Job summary
Applications are invited to join our dynamic, forward-thinking and friendly radiotherapy physics team as a Specialist Radiotherapy Dosimetrist at Northampton General Hospital (NGH). Joining the treatment planning team at NGH, you would predominantly be using Varian Eclipse and Aria. AI contouring and knowledge-based planning have been routinely established in Northampton radiotherapy for several years.
NGH radiotherapy is scheduled to have an exciting period of equipment updates in the near future. Later in 2025 we are expecting to install a new linac with advanced imaging capabilities, this will also bring SGRT to the department for the first time. RapidArc Dynamic for planning and delivery will be included for the first time, as part of our upcoming equipment refresh.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for someone with significant experience in all aspects of external beam radiotherapy planning. Previous experience of planning a wide range of treatment sites, including advanced techniques, is essential. Involvement in planning activities for SABR sites and clinical trials is expected as part of this role.
Treatment planning in Northampton is committed to the training of several different radiotherapy professionals, including technologist apprentices. The post holder would be expected to take a significant role in managing training in treatment planning.
We are looking for someone able to take a leading role in the processes for dosimetric assessments of patients on-treatment. Skills and experience in clinical decision making for replanning and plan adjustments are a key part of this role.
About us
**Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close any adverts before the closing date once we have received sufficient applications**
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Respect
- Integrity
- Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Supporting Clinical Excellence Use specialist software and clinical knowledge to routinely produce complex customised radiotherapy treatment plans using the most advanced techniques practically available. As an independent checker, oversee the technical aspects of individualised radiotherapy treatment plans produced by others, using clinical judgement to determine the optimal treatment to affect outcome. Produce optimal external beam radiotherapy treatment plans for individual patients whose pathology does not conform to standard clinical protocols. Expert knowledge will be used to produce complex individualised treatments that achieve the best possible clinical outcome. Advise clinical staff on the effects of various radiotherapy treatment plan options for individualised dose distributions. Attain and maintain legal (IRMER) authorisation for the autonomous clinical evaluation and approval of radiotherapy treatment plans Be responsible for the technical and practical aspects of delineating radiotherapy anatomy for agreed sites Use clinical and scientific knowledge of CT, MR and PET imaging to perform multi-modality image fusion. Taking clinical responsibility for the accuracy of fusions used in radiotherapy planning Use clinical monitoring to make decisions regarding referrals for diagnostic rescans, radiotherapy replanning and adaptive radiotherapy treatment Work in partnership with clinicians and healthcare scientists to provide expert knowledge and support throughout the patient pathway. Attend relevant MDTs and contribute specialist knowledge, advising on the technical aspects of radiotherapy treatment planning Assess and prioritise patients undergoing pre-treatment and treatment procedures in radiotherapy. Use delegation and supervision to ensure treatment-critical tasks are efficiently completed by the team. Make sure cover is in place so that appropriately trained team members are available to complete radiotherapy planning tasks. Communicate specialist clinical information to patients and the MDT regarding treatment, recognising the requirements to interpret highly complex technical information in a manner that can be easily understood by non-specialists Take an active role in introducing new equipment and clinical techniques. For radiotherapy clinical trials in-progress, ensure plans are in line with requirements. Adapt department planning practice according to the published results of clinical trials. Demonstrate the ability to effectively project manage in treatment planning. Ensure newly implemented techniques fit within the relevant governance framework of clinical assessment and treatment. To contribute to the commissioning of radiotherapy equipment and the implementation of new techniques and services
People/Management Excellence Act as a senior member of the treatment planning service, with respect to recruitment, appraisal, development and discipline. This includes responsibility for having difficult conversations regarding performance Take a lead role in the radiotherapy planning training of Clinical Scientists, Healthcare Technologists, Radiographers, and Medical staff. Including having approval responsibility for the training records/competence of others Supervise the training plans and development of apprentices and trainees in dosimetry, supervising their path to clinical registration. Assume the role of Local Supervisor for University courses taken by planning staff members. Allocate radiotherapy planning work to others, as is frequently required by the service. Take account of staff competencies and emergent situations to allocate and reallocate planning tasks. Organise progress of delegated work to achieve optimal clinical results Alongside the lead MPE, lead dosimetrist and other relevant members of the MDT, take a leading role in production and updating of technical and practical content of standard operating procedures and protocols used in radiotherapy planning.
