiveness of the use of radiation on patients in healthcare.  A wide range of advice and support is offered for work including: X-rays, radioisotopes, lasers and microwaves.   The primary focus of this role will include laser safety and working in the calibration lab, although opportunities to work in other areas will be available.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will be primarily working at the St Thomas site, supporting the Radiation Calibration lab and the Laser Protection Service working under the Trust Laser Protection Adviser (LPA). This will involve working within a secondary standard calibration lab and developing a deep understanding of radiation metrology. Performing work to support the Laser Protection Service, including, laser audits, training, facility design, and producing and updating laser safety documents. Additionally, the post holder will be expected to work towards LPA accreditation under RPA2000.

The post holder will also be required work alongside the X-ray Team, carrying out X-ray status testing on a full range of X-ray imaging systems including CT scanners and mammography X-ray systems.  Supporting the quality assurance and optimisation of diagnostic radiology systems.

The post holder will be required to support work performed by the Radioactive Substances Team (RAS), and perform such work as radiation lab audits, transport audits, and waste consignment.

The post holder will assist the MPEs in preparing dose reports for ethics submissions. The postholder will assist the MPEs and RPA's in their work and be encouraged to work towards these accreditations.

Participation in research and development work will be expected, including presenting at meetings and publication in peer reviewed journals, and giving formal lectures.  The post holder will also have an important role in being involved in new installation projects, and the ongoing radiology QA work of the group. The radiation safety team also provide scientific support to nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. There may be the opportunity for some work in these areas although the primary focus of this role will be radiation safety and laser protection.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.     Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. Equality of opportunity is our policy. As an organisation we are committed to developing our services in ways that best suit the needs of our patients. This means that some staff groups will increasingly be asked to work a more flexible shift pattern so that we can offer services in the evenings or at weekends.

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.