Job summary
We are seeking to appoint a motivated Clinical/Healthcare Scientist or Radiographer looking for a career change, to join the Radiological Science section of the Medical Physics Department at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex). The main areas of work will be diagnostic radiology physics, Ultrasound QA, patient dosimetry and radiation protection. The areas of responsibility include the clients of UHSx so travel within Sussex and Kent is required and a valid driving licence essential.
We would expect you to have completed training in all aspects of ionising radiation physics. You should have a relevant BSc, MSc or PhD and ideally hold current HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist/Diagnostic Radiographer/Sonographer or set to completed the STP training scheme this year. Appointment at a lower band may be considered for those without HCPC registration but significant experience in a similar role. You should be able to demonstrate a clear ability to work well in a small team and possession of excellent communication and organisational skills is essential.
Main duties of the job
Perform quality assurance, calibration, acceptance and commissioning tests on X-ray equipment, for appropriate areas of responsibility (primarily the customers of UHSussex but not exclusively). This covers most types of x-ray equipment for compliance with relevant legislation, standards and agreed good practice.
Perform routine QA tests on diagnostic ultrasound units.
Perform patient dose audits and calculate Local and Unit Diagnostic Reference Levels and compare to nationally published data.
Perform effective dose calculations from typical patient exposures.
Contribute to training and teaching of medical physics trainees and other staff groups throughout the trust and other organisations
About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Perform high precision quality assurance, calibration, acceptance and commissioning tests on specialist and complex, patient critical X-ray equipment, for appropriate areas of responsibility. This covers most types of x-ray equipment for compliance with relevant legislation, standards and agreed good practice.
- Perform tests accurately using complex test equipment.
- Interpret results and report with appropriate conclusions and recommendations. This involves designing and using complex spreadsheets for yourself and others.
- Make recommendations for the modification of the equipment tested for compliance with regulations and reduction of patient and staff radiation doses.
- Analyse and investigate erroneous test results and modify test procedures as appropriate.
- Provide quality assurance checks on reports written by the other Band 7 DR Clinical Scientist as necessary.
- Ensure protocols are up to date and appropriate for use during testing. For new equipment develop appropriate protocols.
- Provide appropriate support for other members of the Services staff as necessary to perform quality assurance tests on X-ray equipment within their area of responsibility.
- Provide specialist QA to the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSx) and external Hospitals for diagnostic ultrasound units commensurate with experience and training.
- Conduct QA, acceptance and commissioning tests on expensive and highly complex ultrasound equipment unassisted.
- Analyse complex data, make recommendations, draw appropriate conclusions and write reports as to the safety and performance of equipment for continued patient orientated use, under guidance from the lead specialist.
- Support staff from other departments in routine user quality assurance testing. Provide training and analyse results, reporting to the lead specialist
- Work with the Medical Physics Experts (MPEs) both for UHSussex (East) and external customers.
- Perform patient dose audits and calculate Local and Unit Diagnostic Reference Levels and compare to nationally published data. Produce reports for review by the MPE and follow up on recommended actions.
- Perform effective dose calculations from typical patient exposures to provide information to referrers and for incidents to assist the MPE.
- Provide data and recommendations for changes to radiology department protocols and/or equipment for the reduction of patient radiation doses and/or suspension of existing x-ray equipment. Attend Image Optimisation Group meetings and provide scientific support.
- Conduct mock inspections of radiology departments and other users of x-rays for compliance with relevant legislation.
- Support the work of the Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) to UHSussex (East) and its customers.
- Assist in performing audits of ionising radiation (and, when required, laser facilities) policies and procedures for compliance with relevant legislation.
- Assist in perform calculations of shielding requirements and testing of new or modified installations. Make written recommendations as appropriate to the Trusts RPA.
- Assist in training of staff in radiation protection and associated legislation for UHSussex (East) and its customers.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Perform high precision quality assurance, calibration, acceptance and commissioning tests on specialist and complex, patient critical X-ray equipment, for appropriate areas of responsibility. This covers most types of x-ray equipment for compliance with relevant legislation, standards and agreed good practice.
- Perform tests accurately using complex test equipment.
