Principal Clinical Scientist
The Christie NHS FT
Manchester
GBP 80,000 - 100,000
Job description
Job summary
The Imaging Physics & Radiation Protection group within Christie Medical Physics & Engineering are seeking an experienced Clinical Scientist with MPE and/or RPA qualifications to join our growing team of ~30 scientists, technologists and administrators. We deliver scientific support to NHS and independent sector clinical radiology departments in the North West of England.
You will be involved in the CMPE RPA body (recognised by the Health and Safety Executive as an RPA body under the requirements of IRR17), providing radiation protection advice to diagnostic and interventional radiology/cardiology departments and dental practitioners. You will be the primary radiation protection contact for specified organisations. In addition, as Medical Physics Expert you will provide support for the optimisation of diagnostic and interventional radiology, developing and maintaining a close working relationship with the radiographic and clinical teams in these organisations.
Applicants should be patient focused and flexible to change where quality can be improved.
Candidates with experience delivering MPE (imaging) and RPA support to radiotherapy would be welcomed as the group grows support to The Christie radiotherapy centres.
Suitable, experienced applicants without MPE or RPA qualifications will be considered for appointment at band 7.
We welcome external applicants.
Main duties of the job
A large part of the role is leading on RPA and MPE advice to particular imaging organisations, ensuring they have the information necessary to comply with IRR17 and IRMER17. A detailed knowledge of the regulations and imaging equipment is essential to support these activities.
You will take the lead in an area of the group's work, focusing on equipment performance or another element of radiation protection, dependent on your past experience and the group's needs. We would welcome someone with experience in mammography, dental or CT but have many opportunities. You will learn the CMPE way of working using the quality management system before initiating changes (due to the need to bring a large team along when changes are made). You will be expected to provide in-depth expertise and implement improved ways of working. You will initiate and undertake projects to support clinical research in line with the group priorities.
Day to day management of staff and contributing to the group service management is also a key part of the role. Teaching is a regular part of the role.
A current driving license is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role (currently we have manual drive pool cars, however we are moving to automatics soon).
About us
We are the Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Section of the Imaging Physics and Radiation Protection Group within CMPE, based at The Christie in Manchester.
The group is active in research and development, currently working on projects including radiation protection culture and QA of cone beam CT. Professional activities are supported with recent involvement in the IPEM Medical and Dental Guidance Notes, FGDP Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners and EFOMP/EURADOS working parties on patient dosimetry.
Manchester is a hub for sport, music and culture as well as a friendly, vibrant city. The Christie is located 4 miles to the south of the City, in close proximity to Didsbury and Chorlton where there are many independent shops, restaurants and bars. There are a number of National Parks nearby and, for travelling further afield, Manchester International Airport (with flights to over 200 destinations) is minutes away while London is only 2 hours by train.
Due to the large regional service in the North West and formation of Imaging Networks, although the post is based at The Christie in Manchester, there may be scope to be based at another NHS Trust within the Greater Manchester or Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Systems. This might appeal to those who prefer living in the open countryside over city/suburb living.
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Scientific support to diagnostic radiology
1.1. Provide a wide range of scientific advice to departments of radiology/cardiology and other users of X-ray equipment, including matters such as patient dosimetry optimisation of radiation dose and image quality, and resolution of problems in these areas.
1.2. Take the lead for specific areas of the groups work (e.g. fluoroscopy, digital radiography, dental etc.) providing in-depth expertise in these areas, driving the group strategy and its implementation e.g. x-ray equipment testing methods.
1.3. Undertake 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. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects. Provide written reports and advice to radiographic, clinical and management teams including outside Radiology. Liaise with manufacturers representatives where necessary.
1.4. Provide specialist technical advice to Radiology Managers and others for the procurement of high capital value complex clinical equipment.
1.5. MPE (imaging) experience in radiotherapy will be an advantage and offers the group opportunities. Dependant on group need, it may be that this post holder is expected to learn this support during employment.
2. Radiation protection
2.1. Provide Radiation Protection Advice to specified Trusts, private hospitals and other health service concerns, to ensure that they meet their statutory obligations under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017. 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, personal monitoring, measures for staff protection and reviewing and providing written reports to Trust Radiation Protection Committees and employers on compliance with the Regulations.
2.2. Provide, on own authority, Medical Physics Expert advice to specified Trusts, private hospitals and other health service concerns, as required by the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017. This includes the provision of advice on local quality assurance programmes, and measurements and advice to optimise patient dose and image quality.
2.3. Contribute to formulating CMPE departmental policy on radiation protection.
2.4. RPA experience in radiotherapy will be an advantage and offers the group opportunities. Dependant on group need, it may be that this post holder is expected to learn this support during employment.
