Radiotherapy Clinical Scientist

NHS; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced, HCPC registered, Radiotherapy Clinical Scientist at the purpose-built Deanesly Cancer Centre, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, West Midlands.

Within the department we have; 4 Elekta Versa HD linear accelerators with IGRT, VMAT, FFF and EPID dosimetry capability. Also, two wide bore 4D CT scanners with gating capabilities. Further treatment units include, Xstrahl orthovoltage and Flexitron HDR. Supporting software currently includes Pinnacle TPS, Mosaiq Record and Verify system, Prosoma Virtual Simulator, Oncentra Masterplan Brachytherapy TPS, ProSoma Core independent MU check and the Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK verification system. RayStation TPS is currently being commissioned.

The radiotherapy physics department consists of a dedicated and experienced, diverse team, working together to provide the highest standard of radiotherapy physics support. We have an excellent working relationship with the wider MDT locally as well as close collaboration amongst the radiotherapy centres within the region, headed by the West Midlands Cancer Alliance.

In the near future, the department will start a rolling linac and CT refresh presenting exciting opportunities for the team, as well as the continuing commissioning and integration of RayStation TPS.

Main duties of the job

The post holder is expected to provide scientific support and assist in the field of treatment planning, dosimetry and QA, brachytherapy, quality management system, trials, R&D, equipment commissioning etc. The candidate will be encouraged and supported to achieve MPE status if not already gained.

They will undertake a range of other duties within the section including assisting in the development and introduction of new radiotherapy treatment techniques practices and the resolution of problems with complex radiotherapy treatment plans. They will liaise with a wide range of staff in Medical Physics and Radiotherapy, and also with external equipment manufacturers and service suppliers. This is an outstanding opportunity to be involved with several new developments including prostate SABR, interstitial brachytherapy and a range of commissioning projects.

The Post holder will rotate through radiotherapy treatment planning/checking, dosimetry and quality assurance procedures covering all radiotherapy equipment. The post holder will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to the Physicist in charge of the area in which work is currently being performed.

The post holder will provide expert advice and support to the Consultant Clinical Oncologists for routine aspects of radiotherapy physics.

There may be a requirement to work outside of normal treatment hours to access the equipment for QA or maintenance purposes.

The Department will consider flexible work hours by mutual agreement.

About us

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the West Midlands providing primary, acute and community services and we are incredibly proud of the diversity of both our staff and the communities we serve. We are building a workforce that can help us to fulfil our values, improve the quality of care for patients, and solve the health care problems of tomorrow. We're passionate about the value that diversity of thinking and lived experience brings in enabling us to become a learning organisation and leader in delivering compassionate care for our patients.

We are delighted that we have been rated as "Good" by CQC. We have achieved numerous awards; The Nursing Times Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff in 2020.

The Trust is a supportive working environment committed to creating flexible working arrangements that suit your needs and as such will consider all requests from applicants who wish to work flexibly.

Job responsibilities

1. To be a critical member of the radiotherapy physics team working in harmony to support, on a rotational basis, treatment planning, imaging, QA and dosimetry and other ongoing projects.
2. To be a leading member of the treatment planning section. Responsibilities will include external beam treatment planning, brachytherapy and associated ongoing development work to support the service need.
3. To produce, check and approve routine and complex treatment plans, dose calculations and other treatment related information.
4. To carry out cross-calibration procedures and quality assurance measurements on dosimetry equipment.
5. To be responsible for implementation and commissioning of assigned radiotherapy equipment.
6. To lead on services, mutually agreed with the head of radiotherapy physics.
7. To assist and support, national or local radiotherapy trials related activities.
8. To assist with system administration tasks on treatment planning computers, record and verify system, resolve problems associated with the transfer of safety critical treatment data between systems, assist with software upgrades and pre-use checks.
9. To participate in inter-departmental and other external audit programmes.
10. To participate in the training and development of junior staff and trainees in the radiotherapy physics section.
11. To evaluate and develop procedures as part of service development.
12. To support development, evaluate and audit departmental quality management system.
13. To ensure that the patient information transferred across the radiotherapy network is correct and complete.
14. To take part in a flexible duty rota to cover the working of an extended working day in radiotherapy when necessary and the completion of some quality assurance procedures outside normal working hours.
15. To carry out work in radiotherapy physics associated with developing techniques, including the commissioning and adaptation of radiotherapy treatment machines and systems, developing protocols for clinical use.
16. To participate in the equipment specifications and measurement of required treatment data for clinical use.
17. To ensure that all procedures, including written records, required are completed promptly and properly.
18. To advise and assist clinical and other staff in the preparation and completion of radiotherapy procedures where expertise in Radiotherapy Physics is required.
19. To be aware of governance and risk management issues within the department and to contribute to their resolution.
20. To develop and lead on new techniques to meet specific requirements which may be self-initiated, initiated by senior colleagues, or necessary for particular clinical needs.
21. To be fully aware of relevant scientific and technical developments and legislation in the field, attending or participating in such conferences, seminars, etc as may be appropriate and agreed.
22. To participate in evaluation and research in topics relevant to the work of the Sub-division and publication of relevant development work.
23. To use personal initiative in the completion of tasks associated with the Radiotherapy Physics service.
24. To be responsible for the supervision of junior staff working in their areas of responsibility, and to participate in staff appraisal arrangement and job description reviews as required.
25. To carry out appraisals and administrative procedures which may be appropriate as part of the service and line manage other junior staff.
26. To undertake other duties that may be appropriate in order to meet the needs of the service.
27. To complete CPD to the relevant required standard.
28. This job description may be reviewed periodically in the light of developing work requirements. The physicist will be expected to contribute towards that review.
29. To work towards MPCE certification if required.
30. To comply with the Department and the Trust mandatory training requirements.

Person Specification

Registration

• HCPC registration

Qualifications

• Completed Relevant MSc/ STP training/ Training through 'route 2' or equivalent
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Act as an MPE in own specialist radiotherapy field
• Experience at band 7, post HCPC registration or equivalent
• External beam advanced treatment planning
• Dosimetry experience associated with radiotherapy treatment machines
• Commissioning of radiotherapy treatment machines, dosimetry equipment
• External treatment plan checking
• Brachytherapy treatment planning / checking
• Research and Development
• Training Junior Staff

Management Experience

• Managing/ participating in a technical project
• Writing up protocols and procedures and understanding QM system
• Conducting audits
• Conducting appraisals
• Line manage junior staff

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.