Trainee Clinical Scientist - Radiotherapy Physics

Trainee Clinical Scientist - Radiotherapy Physics

NHS Wales is offering exciting opportunities to use your science degree (with a major physics component) for patient and public benefit. You will gain a master's degree and specialist work-based experience through a nationally recognised training programme. The starting salary will be on the first point of Band 6 on a 3-year fixed-term contract.

Healthcare science is one of the most exciting and dynamic areas to work in. Join a unique team who are inspired to apply their exceptional scientific knowledge and skills to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and the rehabilitation of patients.

The NHS in Wales is offering 4 salaried post-graduate training programmes in Radiotherapy Physics for high-calibre science graduates who are passionate about science and its role in patient care.

The Trainee Clinical Scientist will be employed by the host organisation for a fixed term of three years. During this time, they will work through a work-based programme of learning, combined with an academic programme at master's (MSc) level over the three-year period.

The first part of the academic programme will introduce the basic science and theoretical background of the rotational disciplines and their application in clinical science within health, as well as providing an introduction to healthcare services and values. The master's degree includes a research project within year 2/3.

Main Duties of the Job

Applications are invited for four Radiotherapy Physics training posts in South Wales. The training will follow the Scientist Training Programme curriculum for the Radiotherapy Physics Specialty specified by the National School of Healthcare Science. Trainees will rotate through other areas of Medical Physics as well as their specialty. Mobility between training centres is expected to cover all rotations.

Swansea-based trainees will undertake training placements at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff and the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, in addition to placements at their base in Singleton Hospital, Swansea. The West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital serves a population of approximately 975,000 people in West Wales.

Velindre trainees will undertake placements at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, in addition to their Velindre Cancer Centre and Abergavenny placements. Velindre Cancer Centre specialises in the non-surgical treatment of cancer and serves the 1.5 million people who live in South East Wales.

The part-time, fully funded, MSc course, which is an integral part of the training, will be delivered via the Medical School at Swansea University.

About Us

This is a three-year post-graduate programme, and the successful candidates will be employed by an NHS Wales organisation for the duration of their training and will be based in one of the following locations:

• 2x Swansea Bay University Health Board, Singleton Hospital, South West Wales Cancer Centre
• 2x Velindre University NHS Trust, Velindre Cancer Centre or Abergavenny, Nevill Hall Hospital, Radiotherapy "Satellite" Centre

Job Responsibilities

Trainees will be required to rotate through other areas, which may involve placements at other locations. On completion of training, prospects for permanent employment within Wales are excellent. For individuals with aptitude and commitment, there are opportunities to progress through the career pathway to Consultant Clinical Scientist. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are motivated to pursue their career within Wales.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

For further information about these training positions, please contact:

• Walter Thomas / walter.thomas@wales.nhs.uk for SBUHB, Singleton Hospital, South West Wales Cancer Centre
• Rebecca Windle / rebecca.windle@wales.nhs.uk for Velindre Cancer Centre or Abergavenny, Nevill Hall Hospital, Radiotherapy "Satellite" Centre

Informal visits are highly recommended. Interviews will be held remotely. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• Applicants must have an honours degree (1st or 2.1) in a pure or applied science relevant to the specialism for which they are applying. (Applicants with a relevant 2.2 degree will also be considered if they have an MSc or PhD in the specialism for which they are applying).
• Have an understanding of quality control and management assurance in a science or work-based context.
• Have an understanding of the role of their chosen specialism in healthcare and disease and its application in a healthcare setting.

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge acquired through study and experience to formulate appropriate advice and judgments.
• Have taken part in supervised clinical activity to postgraduate diploma level.

Desirable

• For all candidates, evidence of research experience, e.g., in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability, is considered desirable.

Skills and Attributes

Essential

• A committed in-depth interest in Scientific Practice and its application to direct clinical care of patients in a clinical environment.
• Ability to develop proficiency in the performance of routine and complex techniques currently in use where they are training and the ability to develop and validate new techniques.
• Ability to design research investigations and experiments.
• Able to identify problems associated with scientific equipment, inappropriate testing, and incompatible results and to investigate these, plan corrective action confirming appropriateness with senior colleagues and follow up.
• Ability to work under pressure and ability to prioritise and plan work.

Desirable

• Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Welsh (please delete as appropriate).

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.

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.

Employer Details

Employer Name

Health Education and Improvement Wales

Address

Singleton Hospital, Velindre Cancer Centre or Nevill Hall Hospital

Swansea, Cardiff, Abergavenny

SA2 8QA

Employer's Website

https://heiw.nhs.wales/