Head of Magnetic Resonance Physics

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Brighton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

About our Trust

At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal - to always put our Patient First. In fact our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

We are seeking to appoint a motivated Clinical Scientist to lead the Magnetic Resonance Physics section of the Medical Physics Department at University Hospitals Sussex.

For appointment at Band 8B we would expect you to have expert knowledge and experience of MR Physics, preferably at PhD level and have MSRE qualification.

A willingness and ability to travel would be essential and the use of your own car would be an advantage.

Main duties of the job

1. Act as the Head of MR Physics and lead Clinical Scientist for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Provide and develop a wide range of MRI physics services to University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSx), and its customers particularly the Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre on the University of Sussex campus at Falmer. Operate with a high degree of autonomy, whilst liaising with the Head of Medical Physics and Head of Optical Radiation and Ultrasound Physics to ensure the effective delivery of the service.
2. Act as the Magnetic Resonance Safety Expert to UHSussex and its customers. Work at a senior level of professional expertise to assist in the implementation and audit of legislation and other relevant guidance in MRI.
3. Line manage the Clinical Scientists/ Medical Physicists working in MR Physics as required.
4. The primary area of responsibility of this post may be UHSussex or to Trusts and hospitals that are customers of UHSussex. In either case some cover for other staff working at all sites will be required. Significant travel within Sussex and Kent is required.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Perform high precision quality assurance, calibration, acceptance and commissioning tests on highly specialist and complex, patient-critical MRI equipment, for appropriate areas of responsibility (mainly departments within UHSx but also its customers). For compliance with relevant legislation, standards and agreed good practice.
2. Analyse results and report with appropriate conclusions and recommendations. This involves designing, maintaining and using complex spreadsheets for yourself and others.
3. Make recommendations for the modification of the equipment tested to optimise the image quality and diagnostic effectiveness of the scans.
4. Analyse and investigate erroneous test results and modify test procedures as appropriate.
5. Ensure protocols are up to date and appropriate for use during testing. For new equipment develop appropriate protocols.
6. Provide appropriate support for other members of the Service's staff as necessary to perform quality assurance tests on MRI equipment within their area of responsibility.
7. Take a leading role in the setting up and maintenance of routine equipment quality assurance programmes to be conducted by the MRI Imaging staff within UHSx and its customers.
8. Advise the Imaging Department on appropriate test programmes and measurements. Propose policy changes on equipment QA.
9. Devise and document appropriate tests.
10. Liaise between the MR units at UHSx and the Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre to provide interchange of concepts and ideas.
11. To provide a technical support service to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facilitating the use of hardware and software packages for both clinical and research applications.
12. Contribute to education and staff development. The postholder will also be expected to supervise trainee clinical scientists in MR Imaging during their placement at this Training Centre.
13. Participate in other areas of work within Medical Physics as required by the Heads of sections commensurate with the post-holder's training, knowledge and experience.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Good (1st or 2nd class) degree in a Physical Science or equivalent.
• MSc in Medical Physics or equivalent qualification or experience.
• PhD in relevant or similar subject.

Desirable criteria

• IPEM Certificate of completion of post-qualification higher training or equivalent.

Professional Registration

Essential criteria

• State registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council or attainment within 6 months.
• Magnetic Resonance Safety Expert qualification.

Desirable criteria

• Certificate of Competence to act as an LPA issued by RPA2000.

Driving Licence

Essential criteria

• Full UK Driving Licence.

Experience

Essential criteria

• Practical experience with the full range of Diagnostic MRI equipment commissioning and performance testing.
• Detailed knowledge of appropriate regulation and guidance on the use of MRI in the UK and the physics of Magnetic Resonance.
• Experience of using Microsoft Office applications and other advanced mathematical computer systems including programming.
• Experience of clinical applications of MRI in a healthcare environment.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of other imaging modalities - Ultrasound/X-Ray.
• Experience of training Clinical scientists and other staff.
• Experience of software development and testing.
• Experience of clinical applications of magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential criteria

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants:

Please note, the use of AI generated applications will be closely monitored. It is at the managers discretion to reject your application if they feel the majority has been created through the use of AI tools.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

• Job Description and Person Specification (PDF, 560.3KB)
• Guide to completing an application form (PDF, 385.9KB)