Quality Assurance and Monitoring For new planning software, take responsibility for implementing new planning techniques and ensuring compatibility with the operational planning workflow Produce written protocols for treatment planning as part of the departments Quality System. Participate fully in implementing and maintaining relevant sections of the BSI Quality System for treatment planning Routinely attend MDTs and affect service development of the wider radiotherapy service. This includes working with the treatment delivery team on-site, advising on changes to immobilisation and imaging techniques. Keep careful records of all work performed. Assist in the maintenance of the Treatment Planning Database and production of management statistics. Use data to instigate improvements to clinical practice. Take a lead role in the quality assurance of new radiotherapy clinical trials; Advance and introduce best practice into the clinical workflow. Multiple clinical trials are usually open for recruitment in the radiotherapy department. Instigate, perform and interpret complex clinical audits in treatment planning. Ensure clinical audits comply with those required by relevant legislation (e.g IR(ME)R legislation, as monitored by the CQC)
Professional Responsibilities Manage own work and prioritise it on a day-to-day basis, working flexibly and autonomously, as necessary. Participate in an agreed Continuing Personal Development (CPD) scheme, to maintain professional registration To remain up to date regarding the latest scientific and technical developments and their applications within radiotherapy physics. This to be achieved by keeping up to date with the regular output of relevant journals and conferences. Attend suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the Department. Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, approved Codes of Practice and Local Rules.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Supporting Clinical Excellence Use specialist software and clinical knowledge to routinely produce complex customised radiotherapy treatment plans using the most advanced techniques practically available. As an independent checker, oversee the technical aspects of individualised radiotherapy treatment plans produced by others, using clinical judgement to determine the optimal treatment to affect outcome. Produce optimal external beam radiotherapy treatment plans for individual patients whose pathology does not conform to standard clinical protocols. Expert knowledge will be used to produce complex individualised treatments that achieve the best possible clinical outcome. Advise clinical staff on the effects of various radiotherapy treatment plan options for individualised dose distributions. Attain and maintain legal (IRMER) authorisation for the autonomous clinical evaluation and approval of radiotherapy treatment plans Be responsible for the technical and practical aspects of delineating radiotherapy anatomy for agreed sites Use clinical and scientific knowledge of CT, MR and PET imaging to perform multi-modality image fusion. Taking clinical responsibility for the accuracy of fusions used in radiotherapy planning Use clinical monitoring to make decisions regarding referrals for diagnostic rescans, radiotherapy replanning and adaptive radiotherapy treatment Work in partnership with clinicians and healthcare scientists to provide expert knowledge and support throughout the patient pathway. Attend relevant MDTs and contribute specialist knowledge, advising on the technical aspects of radiotherapy treatment planning Assess and prioritise patients undergoing pre-treatment and treatment procedures in radiotherapy. Use delegation and supervision to ensure treatment-critical tasks are efficiently completed by the team. Make sure cover is in place so that appropriately trained team members are available to complete radiotherapy planning tasks. Communicate specialist clinical information to patients and the MDT regarding treatment, recognising the requirements to interpret highly complex technical information in a manner that can be easily understood by non-specialists Take an active role in introducing new equipment and clinical techniques. For radiotherapy clinical trials in-progress, ensure plans are in line with requirements. Adapt department planning practice according to the published results of clinical trials. Demonstrate the ability to effectively project manage in treatment planning. Ensure newly implemented techniques fit within the relevant governance framework of clinical assessment and treatment. To contribute to the commissioning of radiotherapy equipment and the implementation of new techniques and services
People/Management Excellence Act as a senior member of the treatment planning service, with respect to recruitment, appraisal, development and discipline. This includes responsibility for having difficult conversations regarding performance Take a lead role in the radiotherapy planning training of Clinical Scientists, Healthcare Technologists, Radiographers, and Medical staff. Including having approval responsibility for the training records/competence of others Supervise the training plans and development of apprentices and trainees in dosimetry, supervising their path to clinical registration. Assume the role of Local Supervisor for University courses taken by planning staff members. Allocate radiotherapy planning work to others, as is frequently required by the service. Take account of staff competencies and emergent situations to allocate and reallocate planning tasks. Organise progress of delegated work to achieve optimal clinical results Alongside the lead MPE, lead dosimetrist and other relevant members of the MDT, take a leading role in production and updating of technical and practical content of standard operating procedures and protocols used in radiotherapy planning.
