Job Description

The Imaging Physics & Radiation Protection group within Christie Medical Physics & Engineering are seeking a Clinical Scientist to join our growing team of ~30 scientists, technologists and administrators. We deliver scientific support to NHS and independent sector clinical radiology departments in the North West of England.



Candidates should have scientific and interpersonal skills. Good communication and proactive team working is essential.



As well as supporting radiology departments with their compliance with the regulations the job involves operating and testing x-ray equipment, quality assurance and audit, project and development work, continual personal learning and developing others.



We welcome external applicants and would encourage you to get in touch if you would like to informally discuss your suitability for the post.



A current clean UK driving license is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role.



You will be involved in the CMPE RPA body (recognised by the Health and Safety Executive under the requirements of IRR17), providing radiation protection advice to diagnostic and interventional radiology/cardiology departments and dental practitioners. Typical work includes advice on facility design, personal dosimetry, risk assessments and local rules.



You will be heavily involved in the performance and safety assessment of X-ray equipment and the provision of Medical Physics Expert support for diagnostic radiology departments. Work will include undertaking patient dosimetry, optimisation of dose and image quality, digital imaging, computed tomography, interventional and cardiac imaging, mammography, bone densitometry and equipment calibrations.



Teaching small groups is fairly common and occasionally presenting to large audiences on the topics of radiation protection or diagnostic radiology physics is required.



Experience of medical physics support to diagnostic radiology is essential. Applicants must hold, or be eligible for, HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist. In the absence of a suitable registered Clinical Scientist we will employ a suitable STPs or route 2 trainee approaching the end of their training. Candidates without registration would be appointed at a lower band.



The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.



We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.



We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



1. Management



1.1 Plans own varied workload to meet deadlines, prioritising and responding to new demands as they come in.



1.2 Contribute to the planning and development of the Group's services.



1.3 Participate in the Quality Management System for the Group. Ensures implementation of policies, proposes changes to practices for work area.



2. Specialist areas



2.1 Take the lead in the development of services in one of the Group's areas of activity: for example, patient dosimetry, optimisation of dose and image quality, digital imaging, computed tomography, interventional and cardiac imaging, mammography, bone densitometry, equipment calibrations and methodology.



2.2 The development of services will include, as appropriate, identifying and undertaking research and development projects, development of test methods, protocols and work instructions, providing scientific advice to users, planning and organising programmes of work, associated radiation protection requirements etc.



3. Scientific support to diagnostic radiology



3.1 Provide scientific advice to departments of radiology, including advice on local quality control measurements and assistance in reviewing departments' quality control results.



3.2 Undertake, as necessary, critical examinations, commissioning tests and quality control measurements on the full range of x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects. Pro vide written reports and advice to radiographers, radiologists and others. Liaise with manufacturers' representatives where necessary.



4. Radiation protection



4.1 Provide medical physics expert support to NHS and independent sector healthcare establishments, with specific emphasis on the optimisation of patient dose and image quality, and assist departments in resolving problems in these areas.



4.2 Provide radiation protection advice and support (including for non-ionising radiation) to specified Trusts and private hospitals, to help ensure that they meet their statutory obligations.



4.3 Assess and provide advice on doses and risks to patients in routine and research procedures.



5. Research, teaching and training



5.1 Provide physics teaching for the Department's teaching commitments, such as FRCR and radiation protection courses.



5.2 Assist in the training and supervision of trainee clinical scientists, healthcare practitioners and assistants etc. Training delivery is based on need and not related to the role or banding of the learner.



5.3 Undertake research and development work aimed at improving the service.



5.4 Present results of research and development work at appropriate meetings.



6. Professional



6.1 Keep up to date with developments in the field of diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection.



6.2 Undertake continuous professional development in accordance with professional and regulatory requirements. Maintain registration.



6.3 Comply with training identified by the Trust and manager.



6.4 Participate in outreach events as required by the Trust and group.



6.5 Frequent requirement for concentration for long periods (with interruptions). Dealing with multiple workstreams simultaneously.