3. Research and Development
3.1. Provide a lead within the section for research and service development in an area of the groups work (e.g. fluoroscopy, patient dosimetry) and establish and maintain collaborative links with other Hospitals, Universities and Industry for this area.
3.2. Undertake research and service development work aimed at both improving the CMPE service and the optimisation of radiological techniques in the health service.
3.3. To publish research in internationally recognised peer reviewed research journals and present at national /international meetings.
4. Teaching and training
4.1. Involvement in and management of aspects of the Departments teaching commitments, including FRCR, MSC schemes or equivalence, and local and regional radiation protection courses.
4.2. Assist in the training and supervision of scientists and technologists and trainees, including acting as supervisor for trainees during their placements within the group. Applicants with appropriate experience at the right level will contribute to HSST supervisor roles.
5. Professional
5.1. Keep up to date with developments in the field of diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection.
5.2. Be involved in relevant national activities and initiatives, including the development of national guidance and playing an active role in national professional organisations.
5.3. Maintain state registration as a Clinical Scientist, recognition as Medical Physics Expert and an up-to-date certificate of competence as Radiation Protection Adviser.
6. Management
6.1. Assist the Group Leader in managing the activities of the Group and in planning services.
6.2. Participate in workforce development including selection, recruitment and retention of staff.
6.3. Participate in the ISO9001 Quality System for the Group.
6.4. Act as day to day manager for physicists and technicians as allocated by the Group Leader and conduct staff appraisals.
This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service. Since from time to time these needs may change it is necessary to recognise that the post-holder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the Director.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
The Imaging Physics & Radiation Protection group within Christie Medical Physics & Engineering are seeking an experienced Clinical Scientist with MPE and/or RPA qualifications to join our growing team of ~30 scientists, technologists and administrators. We deliver scientific support to NHS and independent sector clinical radiology departments in the North West of England.
You will be involved in the CMPE RPA body (recognised by the Health and Safety Executive as an RPA body under the requirements of IRR17), providing radiation protection advice to diagnostic and interventional radiology/cardiology departments and dental practitioners. You will be the primary radiation protection contact for specified organisations. In addition, as Medical Physics Expert you will provide support for the optimisation of diagnostic and interventional radiology, developing and maintaining a close working relationship with the radiographic and clinical teams in these organisations.
Applicants should be patient focused and flexible to change where quality can be improved.
Candidates with experience delivering MPE (imaging) and RPA support to radiotherapy would be welcomed as the group grows support to The Christie radiotherapy centres.
Suitable, experienced applicants without MPE or RPA qualifications will be considered for appointment at band 7.
We welcome external applicants.
Main duties of the job
A large part of the role is leading on RPA and MPE advice to particular imaging organisations, ensuring they have the information necessary to comply with IRR17 and IRMER17. A detailed knowledge of the regulations and imaging equipment is essential to support these activities.
You will take the lead in an area of the group's work, focusing on equipment performance or another element of radiation protection, dependent on your past experience and the group's needs. We would welcome someone with experience in mammography, dental or CT but have many opportunities. You will learn the CMPE way of working using the quality management system before initiating changes (due to the need to bring a large team along when changes are made). You will be expected to provide in-depth expertise and implement improved ways of working. You will initiate and undertake projects to support clinical research in line with the group priorities.
Day to day management of staff and contributing to the group service management is also a key part of the role. Teaching is a regular part of the role.
A current driving license is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role (currently we have manual drive pool cars, however we are moving to automatics soon).
About us
We are the Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Section of the Imaging Physics and Radiation Protection Group within CMPE, based at The Christie in Manchester.
The group is active in research and development, currently working on projects including radiation protection culture and QA of cone beam CT. Professional activities are supported with recent involvement in the IPEM Medical and Dental Guidance Notes, FGDP Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners and EFOMP/EURADOS working parties on patient dosimetry.
Manchester is a hub for sport, music and culture as well as a friendly, vibrant city. The Christie is located 4 miles to the south of the City, in close proximity to Didsbury and Chorlton where there are many independent shops, restaurants and bars. There are a number of National Parks nearby and, for travelling further afield, Manchester International Airport (with flights to over 200 destinations) is minutes away while London is only 2 hours by train.
Due to the large regional service in the North West and formation of Imaging Networks, although the post is based at The Christie in Manchester, there may be scope to be based at another NHS Trust within the Greater Manchester or Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Systems. This might appeal to those who prefer living in the open countryside over city/suburb living.
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Scientific support to diagnostic radiology
1.1. Provide a wide range of scientific advice to departments of radiology/cardiology and other users of X-ray equipment, including matters such as patient dosimetry optimisation of radiation dose and image quality, and resolution of problems in these areas.
