Principal Clinical Scientist

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Radiology Physics provides clinical and non-clinical scientific and technical services in diagnostic radiology physics and the ionising radiation protection of patients, staff and the general public to the Trust and to client health care organisations throughout the region.

The post holder will provide expert scientific and technical advice, as a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and Medical Physics Expert (MPE), to ensure that NHS Trusts and other organisations can meet their statutory obligations.

The post holder will also be the lead expert in all aspects of the Radiology Physics equipment and quality control programme. They will design, maintain and manage a comprehensive independent commissioning, quality assurance and calibration programme for all ionising radiation equipment throughout the region. They will manage the technical staff of the Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Service.

The post holder will provide support for the research, optimisation and development of radiological techniques with the aim of improving patient management and patient and staff safety.

Main duties of the job

Management

1. Work closely with the Head of Radiology Physics in managing the activities of the Group and in planning services. Deputise for the Head of Radiology Physics.
2. Proactively participate in workforce development including selection, recruitment and retention of staff.
3. Act as line manager for technical staff, conducting staff appraisals, initial grievances and handling day-to-day matters such as leave requests or sickness absence reviews.

Scientific support to diagnostic radiology

1. To initiate, plan and introduce innovative techniques for the evaluation, commissioning and continuing quality control of diagnostic x-ray equipment (including x-ray, CT, fluoroscopy and mammography).
2. Provide leadership in specific areas of the group's work, in providing in-depth expertise in these areas, planning group strategy and in developing new ways of working, and implementing these into the routine procedures of the Group.
3. Undertake, as necessary, critical examinations, commissioning tests and quality control measurements on a wide range of x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. Provide written reports and advice to Radiology Managers, radiographers, radiologists and others. Liaise with manufacturers' representatives where necessary.

Job responsibilities

Radiation protection

1. Provide expert scientific and technical advice in the areas of RPA and MPE support, and proactively contribute to formulating departmental policy and management of the routine service.
2. Provide, on own authority, Radiation Protection Advice and Medical Physics Expertise to specified Trusts, private hospitals and other organisations, to ensure that they meet their statutory obligations. This involves dealing with a wide range of staff including senior Trust managers, radiology managers, consultant radiologists, and radiographers. The advice provided will cover such aspects as the design of x-ray facilities including the calculation of shielding requirements, optimisation of patient dose and clinical image quality, quality assurance of equipment and procedures, personal monitoring and measures for staff protection. Review and provide written reports to Radiation Protection Committees and employers on compliance with Regulations.

Research and Development

1. Undertake research and development in Radiology Physics and establish and maintain collaborative links with other hospitals, universities and industry.
2. Undertake research and development work (approximately 10% of workload) in the field of diagnostic X-ray aimed at both improving the Radiology Physics service and the optimisation of radiological techniques in the health service.
3. To draw the attention of the Head of Radiology Physics to research opportunities and when appropriate to generate applications for grants and research contracts.
4. To publish research in internationally recognised peer-reviewed research journals and present at national/international meetings.

Teaching and training

1. Regularly deliver training to groups of staff and students e.g. Radiation protection Courses, Non-medical referrers training, IPEM Training scheme.
2. Assist in the training supervision and assessment of trainee physicists and technologists including acting as STP, PTP or IPEM Training scheme supervisor.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

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Experience

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Knowledge

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Skills

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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.