Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic medical physicist, to join a team of physicists, engineers and dosimetrists/technologists in the provision of radiotherapy physics services in proton therapy.
You will have achieved state registration or be eligible with equivalent radiotherapy physics experience. You will have a practical and theoretical understanding of dosimetry and quality assurance for radiotherapy equipment and of treatment planning techniques. Experience with Proton Beam radiotherapy would be an advantage but is not essential.
The work will involve contact with patients and the ability to communicate clearly and sympathetically with patients having a variety of backgrounds is essential.
Main duties of the job
The main role of this post is to provide support to all aspects of the work of the Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) Physics Group including QA, dosimetry, treatment planning and checking. The post-holder will also contribute to and initiate developments within the PBT Physics service and contribute to research and teaching.
Dosimetry and QA is performed outside clinical hours and requires the post-holder to participate in the duty rota of early and late shifts. The role requires shift-working patterns including some Saturday working.
About us
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.
We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:
- University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
- University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
- Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
- University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
- University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street
We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.
At UCLH, we have a real 'One Team' ethos, and our values - safety, kindness, teamwork and improving, are central to the way we work. This is supported by our staff, who voted us as the #1 NHS Acute Trust to work for in the whole of England.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Radiotherapy Physics Services consists of a team of over 60 staff consisting of clinical scientists, dosimetrists and engineers.
The Radiotherapy Physics Section is part of a multi-disciplinary team in the Department of Clinical Oncology, which sees about 2000 new patients per year. The Radiotherapy Department is equipped with four Varian TrueBEAM linear accelerators. The department equipment also includes one orthovoltage unit and an Elekta High Dose Rate Brachytherapy unit. Planning equipment includes a CT simulator with full 4D imaging capabilities for Respiratory Gated studies. The Department offers a variety of specialised treatment services and is continually developing advanced treatment techniques. Treatments offered include: IMRT; Volumetric Arc Therapy; IGRT; CT-based TBI; Ultrasoundguided and CT-planned HDR prostate brachytherapy.
UCLH provides one of two national Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) centres for the UK. The proton department is equipped with four Varian ProBEAM gantries with dedicated CT and MR planning. ARIA and Eclipse is in use across both radiotherapy and proton therapy. The proton service is sited within the Trusts campus in the heart of the capital where it enjoys a close collaboration with UCL on ground breaking research projects. The site has direct access to the Trusts existing radiotherapy department and will be a closely located to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre.
The Main duties of the postholder are:
- To provide support to all aspects of the work of the PBT Physics group.
- To ensure that the Trust complies with all safety legislation in the remit of the radiotherapy physics department.
- The postholder will work over a range of areas in Radiotherapy and PBT Physics and will undergo continual professional development in Radiotherapy Physics and associated techniques.
- The post requires handling of highly complex dosimetry equipment to perform and supervise routine calibration and monitoring of highly complex radiation producing equipment.
- Supervise, advise and produce routine and highly complex treatment planning for external beam radiotherapy. Use computerised planning systems to design and customise treatment plans. Analyse requirements and make complex judgements regarding treatment parameters and patient dose effects to produce the required dose distribution over the treatment volume. Take responsibility for the accurate production of individualised treatment plans and associated dosimetry calculations.
- The post requires the provision of highly specialised advice and guidance, where necessary, to the Radiotherapy Department in matters relating to treatment planning, dosimetry and quality assurance
- The post requires the presentation of clinical data to medical staff and the upholding of legal requirements.
- The postholder will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to the Group Lead and relevant Principal Physicists in charge of the areas in which work is currently being performed.
- Personal initiative and a keen sense of responsibility with a high degree of accuracy are expected.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Radiotherapy Physics Services consists of a team of over 60 staff consisting of clinical scientists, dosimetrists and engineers.
The Radiotherapy Physics Section is part of a multi-disciplinary team in the Department of Clinical Oncology, which sees about 2000 new patients per year. The Radiotherapy Department is equipped with four Varian TrueBEAM linear accelerators. The department equipment also includes one orthovoltage unit and an Elekta High Dose Rate Brachytherapy unit. Planning equipment includes a CT simulator with full 4D imaging capabilities for Respiratory Gated studies. The Department offers a variety of specialised treatment services and is continually developing advanced treatment techniques. Treatments offered include: IMRT; Volumetric Arc Therapy; IGRT; CT-based TBI; Ultrasoundguided and CT-planned HDR prostate brachytherapy.
UCLH provides one of two national Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) centres for the UK. The proton department is equipped with four Varian ProBEAM gantries with dedicated CT and MR planning. ARIA and Eclipse is in use across both radiotherapy and proton therapy. The proton service is sited within the Trusts campus in the heart of the capital where it enjoys a close collaboration with UCL on ground breaking research projects. The site has direct access to the Trusts existing radiotherapy department and will be a closely located to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre.
The Main duties of the postholder are:
- To provide support to all aspects of the work of the PBT Physics group.
- To ensure that the Trust complies with all safety legislation in the remit of the radiotherapy physics department.
- The postholder will work over a range of areas in Radiotherapy and PBT Physics and will undergo continual professional development in Radiotherapy Physics and associated techniques.
- The post requires handling of highly complex dosimetry equipment to perform and supervise routine calibration and monitoring of highly complex radiation producing equipment.
- Supervise, advise and produce routine and highly complex treatment planning for external beam radiotherapy. Use computerised planning systems to design and customise treatment plans. Analyse requirements and make complex judgements regarding treatment parameters and patient dose effects to produce the required dose distribution over the treatment volume. Take responsibility for the accurate production of individualised treatment plans and associated dosimetry calculations.
- The post requires the provision of highly specialised advice and guidance, where necessary, to the Radiotherapy Department in matters relating to treatment planning, dosimetry and quality assurance
- The post requires the presentation of clinical data to medical staff and the upholding of legal requirements.
- The postholder will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to the Group Lead and relevant Principal Physicists in charge of the areas in which work is currently being performed.
- Personal initiative and a keen sense of responsibility with a high degree of accuracy are expected.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
- Good First Degree in a Physical Science or equivalent
- Relevant Masters or higher degree
- STP or IPEM Training Exit Certificate or equivalent Experience
- State Registration or expectation that the successful candidate will work towards registration
Experience
Essential
- Relevant experience in Radiotherapy Dosimetry and Quality Assurance
- Relevant experience in Treatment Planning
- Knowledge of radiotherapy techniques and clinical applications including PBT
- Experience in the clinical environment in PBT
Personal and People Development
Essential
- Evidence of Continuing personal development (CPD)
- Willingness to attend courses and keep abreast of developments in the service
Desirable
- Experience of training junior Staff including doctors and radiographers
Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
- Good First Degree in a Physical Science or equivalent
- Relevant Masters or higher degree
- STP or IPEM Training Exit Certificate or equivalent Experience
- State Registration or expectation that the successful candidate will work towards registration
Experience
Essential
- Relevant experience in Radiotherapy Dosimetry and Quality Assurance
- Relevant experience in Treatment Planning
- Knowledge of radiotherapy techniques and clinical applications including PBT
- Experience in the clinical environment in PBT
Personal and People Development
Essential
- Evidence of Continuing personal development (CPD)
- Willingness to attend courses and keep abreast of developments in the service
Desirable
- Experience of training junior Staff including doctors and radiographers
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).