1.2. Take the lead for specific areas of the groups work (e.g. fluoroscopy, digital radiography, dental etc.) providing in-depth expertise in these areas, driving the group strategy and its implementation e.g. x-ray equipment testing methods.
1.3. Undertake 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. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects. Provide written reports and advice to radiographic, clinical and management teams including outside Radiology. Liaise with manufacturers representatives where necessary.
1.4. Provide specialist technical advice to Radiology Managers and others for the procurement of high capital value complex clinical equipment.
1.5. MPE (imaging) experience in radiotherapy will be an advantage and offers the group opportunities. Dependant on group need, it may be that this post holder is expected to learn this support during employment.
2. Radiation protection
2.1. Provide Radiation Protection Advice to specified Trusts, private hospitals and other health service concerns, to ensure that they meet their statutory obligations under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017. 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, personal monitoring, measures for staff protection and reviewing and providing written reports to Trust Radiation Protection Committees and employers on compliance with the Regulations.
2.2. Provide, on own authority, Medical Physics Expert advice to specified Trusts, private hospitals and other health service concerns, as required by the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017. This includes the provision of advice on local quality assurance programmes, and measurements and advice to optimise patient dose and image quality.
2.3. Contribute to formulating CMPE departmental policy on radiation protection.
2.4. RPA experience in radiotherapy will be an advantage and offers the group opportunities. Dependant on group need, it may be that this post holder is expected to learn this support during employment.
3. Research and Development
3.1. Provide a lead within the section for research and service development in an area of the groups work (e.g. fluoroscopy, patient dosimetry) and establish and maintain collaborative links with other Hospitals, Universities and Industry for this area.
3.2. Undertake research and service development work aimed at both improving the CMPE service and the optimisation of radiological techniques in the health service.
3.3. To publish research in internationally recognised peer reviewed research journals and present at national /international meetings.
4. Teaching and training
4.1. Involvement in and management of aspects of the Departments teaching commitments, including FRCR, MSC schemes or equivalence, and local and regional radiation protection courses.
4.2. Assist in the training and supervision of scientists and technologists and trainees, including acting as supervisor for trainees during their placements within the group. Applicants with appropriate experience at the right level will contribute to HSST supervisor roles.
5. Professional
5.1. Keep up to date with developments in the field of diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection.
5.2. Be involved in relevant national activities and initiatives, including the development of national guidance and playing an active role in national professional organisations.
5.3. Maintain state registration as a Clinical Scientist, recognition as Medical Physics Expert and an up-to-date certificate of competence as Radiation Protection Adviser.
6. Management
6.1. Assist the Group Leader in managing the activities of the Group and in planning services.
6.2. Participate in workforce development including selection, recruitment and retention of staff.
6.3. Participate in the ISO9001 Quality System for the Group.
6.4. Act as day to day manager for physicists and technicians as allocated by the Group Leader and conduct staff appraisals.
This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service. Since from time to time these needs may change it is necessary to recognise that the post-holder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the Director.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good honours degree in appropriate physical science
- Higher degree (MSc or equivalent)
- State registered Clinical Scientist
- Recognition as MPE or certificate of competence as RPA (ideally both or expected to gain within reasonable time)
- Corporate membership of IPEM or other equivalent professional body
- PhD or equivalent research experience
- LPA certification
Essential
- In depth experience of testing X-ray equipment
- Provision of highly specialist scientific support in diagnostic radiology and radiation protection (to RPA and/or MPE level)
- Demonstration of capability for self-motivated working.
- Identifying, planning and undertaking research or service development work
- MPE experience in radiotherapy imaging
- RPA experience in radiotherapy
- Supervision and management experience
Essential
- Good computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access)
- Clear and articulate communicator
- Good interpersonal skills
- Scientific report writing
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Teaching skills
- Ability to position tests tools with precision, routinely
- Analysis & interpretation of investigations/results, drawing conclusions
- Ability to apply health & safety and risk management principles to practical scenarios
- Ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism
- Problem solving
- Resilience
- Advanced computer applications such as image analysis and processing
- Ability to produce good publications in scientific journals and conferences.
Essential
- Expert knowledge of radiological physics and radiation protection and regulatory framework
- In depth knowledge of X-ray equipment
- Basic understanding of HR policies and procedures
- Working knowledge of quality management systems
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisation's values and behaviours including respect towards others at all times.
- Patient focused
- Accountability and adherence to HCPC code of conduct
Essential
- Valid car driving licence (we have manual transmission 'pool cars' currently but moving to 'automatic' in coming years)
- Willing to work flexibly in line with service needs (see notes below).
- Physically able to lift heavy measuring equipment (up to 15 kg)
- Enthusiasm and commitment
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
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