Band 8a Principal Clinical Scientist – Brachytherapy

Job summary

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Clinical Scientist to provide highly specialist expertise in the field of Radiotherapy Physics -- particularly in Brachytherapy. The successful candidate will deputise for the Head of Brachytherapy Physics and play a key role in ensuring that services are effectively provided and that strategies for developments are agreed. You will be expected to be actively involved in routine work, research and development projects.

You will be registered as MPE with RPA 2000 or possess considerable experience allowing imminent registration post-appointment.

The Radiotherapy Physics Service has 48 WTE scientific and technical staff working to help deliver approximately 60,000 radiotherapy patient fractions per year on six Elekta Versa linear accelerators with FFF capability, two TomoTherapy HD units, a Radixact unit and a CyberKnife. The department has three wide-bore CT scanners, a dedicated HDR suite, a superficial x-ray unit and uses the RayStation, Precision and Oncentra planning systems. 4DCT, SABR and SGRT techniques are in routine use, as is a well-developed adaptive planning service. Current research and development interests include TBI on the TomoTherapy platform, small field dosimetry, geometric uncertainties, flash RT, and spatial fractionation. We will imminently be introducing a per fraction MR guided HDR brachytherapy technique.

Main duties of the job

You will provide highly specialist expertise particularly in Brachytherapy. Your skills will include the use of dosimetric techniques in brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy and the ability to determine the clinical acceptability of results. You will ensure that all dosimetry equipment is correctly calibrated prior to use and organise and perform QC on HDR brachytherapy equipment. You will also provide specialist advice and support for the brachytherapy service including the introduction of new complex planning techniques. You will deputise for the Head of Brachytherapy Physics and help co-ordinate projects and development work. Due to the nature of the role the post holder will be required to regularly work evening shifts on at least one to two days per week (typically until 8pm). There will be occasions where flexible working is required, including weekend working.

About us

We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this.

Our commitment to our staff is to create the best place for them to work, and we are dedicated to:

Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can; Offer our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, to support their personal and career development objectives.

UHB is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated fairly and feel that they belong, by creating a kind and inclusive environment. This is about equity of opportunity; removing all barriers, including discrimination and ensuring each individual member of staff reach their true potential, achieve their ambitions and thrive in their work. This is more than words. We are taking action. Our commitment to an inclusive culture is embedded at all levels of the organisation where every voice is heard, driven by our diverse and active staff networks, and at Board level by the Fairness Taskforce led by our CEO. We nurture a culture which empowers staff to challenge discriminatory behaviours and to enable people to bring their 'whole self' to a kinder, more connected and bold place to work.

University Hospitals Birmingham is a Smoke-Free premises hospital.

Date posted
21 March 2025

Pay scheme
Agenda for change

Band
Band 8a

Salary
£53,755 to £60,504 a year

Contract
Permanent

Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number
304-1092397

Job locations

Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham
West Midlands
B15 2TH

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

• B.Sc Honours degree (1 or 2:1) in Physics or an equivalent subject
• IPEM Accredited MSc or equivalent and/or PhD in radiation physics
• Relevant PhD or advanced training equivalent to doctoral level and above
• State Registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council
• On MPE register, or in position to join register soon after appointment

Experience Essential

• Extensive knowledge of Radiotherapy Physics with a significant track record of responsible and relevant work in the field.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and discipline specific proficiency for maintenance of HPC registration, supported through records of CPD and PDRS assessments, or equivalent evidence of career progression and continuing learning.
• Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of radiotherapy physics (including brachytherapy physics), radiation dosimetry, clinical radiobiology and radiation protection sufficient to act as Medical Physics Expert for brachytherapy, calibration and dosimetry.
• Understanding of patient and staff risks arising from radiotherapy physics practice so as to be able to analyse highly complex situations and to provide highly specialist clinical and technical advice.
• Sound knowledge of scientific computing.
• Working knowledge of PDRS policies and procedures
• Good working knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional, e.g. IRR, IR(ME)R, ISO 9001, and other relevant professional and regulatory body reports and guidelines
• Working knowledge of international guidelines in radiation protection and radiation physics e.g. ICRP, ICRU, IAEA reports etc.
• The post holder must understand the hazards posed by, and precautions needed with ionising radiation, electrical hazards, lasers and relevant biological hazards, and take relevant precautions.

Additional Criteria Essential

• Able to demonstrate excellent leadership and motivational skills
• Able to demonstrate enthusiasm and show commitment.
• Able to demonstrate high level of self-motivation.
• Able to demonstrate a high degree of initiative.
• In-depth practical experience with a wide range of radiotherapy and imaging equipment, radioactive sources and dosimetry procedures

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer name
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Address
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham
West Midlands
B15 2TH

Employer's website
https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm