Clinical Scientist

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic HCPC registered Clinical Scientist to take on a leadership role within the Radiotherapy Physics team at Plymouth.

The successful candidate must have significant experience in Radiotherapy Physics, be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge in all areas of Radiotherapy Physics and to be able to act as a Medical Physics Expert. Expertise in imaging applications of radiotherapy will be beneficial. Candidates with at least four years of recent experience in working as an HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist may be considered for appointment as a Band 7 Clinical Scientist on a development pathway.

The applicant must be able to work and communicate effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team in order to co-ordinate the current development of radiotherapy physics service provision to Plymouth Oncology Centre.

Previous experience in brachytherapy or SRS would be desirable but training will be provided as required. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop their radiotherapy physics skills, as well as attend scientific conferences and partake in development projects and continuing professional development. They will also actively participate in teaching and training within the section.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as a Medical Physics Expert undertaking specialist and complex scientific duties.

The post holder will supervise and manage scientific support for the following key Oncology work streams:

1. Image-guided radiotherapy
2. Radiation Dosimetry
3. Quality Assurance
4. Radiation Protection

Provide support as required in specialist areas, including but not limited to:

1. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
2. High dose rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
3. Radiotherapy Treatment Planning Services
4. Total Body Irradiation (TBI)

Act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in Radiotherapy Physics for UHPNT.

Job responsibilities

Managerial

1. Prioritize and manage own work.
2. Adhere to the ISO 9001:2015 accredited quality system.
3. Coordinate competency program for new staff and Clinical scientists.
4. Coordinate staff assignment for quality assurance programme.
5. Work with the Head of Radiotherapy Physics in developing relevant Service Level Agreements.
6. Plan and develop commissioning programs for new IGRT equipment or upgrades to existing equipment.
7. Supervise unregistered clinical scientists employed in Radiotherapy Physics.
8. Maintain appropriate and accurate records of the procedures performed.
9. Organize the annual calibration of dosimetry equipment in accordance with statutory requirements.
10. Participate and organize regular multi-disciplinary meetings, as required.

Teaching, Training and Research

1. Participate in training programmes for other staff including the preparation and presentation of lectures on areas of Radiation Protection, Imaging Physics and Radiotherapy Physics.
2. Participate and present in regular journal club meetings.
3. Attend national and international meetings/conferences, providing structured feedback to local staff.
4. Present original work at national meetings and conferences, and in publication.
5. Regularly propose and participate in research and development projects and clinical audits.
6. Co-ordinate development work within areas of responsibility.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Advanced theoretical proven knowledge and practical demonstrable experience across the range of working procedures and practices in Image Guided Radiotherapy
• Advanced proven knowledge of radiation protection legislation in healthcare and biomedical research
• Advanced proven knowledge of pre-treatment imaging technologies and image processing software
• Proven knowledge of the techniques employed to measure the performance and radiological safety of state-of-the-art radiotherapy equipment
• Advanced demonstrable experience in judging measures required to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
• Demonstrable experience in radiotherapy treatment planning.
• Advanced demonstrable experience in the use of dosimetry equipment in radiotherapy.
• Detailed proven knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and other guidelines (e.g. IRR, IR(ME)R, Health & Safety, COSHH)
• Well-developed IT skills, including Office suite and specialist software systems; able to manage, manipulate and report information
• Understanding of hazards and precautions needed when frequently exposed to various forms of radiation and hazardous materials.
• Basic proven knowledge of other areas Medical Physics e.g. Diagnostic Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, MRI etc.
• Demonstrable experience of Varian equipment.
• Proven evidence of publications.
• Demonstrable experience of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and brachytherapy.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. or equivalent
• M.Sc. in Radiation/Medical Physics or related subject.
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist.
• PhD. or equivalent
• Certificate of competence as a Medical Physics Expert from RPA200
• Patient focus. Able to deal with occasional distressing circumstances (e.g. work occasionally involves contact with patients with terminal disease).
• Honesty, integrity and respect for confidentiality.

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.