- Interpret results and report with appropriate conclusions and recommendations. This involves designing and using complex spreadsheets for yourself and others.
- Make recommendations for the modification of the equipment tested for compliance with regulations and reduction of patient and staff radiation doses.
- Analyse and investigate erroneous test results and modify test procedures as appropriate.
- Provide quality assurance checks on reports written by the other Band 7 DR Clinical Scientist as necessary.
- Ensure protocols are up to date and appropriate for use during testing. For new equipment develop appropriate protocols.
- Provide appropriate support for other members of the Services staff as necessary to perform quality assurance tests on X-ray equipment within their area of responsibility.
- Provide specialist QA to the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSx) and external Hospitals for diagnostic ultrasound units commensurate with experience and training.
- Conduct QA, acceptance and commissioning tests on expensive and highly complex ultrasound equipment unassisted.
- Analyse complex data, make recommendations, draw appropriate conclusions and write reports as to the safety and performance of equipment for continued patient orientated use, under guidance from the lead specialist.
- Support staff from other departments in routine user quality assurance testing. Provide training and analyse results, reporting to the lead specialist
- Work with the Medical Physics Experts (MPEs) both for UHSussex (East) and external customers.
- Perform patient dose audits and calculate Local and Unit Diagnostic Reference Levels and compare to nationally published data. Produce reports for review by the MPE and follow up on recommended actions.
- Perform effective dose calculations from typical patient exposures to provide information to referrers and for incidents to assist the MPE.
- Provide data and recommendations for changes to radiology department protocols and/or equipment for the reduction of patient radiation doses and/or suspension of existing x-ray equipment. Attend Image Optimisation Group meetings and provide scientific support.
- Conduct mock inspections of radiology departments and other users of x-rays for compliance with relevant legislation.
- Support the work of the Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) to UHSussex (East) and its customers.
- Assist in performing audits of ionising radiation (and, when required, laser facilities) policies and procedures for compliance with relevant legislation.
- Assist in perform calculations of shielding requirements and testing of new or modified installations. Make written recommendations as appropriate to the Trusts RPA.
- Assist in training of staff in radiation protection and associated legislation for UHSussex (East) and its customers.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) in Physics/Radiography, or other relevant scientific subject
- MSc in Medical Physics or equivalent qualification or experience.
Desirable
- PhD in relevant or similar subject
Professional registration
Essential
- State registration as a Clinical Scientist or Diagnostic Radiographer/Sonographer with the Health and Care Professions Council or expected to be eligible for HCPC registration within 12 months
Desirable
- Certificate of Competence to act as an RPA issued by RPA2000
- On the RPA2000 list of MPEs in the Diagnostic Radiology field.
- Certificate of Competence to act as an LPA issued by RPA2000
Specialist knowledge and experience
Essential
- Practical experience with the full range of diagnostic radiology equipment commissioning and performance testing
- Relevant post-graduate experience in diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection
- Understanding of ionising radiation hazards and safety.
- Practical experience with using diagnostic ultrasound equipment
Desirable
- Experience of laser radiation uses in healthcare
- Experience of training Clinical Scientists and other staff
Practical
Essential
Desirable
- Experience of providing excellent levels of customer service.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) in Physics/Radiography, or other relevant scientific subject
- MSc in Medical Physics or equivalent qualification or experience.
Desirable
- PhD in relevant or similar subject
Professional registration
Essential
- State registration as a Clinical Scientist or Diagnostic Radiographer/Sonographer with the Health and Care Professions Council or expected to be eligible for HCPC registration within 12 months
Desirable
- Certificate of Competence to act as an RPA issued by RPA2000
- On the RPA2000 list of MPEs in the Diagnostic Radiology field.
- Certificate of Competence to act as an LPA issued by RPA2000
Specialist knowledge and experience
Essential
- Practical experience with the full range of diagnostic radiology equipment commissioning and performance testing
- Relevant post-graduate experience in diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection
- Understanding of ionising radiation hazards and safety.
- Practical experience with using diagnostic ultrasound equipment
Desirable
- Experience of laser radiation uses in healthcare
- Experience of training Clinical Scientists and other staff
Practical
Essential
Desirable
- Experience of providing excellent levels of customer service.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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).