Quality Assurance and Monitoring For new planning software, take responsibility for implementing new planning techniques and ensuring compatibility with the operational planning workflow Produce written protocols for treatment planning as part of the departments Quality System. Participate fully in implementing and maintaining relevant sections of the BSI Quality System for treatment planning Routinely attend MDTs and affect service development of the wider radiotherapy service. This includes working with the treatment delivery team on-site, advising on changes to immobilisation and imaging techniques. Keep careful records of all work performed. Assist in the maintenance of the Treatment Planning Database and production of management statistics. Use data to instigate improvements to clinical practice. Take a lead role in the quality assurance of new radiotherapy clinical trials; Advance and introduce best practice into the clinical workflow. Multiple clinical trials are usually open for recruitment in the radiotherapy department. Instigate, perform and interpret complex clinical audits in treatment planning. Ensure clinical audits comply with those required by relevant legislation (e.g IR(ME)R legislation, as monitored by the CQC)
Professional Responsibilities Manage own work and prioritise it on a day-to-day basis, working flexibly and autonomously, as necessary. Participate in an agreed Continuing Personal Development (CPD) scheme, to maintain professional registration To remain up to date regarding the latest scientific and technical developments and their applications within radiotherapy physics. This to be achieved by keeping up to date with the regular output of relevant journals and conferences. Attend suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the Department. Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, approved Codes of Practice and Local Rules.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Vocational degree, Radiotherapy degree or equivalent to BSc level
- RCT registration as a Technologist; or HCPC registration, as a Radiographer
Desirable
- Postgraduate study to MSc degree level, or equivalent. Relevant to advanced radiotherapy practice.
- Professional society recognition as an Enhanced or Advanced Practitioner
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Significant current experience and knowledge of advanced treatment planning techniques for a wide range of disease sites.
- Highly specialised experience and knowledge of treatment plan verification and checking procedures
- Significant and up to date knowledge of relevant areas of medical physics - applied to treatment planning, radiotherapy physics, imaging and treatment delivery
- Knowledge of radiation legislation relevant to the role
- Evidence of instigating change for service improvement and monitoring change
Desirable
- Experience in the line-management and training of staff working in a technical environment
- Experience of involvement in specifying radiotherapy equipment or software, for use in financial tender and procurement
Skills
Essential
- Ability to lead and complete project work within a defined timescale
- Proven ability to take responsibility for organising workflow in a high-pressure clinical environment
- Able to continuously develop the service, reacting to frequent developments in a highly technical field
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
- Demonstrable capability in relaying complex information to other staff groups, dealing with technical queries autonomously when required
- Able to plan their own and others work, ensuring clinical work is completed accurately and in a timely fashion
- Supervises, mentors and trains less experienced staff in anatomical outlining for radiotherapy planning
- Able to give accurate technical guidance in stressful situations, where timely and concise interventions can be critical to life
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills - with an ability to negotiate and have difficult conversations
- Able to make financial decisions for appropriately allocating human and asset resources, working alongside budgetary authority to monitor expenditure
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Vocational degree, Radiotherapy degree or equivalent to BSc level
- RCT registration as a Technologist; or HCPC registration, as a Radiographer
Desirable
- Postgraduate study to MSc degree level, or equivalent. Relevant to advanced radiotherapy practice.
- Professional society recognition as an Enhanced or Advanced Practitioner
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Significant current experience and knowledge of advanced treatment planning techniques for a wide range of disease sites.
- Highly specialised experience and knowledge of treatment plan verification and checking procedures
- Significant and up to date knowledge of relevant areas of medical physics - applied to treatment planning, radiotherapy physics, imaging and treatment delivery
- Knowledge of radiation legislation relevant to the role
- Evidence of instigating change for service improvement and monitoring change
Desirable
- Experience in the line-management and training of staff working in a technical environment
- Experience of involvement in specifying radiotherapy equipment or software, for use in financial tender and procurement
Skills
Essential
- Ability to lead and complete project work within a defined timescale
- Proven ability to take responsibility for organising workflow in a high-pressure clinical environment
- Able to continuously develop the service, reacting to frequent developments in a highly technical field
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
- Demonstrable capability in relaying complex information to other staff groups, dealing with technical queries autonomously when required
- Able to plan their own and others work, ensuring clinical work is completed accurately and in a timely fashion
- Supervises, mentors and trains less experienced staff in anatomical outlining for radiotherapy planning
- Able to give accurate technical guidance in stressful situations, where timely and concise interventions can be critical to life
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills - with an ability to negotiate and have difficult conversations
- Able to make financial decisions for appropriately allocating human and asset resources, working alongside budgetary authority to monitor expenditure
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.
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 UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
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 UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
