Advanced Principal Physicist 8b

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 81,000

Job description

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Medical Physics provides scientific and technical support to a wide range of clinical and laboratory services in the Trust and to many external clients. With a large staff of scientific and technical personnel, and good facilities, the Department provides advice and support in applying physical science and engineering to a wide range of techniques and facilities in health care. The Radiation Safety and Radiology Physics group provide services to multiple Radiology, Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, PET and Radiotherapy services including those within GSTT. This post will act as lead in the area of Radiology although some involvement in other areas is likely.

Main duties of the job

You will be working in the Radiation Safety and Radiology Physics Section of the Medical Physics Department and primarily based at the Guy's Hospital site, although you may lead work at any of the Trust locations and for a range of external contracts. The Radiation Safety and Radiology Physics team comprises of experienced scientists and technicians whose aim is to ensure the quality, safety and effectiveness of the use of radiation on patients in healthcare.

The main duties of this role are to lead the work of the section in all aspects support to Radiology. This is expected to include acting as RPA and MPE to some clients. The post holder is expected to be actively involved in performing and supervising work around research ethics, patient dose audit and optimisation projects.

Job responsibilities

The post holder will support and usually lead on all aspects of work in radiology physics. Supporting the quality assurance and optimisation of diagnostic radiology systems. The post holder will be expected to lead MPE input into multidisciplinary optimisation working groups, setting up procedures for utilising a dose management systems, and give advice on equipment purchasing decisions. The post holder is expected to be an accredited RPA although applications from candidates with a short timeline to achieving RPA status are encouraged. Work will include acting as appointed RPA for at least one major contract and acting as a deputy RPA for GSTT. This will include all aspects of RPA work such as audit, shielding advice, attending radiation safety committees, advice on risk assessment etc. The post holder will prepare MPE dose reports for ethics submissions. Participation and leading in research and development work will be expected, including presenting at meetings and publication in peer reviewed journals, giving formal lectures, and participating in our journal club. The post holder will have a leading role in managing our radiology equipment QA service and this may include a limited role in performing QC when needed. While this is primarily a radiology focused role, the radiation safety team also provide scientific support to nuclear medicine, PET and radiotherapy and give laser safety advice to clients. There may be the opportunity for some work in these areas although the primary focus of this role will be on diagnostic radiology physics. RWA and LPA accreditation would be welcomed but are not fundamental to the role.

Additionally the post holder will take line management functions for several members of the radiology physics part of the team. This will include regular one-to-one meetings, undertaking annual performance development reviews, managing sickness/absence etc. The postholder will be expected to deputise for the head of section as required for internal and external meetings.

Person Specification

Professional/ Statutory Registration

• State registration as a Clinical Scientist
• RPA 2000 Certificate of Competence to act as a Radiation Protection Adviser
• MPE accreditation
• LPA accreditation

Qualifications/ Education

• Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in a relevant subject
• Relevant MSc or higher degree
• Publication record in peer reviewed journals

Knowledge skill and experience

• Devolved operational line management experience for scientific and technical staff
• Able to deliver teaching and training on complex subjects
• Advanced level of knowledge across radiological imaging techniques, medical procedures involving X-rays and practices in Radiation Physics
• High level of understanding of patient and staff risks arising from equipment failure and staff error
• Experience of preparing specifications for highly complex, patient-critical x-ray equipment
• Specialised knowledge of clinical issues and their implications for radiation dosimetry purposes
• Experience of mentoring and developing staff at lower grades, including appraisal

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.

Address

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Salary

£70,387 to £80,465 a year per annum inc. HCA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

196-LIS9396

Job locations

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust