Job Description

Clinical Scientist, Non-ionising Radiation, Band 7



The Diagnostic Radiology team consists of 9 staff and comprises of a multi-disciplinary team including, Clinical Scientists, Clinical Technologists and admin support. The department provides scientific support to all uses of ionising and non-ionising radiation in the two main acute Trust sites and at outlying community sites in the county.



The Clinical Scientist will provide support to clinical services working with Non-Ionising Radiation with regards to governance and compliance with legislation and published guidance to ensure patient and staff safety e.g. the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010, BMUS Guidelines for the safe use of diagnostic ultrasound equipment, The Control of Electro Magnetic Fields at Work Regulations (CEMFAW) 2016, MHRA Safety Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Equipment in Clinical Use & ICNIRP Guidelines on the safe use of MRI imaging equipment.

Additional working pattern details:

Mon-Fri



Testing & calibrating a range of patient critical clinical equipment of varying complexity following existing procedures using technical equipment, including acceptance/commissioning testing.



Reviewing and analysing results for compliance with manufacturer's specification and current safety standards. Making decisions regarding the acceptance/suspension of the use of non-ionising equipment. Organising external calibration of testing equipment and undertake internal cross-calibrations.

Liaising with a variety of healthcare professionals to report results of work, advise on safety and quality at various stages of the equipment lifecycle.



To support supervisors (e.g. AORPs, MRRP, LPS) & clinical teams with risk assessments, local rules and periodic safety audits to review compliance with safety legislation & Trust Policy and investigations of specific issues and incidents.



Support the planning & safety recommendations for new purchases, installations and facilities using non-ionising radiation, working under supervision of senior advisors (e.g. AORPA, MRSE, LPA).



We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.



With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.



As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.



1. Provision of Clinical Services/Clinical Responsibilities



1.1 Test/calibrate a range of patient critical clinical equipment of varying complexity following existing procedures using technical equipment, including acceptance/commissioning testing.



a. Reviewing and analysing results for compliance with manufacturer's specification and current safety standards.



b. Making decisions regarding the acceptance/suspension of the use of non-ionising equipment.



c. Organising external calibration of testing equipment and undertake internal cross-calibrations.



1.2 Liaise with a variety of healthcare professionals to report results of work, advise on safety and quality at various stages of the equipment lifecycle.



1.3 To support supervisors (e.g. AORPs, MRRP, LPS) & clinical teams with risk assessments, local rules and periodic safety audits to review compliance with safety legislation & Trust Policy. Report audit findings to assist users with continuous improvement.



1.4 Suggest and implement improvements in accuracy and/or efficiency of RA and QA processes, e.g. through analysis automation.



1.5 To support the non-ionising radiation lead with investigations of specific issues and incidents and make recommendations.



1.6 An understanding of patient and staff risks arising from equipment failure and staff error and should understand Risk Management processes.



1.7 Contribute to multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing Medical Physics services and/or improving equipment performance, patient access to services and patient experience



1.8 Support the planning & safety recommendations for new purchases, installations and facilities using non-ionising radiation, working under supervision of senior advisors (e.g. AORPA, MRSE, LPA). Collating and analysing complex data provided by the clinical team, architects, project managers and equipment suppliers to asses and report on required specifications.



1.9 Become familiar with and abide by the local quality systems. Participate in the development and routine operation of quality systems including writing new procedures for own area of work to ensure they conform with Statutory Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice.



1.10 Assist with training other staff, students (e.g. STP) and customers. This will involve the preparation of training materials and delivery of training.



2. Professional Development, Education and Training



2.1 The post-holder must maintain an up-to-date knowledge of non-ionising radiation physics and relevant legislation in order to carry out the duties of the post. This will be achieved by attending relevant local and national meetings and by private study.



2.2 The post-holder must keep an accurate Continuing Professional Development Portfolio as evidence of this and should be enrolled on an appropriate CPD scheme.



3. Management and Leadership



3.1 To be responsible for the safe use of expensive equipment.



3.2 Engage with other stakeholders as applicable when working on multidisciplinary projects.



4. Planning and Organisation



4.1 To be responsible for the prioritisation and management own work, working flexibly where necessary, to ensure a good professional timely response is given to those using the medical physics service



4.2 Attend and participate in DR physics team & other meetings as required e.g. clinical governance, Radiation Safety Committee, project implementation etc.



5. Research and Development



5.1 Support and undertake research and development projects in Medical Physics and other Trust departments as agreed with the Non-ionising radiation lead. Present work at national and international scientific meetings.



6. Communications and Working Relationships



6.1 The post holder must have good communication skills and be able to communicate with a wide cross-section of people including clinical & non-clinical staff e.g. procurement, IT, estates, device manufacturers, external contactors, other Clinical Scientists for exchange of information & networking.



6.2 Ability to document findings and recommendations clearly, both verbally and in written reports.



6.3 Openly question and challenge practice in a constructive way, so that standards are continually evaluated and improved.



6.4 May be required to present technical work at local and national meetings.



7. General Working Conditions



7.1 Lifting individual items of equipment up to 18kg (including in and out of a car for transportation). Transporting loads of up to 30kg on an equipment trolley across hospital sites.



7.2 Report writing, requiring long periods of concentration, sometimes all day, working at a PC daily.



7.3 Working in strong static magnetic field environments. Requirement to pass MRI safety screening for static fields.



7.4 The post-holder must be able to prioritise & manage own workload and is required to have a flexible attitude to working hours to minimise disruption to patient services , sometimes with short notice. This may involve starting work early, finishing late or working the occasional Saturday.