Research Sonographer

Job summary

The post holder will work as an integral member of the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (US) research team within the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), providing a high-quality, autonomous ultrasound service to support both research and clinical activity. The role involves the acquisition, interpretation and reporting of musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, communicating findings effectively to researchers and clinicians, and providing expert specialist advice on ultrasound imaging and its application within musculoskeletal research and patient care. The post holder will contribute to the delivery and day-to-day organisation of the Rheumatology Ultrasound Service, ensuring high standards of imaging practice and patient-centred care.

Main duties of the job

Provide a high-quality, autonomous musculoskeletal ultrasound service in support of the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) research portfolio and associated NHS clinical activity. Perform musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, acquiring high-quality diagnostic images in accordance with research study protocols, clinical requirements, professional standards and local procedures. Independently interpret ultrasound findings and produce clear, accurate and comprehensive diagnostic reports for research and clinical purposes, ensuring results are communicated appropriately and in a timely manner to clinicians, researchers and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Identify and escalate urgent, unexpected or clinically significant findings, informing the relevant clinician immediately and ensuring appropriate action is taken. Act as a specialist source of expertise and advice in musculoskeletal ultrasound for clinicians, researchers and members of the Leeds BRC, supporting the effective use of imaging within research studies and patient care pathways. Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team comprising clinical, academic and research staff from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and partner organisations. Please see job description for further information.

About us

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to delivering the highest quality and safest treatment and care to every patient, every time. Our vision is to provide the highest quality specialist and integrated care. We will do this through delivery of our multi-year goals and strategic priorities, which you can read about on this page. Central to it all is The Leeds Way our values and behaviours that are at the heart of everything we do.

Details

• Date posted: 22 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 7
• Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 20 months
• Working pattern: Part-time
• Reference number: 001585
• Job locations: Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4SA, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

For questions about this job, contact:

Name: Alexis Lavigne Position: Business Manager Email: alexis.lavigne@nhs.net Shortlisting Date: 4th August 2026 Interview Date: 11th August

Job Summary

The role is based within the Leeds BRC Imaging Centre, a world-leading research environment and the only NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in the UK dedicated to musculoskeletal research. The post holder will support a broad portfolio of nationally and internationally recognised research studies, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and external partners. The position requires responsibility for the independent management of a specialist caseload, operation of advanced ultrasound imaging equipment, provision of expert advice to clinicians and researchers, and ongoing development of specialist skills in emerging musculoskeletal imaging techniques to support the BRC’s research and innovation objectives

Why you should join our Team

Joining the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Research Team offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of musculoskeletal imaging, research and innovation. As an integral member of the team, you will deliver a highly specialised ultrasound service that directly supports both world-leading research studies and high-quality patient care.

Based within the Leeds BRC Imaging Centre—the UK's only NIHR Biomedical Research Centre dedicated to musculoskeletal research—you will have the chance to work alongside internationally recognised clinicians, researchers and academic partners from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and collaborating organisations across the UK and beyond. This provides an exceptional environment for professional development, knowledge sharing and multidisciplinary working.

The role offers a high level of autonomy and responsibility, including the independent acquisition, interpretation and reporting of musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, management of a specialist caseload, and provision of expert imaging advice to clinical and research teams. You will play a key role in shaping and supporting innovative research that aims to improve the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, ultimately making a meaningful difference to patient outcomes.

What you will bring to the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Imaging Centre and the only NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in the UK dedicated to musculoskeletal research. The successful candidate will:

• Provide a high-quality, autonomous musculoskeletal ultrasound service supporting both innovative research studies and NHS clinical activity.
• Work within a nationally and internationally recognised musculoskeletal research programme, contributing to studies that have the potential to influence future patient care and clinical practice.
• Independently perform, interpret and report musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, delivering expert diagnostic imaging to researchers and clinicians.
• Act as a specialist source of advice and expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound, supporting both research delivery and patient care pathways.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and external partner organisations.
• Support the planning and day-to-day delivery of the Rheumatology Ultrasound Service, helping to ensure efficient and patient-centred services.
• Contribute to the delivery of research activity within the Leeds BRC Imaging Centre, ensuring imaging is performed to high research, regulatory and Good Clinical Practice standards.
• Participate in service development, quality improvement and audit activities to enhance ultrasound services and research capability.
• Support the education, training and development of healthcare professionals, researchers and students through the sharing of specialist knowledge and expertise.
• Develop advanced skills in emerging musculoskeletal imaging techniques, including elastography, 3D/4D ultrasound and other innovative imaging approaches.

Please see the attached job description for further information about this vacancy.

About Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust

Our Trust values

The Leeds Way is working together to support each other and deliver the best possible care to patients.

We are….

Responsible Open and Honest One Team Kind

Our Trust priorities

Our purpose: Excellent, safe and sustainable care for every patient every time

Our priorities:

People Improvement and Innovation Partnerships Outcomes

To comply with UK Government regulations on Skilled Worker sponsorship, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust is unable to provide sponsorship to applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria or the salary threshold concessions set out under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please take this into consideration before submitting your application. Full guidance on these concessions, including details of who may qualify, can be found here.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.