Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Lead Physicist (MRI)

The closing date is 08 March 2026

Job summary

As our lead physicist for MRI you will work at a senior level with responsibility for the leadership and management of the MRI physics service. You will provide expert scientific support and safety advice to clinical MRI services as part of the Clinical & Radiation Physics team across the SEND Medical Physics network (South, East, and North Devon) and will lead and develop the MRI Physics service.

Youll be encouraged and mentored to develop your skills with involvement in significant redevelopment programmes, opportunities to utilise your expert knowledge, and support a culture of training within the department. In return we offer funded training and development, flexible working, career progression, research and innovation opportunities.

Not forgetting youll be in glorious Devon, a fantastic landscape of vibrant cities, stunning beaches and rugged moors

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Details

Date posted

20 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£66,582 to £77,368 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

185-504-12568

Job locations

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital

Barrack Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5DW


Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

As our Lead MRI physicist, you will also take responsibility for developing, managing and coordinating MRI Physics services in the trust and the region, working in collaboration with other trusts within the south west. You will participate in the training of future Clinical Scientists and Clinical Technologists in MRI and provide bespoke training for radiographers and radiologists, and lecture on internal and external courses where appropriate.

Youll have the chance to work autonomously, planning and delivering a programme of scientific support to services using MRI across the SEND network. This currently consists of eight MRI scanners with plans for further developments to increase this to more than 10 scanners.

No two days will be the same, as youll be working across three acute sites and RDUHs large community diagnostic centre. You will work with researchers across the region including work with the University of Exeter.

As part of your role you will work with the clinical team to ensure the smooth running of the service and compliance with all MRI safety requirements. There will be opportunities to strengthen your leadership skills and expert knowledge by supporting the Head of Clinical and Radiation Physics and Deputy Head of Clinical and Radiation Physics.

As a member of the Clinical & Radiation Physics team, you will work closely with colleagues in Nuclear Medicine Physics, Diagnostic Radiology Physics, Radiation Safety and Nonionising Physics, as well as clinical colleagues and private customers. You will also be part of the wider Medical Physics team at the Royal Devon, and enjoy the benefits of well-established regional networks of experts and training centres.

About youYoull be keen to join our small, friendly team, dedicated to providing technical scientific expertise to colleagues and external customers.

You will:

  • be a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist
  • be able to act as MR Safety Expert
  • have advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in MRI
  • have experience in working in a healthcare environment
  • hold a valid full UK driving licence

Developmental PostWe are open to recruiting at Band 8a level for candidates who possess some, but not all, of the required experience and would support you with a development plan. For example, if you are a registered Clinical Scientist but require futher experience to act as the MRSE.

Why join our team?

Training and learning opportunities are in high supply here, from being one of the first trusts to re-establish the apprenticeship route for Medical Physics Technologists in Radiation Physics to our growing Consultant Clinical Scientist training program. We'll support you in finding the best way to grow whether in-house at our accredited training centre for PTP, STP and HSST or through external courses.

Learning opportunities arent restricted to just qualifications. The team facilitate professional and scientific conferences for colleagues across the South West and have strong network connections across the Peninsula and wider South West to ensure shared learning and adoption of best practices.

Research and innovation are at the heart of how we deliver cutting-edge health and care. Alongside our large, purpose-built commercial research centre, we provide state-of-the-art facilities in partnership with the University of Exeter and are the host site for the NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, the Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Medical Research, a Post Graduate Education Centre, and UKAS-accredited laboratories.

Our strong partnership with the University of Exeter continues with the Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre for clinical research. The centre provides highly advanced PET-CT and MRI scanning facilities for research, clinical diagnosis, and therapy on the Royal Devon site. The Clinical & Radiation Physics team provide scientific services to the centre, working closely with the research teams to ensure safety, quality and innovation.

Career development opportunities are encouraged and supported within the team. The Devon Diagnostic Centre (DDC) is part a range of service based at the NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter and has an innovative approach in streamlining patient pathways and reducing waiting lists, while providing exceptional patient care to patients from North, East, South and West Devon. With exciting plans to expand services, there will be opportunities to work on significant projects in collaboration with colleagues across the Trust.

Working Hours a healthy work-life balance is essential, and Devon is a great place to enjoy it. The Telegraph continues to rank Devon as the best county in England, scoring highly for natural wonders, history and culture, luxuries in their readers poll.

Working Pattern: the role is 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday. We have a flexible working policy that we are happy to discuss to establish suitable options for you and the department.

Interview Date: To be confirmed

For further information or for an informal chat about the role or to arrange a visit please contact: Matt Rowlandson, Head of Clinical & Radiation Physics, m.rowlandson@nhs.net or 01392 402126.

Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2026-7 rates, inclusive of a 3.3% pay award implemented from April 2026. If you join before this date, remuneration will be based on the 2025-6 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2025/26 | NHS Employers)

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

As our Lead MRI physicist, you will also take responsibility for developing, managing and coordinating MRI Physics services in the trust and the region, working in collaboration with other trusts within the south west. You will participate in the training of future Clinical Scientists and Clinical Technologists in MRI and provide bespoke training for radiographers and radiologists, and lecture on internal and external courses where appropriate.

Youll have the chance to work autonomously, planning and delivering a programme of scientific support to services using MRI across the SEND network. This currently consists of eight MRI scanners with plans for further developments to increase this to more than 10 scanners.

No two days will be the same, as youll be working across three acute sites and RDUHs large community diagnostic centre. You will work with researchers across the region including work with the University of Exeter.

As part of your role you will work with the clinical team to ensure the smooth running of the service and compliance with all MRI safety requirements. There will be opportunities to strengthen your leadership skills and expert knowledge by supporting the Head of Clinical and Radiation Physics and Deputy Head of Clinical and Radiation Physics.

As a member of the Clinical & Radiation Physics team, you will work closely with colleagues in Nuclear Medicine Physics, Diagnostic Radiology Physics, Radiation Safety and Nonionising Physics, as well as clinical colleagues and private customers. You will also be part of the wider Medical Physics team at the Royal Devon, and enjoy the benefits of well-established regional networks of experts and training centres.

About youYoull be keen to join our small, friendly team, dedicated to providing technical scientific expertise to colleagues and external customers.

You will:

  • be a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist
  • be able to act as MR Safety Expert
  • have advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in MRI
  • have experience in working in a healthcare environment
  • hold a valid full UK driving licence

Developmental PostWe are open to recruiting at Band 8a level for candidates who possess some, but not all, of the required experience and would support you with a development plan. For example, if you are a registered Clinical Scientist but require futher experience to act as the MRSE.

Why join our team?

Training and learning opportunities are in high supply here, from being one of the first trusts to re-establish the apprenticeship route for Medical Physics Technologists in Radiation Physics to our growing Consultant Clinical Scientist training program. We'll support you in finding the best way to grow whether in-house at our accredited training centre for PTP, STP and HSST or through external courses.

Learning opportunities arent restricted to just qualifications. The team facilitate professional and scientific conferences for colleagues across the South West and have strong network connections across the Peninsula and wider South West to ensure shared learning and adoption of best practices.

Research and innovation are at the heart of how we deliver cutting-edge health and care. Alongside our large, purpose-built commercial research centre, we provide state-of-the-art facilities in partnership with the University of Exeter and are the host site for the NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, the Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Medical Research, a Post Graduate Education Centre, and UKAS-accredited laboratories.

Our strong partnership with the University of Exeter continues with the Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre for clinical research. The centre provides highly advanced PET-CT and MRI scanning facilities for research, clinical diagnosis, and therapy on the Royal Devon site. The Clinical & Radiation Physics team provide scientific services to the centre, working closely with the research teams to ensure safety, quality and innovation.

Career development opportunities are encouraged and supported within the team. The Devon Diagnostic Centre (DDC) is part a range of service based at the NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter and has an innovative approach in streamlining patient pathways and reducing waiting lists, while providing exceptional patient care to patients from North, East, South and West Devon. With exciting plans to expand services, there will be opportunities to work on significant projects in collaboration with colleagues across the Trust.

Working Hours a healthy work-life balance is essential, and Devon is a great place to enjoy it. The Telegraph continues to rank Devon as the best county in England, scoring highly for natural wonders, history and culture, luxuries in their readers poll.

Working Pattern: the role is 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday. We have a flexible working policy that we are happy to discuss to establish suitable options for you and the department.

Interview Date: To be confirmed

For further information or for an informal chat about the role or to arrange a visit please contact: Matt Rowlandson, Head of Clinical & Radiation Physics, m.rowlandson@nhs.net or 01392 402126.

Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2026-7 rates, inclusive of a 3.3% pay award implemented from April 2026. If you join before this date, remuneration will be based on the 2025-6 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2025/26 | NHS Employers)

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Desirable

  • See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Desirable

  • See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital

Barrack Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5DW


Employer's website

https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital

Barrack Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5DW


Employer's website

https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruiter

Royal Devon NHS Recruitment Team

rduh.recruitment@nhs.net

01392403642

Details

Date posted

20 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£66,582 to £77,368 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

185-504-12568

Job locations

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital

Barrack Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5DW


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)