Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic physicist to join the Radiotherapy Physics group at the Sutton branch of the Royal Marsden Hospital for a fixed term for 7 months until 30 September 2026 (at 0.9 FTE). This post will be actively engaged in research functions and also fulfil clinical roles to allow others time for research. It is therefore suitable for someone with a research background who would like to be more involved in clinical work or a clinical physicist interested in research.The Radiotherapy Department in Sutton has 5 Elekta linacs, an Elekta Unity MR-Linac, a Cyberknife S7 and two Accuray Radixact units. Treatment planning is performed using the RayStation treatment planning system. We have established workflows for adaptive radiotherapy (both online and plan of the day), 4DCT, and breathhold techniques.The radiotherapy physics group consists of 40 physicists, dosimetrists and engineers and forms a substantial part of the Royal Marsden/Institute of Cancer Research Joint Department of Physics, through which we have many active research collaborations, most notably on the MR-linac which was the first in the UK to treat patients.
Main duties of the job
- The post holder will provide specialist support to all aspects of the clinical, scientific and technicalRadiotherapy Physics Service to Radiotherapy.
- The post holder will undertake research projects during dedicated time and to disseminate resultsand assist with the translation of research work into the clinic where appropriate.
- The post holder has clinical and scientific responsibilities for day-to-day essential complextreatment planning and checking and performing Quality Assurance and dosimetry and analysingresults.
- Work closely with the Principal Physicist in all areas.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification
- Undertake research activities associated with the adaptive and advanced Radiotherapy pathways, aligned with departmental development plans.
- Produce complex treatment plans. Carry out associated dosimetry calculations and verificationmeasurements, in accordance with clinical prescription and agreed procedures. Analyse requirements and make complex judgements regarding treatment parameters and patient dose effects to produce the required dose distribution over the treatment volume, using computerised planning systems as appropriate.
- Participate in the commissioning of new radiotherapy treatment equipment, including the preparation and checking of complex beam data for treatment planning systems.
- Undertake both routine and complex dosimetry measurements, following procedures and/or guidelines as appropriate. Perform quality control, dosimetry and other measurements and procedures on highly complex, patient-critical treatment machines.
- Participate in the day-to-day, complex commissioning activities on new equipment installations, carefully analysing and checking measured data.
- Supervise the professional work of junior radiotherapy physics, trainees and dosimetrist staff working in areas or on projects being managed by the post holder.
- Provide practical training to physicists, medical and radiographer staff on aspects of Radiotherapy Physics, including clinical governance, ethics, audit and ISO systems.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification
- Undertake research activities associated with the adaptive and advanced Radiotherapy pathways, aligned with departmental development plans.
- Produce complex treatment plans. Carry out associated dosimetry calculations and verificationmeasurements, in accordance with clinical prescription and agreed procedures. Analyse requirements and make complex judgements regarding treatment parameters and patient dose effects to produce the required dose distribution over the treatment volume, using computerised planning systems as appropriate.
- Participate in the commissioning of new radiotherapy treatment equipment, including the preparation and checking of complex beam data for treatment planning systems.
- Undertake both routine and complex dosimetry measurements, following procedures and/or guidelines as appropriate. Perform quality control, dosimetry and other measurements and procedures on highly complex, patient-critical treatment machines.
- Participate in the day-to-day, complex commissioning activities on new equipment installations, carefully analysing and checking measured data.
- Supervise the professional work of junior radiotherapy physics, trainees and dosimetrist staff working in areas or on projects being managed by the post holder.
- Provide practical training to physicists, medical and radiographer staff on aspects of Radiotherapy Physics, including clinical governance, ethics, audit and ISO systems.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in a relevant subject
- MSc in radiation Physics (or equivalent)
- PhD in relevant subject or equivalent specialised scientific knowledge
Desirable
- IPEM Diploma or equivalent in Medical Physics or Medical Engineering.
Registration
Essential
- Working towards achieving or HCPC Registered as a Clinical Scientist
Scientific/Technical/Specialist
Essential
- Basic knowledge across the range of working procedures and practices in radiotherapy physics, building on theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
- Practical experience in clinical radiotherapy treatment planning and in the use of dosimetry equipment in radiotherapy.
- Specialist training on and practical experience with a range of radiotherapy treatment & simulation/scanning equipment, including clinical applications.
- Demonstrable experience in radiotherapy physics research, ideally covering all aspects from conception to clinical implementation
IT
Essential
- Able to use Excel, Word, etc. to set up documents and spreadsheets, extract information
- Experience in programming (e.g. in one or more of Python, C++, JAVA, R, MATLAB)
Desirable
- Able to set up and manage the acquisition, structure and networking of information, including image transfer formats
Communication
Essential
- Able to communicate highly complex information at postgraduate level to other professional groups
- Proven track record of presenting scientific papers at national and international conferences and write up scientific material for publication
Communication
Essential
- Able to train groups of other professional staff
- Able to deliver teaching and training on highly complex subjects
- Good negotiation skills
- Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations
Working Environment
Essential
- Understanding of hazards posed by, and precautions needed with: Ionising radiation, lasers, electrical hazards
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in a relevant subject
- MSc in radiation Physics (or equivalent)
- PhD in relevant subject or equivalent specialised scientific knowledge
Desirable
- IPEM Diploma or equivalent in Medical Physics or Medical Engineering.
Registration
Essential
- Working towards achieving or HCPC Registered as a Clinical Scientist
Scientific/Technical/Specialist
Essential
- Basic knowledge across the range of working procedures and practices in radiotherapy physics, building on theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
- Practical experience in clinical radiotherapy treatment planning and in the use of dosimetry equipment in radiotherapy.
- Specialist training on and practical experience with a range of radiotherapy treatment & simulation/scanning equipment, including clinical applications.
- Demonstrable experience in radiotherapy physics research, ideally covering all aspects from conception to clinical implementation
IT
Essential
- Able to use Excel, Word, etc. to set up documents and spreadsheets, extract information
- Experience in programming (e.g. in one or more of Python, C++, JAVA, R, MATLAB)
Desirable
- Able to set up and manage the acquisition, structure and networking of information, including image transfer formats
Communication
Essential
- Able to communicate highly complex information at postgraduate level to other professional groups
- Proven track record of presenting scientific papers at national and international conferences and write up scientific material for publication
Communication
Essential
- Able to train groups of other professional staff
- Able to deliver teaching and training on highly complex subjects
- Good negotiation skills
- Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations
Working Environment
Essential
- Understanding of hazards posed by, and precautions needed with: Ionising radiation, lasers, electrical hazards
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.
