Clinical Scientist - Principal Nuclear Med Physicist (XR08)

Clinical Scientist - Principal Nuclear Med Physicist (XR08)

Applications are invited for the post of Band 8A Clinical Scientist - Principal Nuclear Medicine Physicist to join our Radionuclide Physics Group within the Department of Medical Physics & Engineering.

This clinical scientist role will fulfil the role of Medical Physics Expert (MPE) as required by the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2017, IR(ME)R (Statutory Instrument 2017 No.1322).

Applicants must be registered Clinical Scientists with significant experience in Nuclear Medicine Physics. Applicants should either be on the list of MPEs held by RPA2000 or in a position to submit a portfolio and obtain certification within 1 year. Applicants with less experience but the right qualities may be considered for appointment at a lower level until MPE certification is gained.

The Radionuclide Physics group gives specialised and complex scientific and technical support to the Nuclear Medicine service at two locations within the Trust and to other providers. This includes PET/CT service support to a non-NHS provider.

The therapeutic administrations of unsealed radioactive materials are delivered by the section in the Trust and also advises on radiation protection and other regulatory matters relating to the use of unsealed radioactive materials, as agreed with the lead Trust Radiation Protection Adviser and the Radioactive Waste Adviser.

Expected Shortlisting Date: 10/09/2024

Planned Interview Date: 25/09/2024

Main Duties of the Job

This job offers a unique opportunity for an experienced nuclear medicine clinical scientist.

Key aspects of this job role are:

1. Delivering specialised and complex clinical services;
2. Providing specialised and complex scientific and technical support and advice to staff delivering clinical services, particularly with respect to specialist clinical computer systems, quality assurance, service developments and equipment;
3. Providing scientific & technical advice to staff and others as relates to services delivered or supported, including radiation protection and IRMER advice as appropriate;
4. Provide supervision and line management of scientific and technical staff;
5. Providing teaching and training for a range of staff groups in basic and advanced Physics, techniques, applications and safety, FRCR trainees in radiology & oncology;
6. Participating in collaborative research and development work with NHS and university departments.

About Us

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust cares for 2 million patients each year and is one of the largest hospital trusts in the UK serving an immediate population of 770,000, providing regional specialist care for 5.4 million people. The Trust has strong academic links with regional universities, collaborating closely with commercial partners in the development, investigation & evaluation of medical equipment & clinical systems. Medical Physics & Engineering Department supports the established range of applications of physics & engineering in medicine, tries to be actively involved in the development/assessment/implementation of new & existing health care technologies/procedures/treatments. Radionuclide Physics is based in the Leeds Cancer Centre at St James's University Hospital.

Job Responsibilities

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Scientific & Clinical

1. To act as a Medical Physics Expert as defined in the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017, e.g. to provide expert medical physics, radiation protection and dosimetry advice to clinical staff on technology and diagnosis; to others in the Trust or outside.
2. To provide expert medical physics support to the provision of nuclear medicine within the Trust and to its external customers.
3. To deputise for the Clinical Scientist Service Manager (radionuclide physics) or Head of Section.
4. To supervise other staff, as agreed with the Clinical Scientist Service Manager (radionuclide physics) or Section Head.
5. To assess competency of trainees and recommend when staff are competent to carry out procedures unsupervised.
6. To provide expert advice in the event of technology failure; to determine when technology is fit for clinical use.
7. To manage quality assurance work of the Medical Physics department for relevant systems.

Clinical Service Development

1. To identify areas where service improvements can be made and work as part of multidisciplinary teams.
2. To implement new and improved techniques so that patients gain maximum benefit from the available equipment.
3. To take responsibility for the development and evaluation of new equipment, accessories, techniques and highly complex specialist nuclear medicine software & associated systems.

Teaching and Training

1. To provide teaching and training of students, radiographers, technologists, physicists, clinicians, management and members of the public on relevant aspects of nuclear medicine as required.

Research and Development

1. Research and development is necessary for continuous improvement of nuclear medicine and for the implementation and development of the potential of new equipment and facilities and the development of new diagnostic techniques and methods. This is a significant role of Clinical Scientists.

Person Specification

Experience

• Qualifications, knowledge and experience to act as Medical Physics Expert under IR(ME)R within the field of nuclear medicine.
• Expert knowledge and extensive practical experience of all main areas of nuclear medicine physics.
• Experience of acceptance testing and commissioning of nuclear medicine equipment, other technology and Quality Assurance Techniques.
• Radiation Protection and the safe handling of sealed and unsealed radioactive sources.
• Understanding of all aspects of patient progress through a nuclear medicine service and the requirements of a radionuclide physics service to ensure that it is performed in a safe and accurate manner.
• Detailed understanding of patient and staff risks arising from the use of ionising radiation and radioactive sources for nuclear medicine.
• Detailed understanding of relevant legislation, national standards, codes of practice, professional and other guidelines.
• Understanding of research matters including study design, funding and ethical issues. Project management.

Skills & Behaviours

• Problem solving on his/her own initiative and in partnership with others.
• To think laterally to solve problems, and in particular, to apply specialist scientific knowledge to provide innovative solutions to clinical problems.
• Plan and organise own workload / research projects and that of others.
• Plan and organise projects and tutorials for students/trainees.
• Ability to accept responsibility within a team structure, relates well to people at all levels.
• Ability to manage change in a complex environment.
• Ability to work flexibly and proactively, accepting the need for change and adjusting their own behaviour easily to changing circumstances and targets.
• A critical approach to one's own work, seeks and welcomes feedback from others.
• Ability to work unsupervised and supervise others.
• Good interpersonal skills and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Establishes and responds to user needs and requirements.
• Able to develop good working relationships with external bodies (contractors, research partners, suppliers, academic bodies).
• Able to negotiate with external contractors and PFI partners.
• Able to direct and supervise the work of others.

Qualifications

• Good (1st or 2nd class) honours degree in physical sciences Masters (MSc) in medical physics [or relevant subject area].
• HCPC registered Clinical Scientist.
• RPA2000 registered MPE.
• PhD in relevant subject.
• Corporate Membership of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM).

Other Criteria

• Technical skill and concentration when handling radioactive materials and fragile and sometimes heavy imaging test objects.
• May be requirement to exert light physical effort for short periods.
• Uses database, word processing and spreadsheet skills for data analysis and report production where accuracy is important.
• Highly developed physical skills with the ability to set up, calibrate and operate expensive equipment used in Nuclear Medicine.

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.

Lead Clinical Scientist - Radionuclide Physics