Job responsibilities
Job Description
JOB TITLE: Technical Assistant (Imaging Physics and Radiation Protection) GRADE: Band 4
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week. Responsible to: Head of Clinical Technology The department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering (MPCE) is responsible for providing scientific support and advice wherever ionising (eg x-rays and radioactive materials), non-ionising radiations (eg optical radiation) and medical devices, are used . The department contains 4 groups; Imaging Physics, Radioisotope Physics, Clinical Engineering & Clinical Measurement and the Scientific Computing & Operations group.
The Scientific Computing & Operations Group provides scientific computing services, manages assurance, governance and quality systems and provides a framework to support innovation, exploit new business opportunities and provide operational services, across the department of Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering (MPCE).
The group provides frontline IT support, leads and maintains the departments software development programme and is responsible for providing policies and procedures pertaining to safe scientific computing practices within MPCE.
The group leads the quality management system implementation programme and provides support and training to MPCE. The group provides quality management policies and procedures to comply with the relevant statutory and certification requirements, managing risks, incidents and clinical effectiveness through the department's Clinical Governance committee.
The group is accredited to provide training for STPs in the Clinical Bioinformatics (Physical Sciences) specialism and training supervision for rotations in Bioinformatics (Genomics & Health Informatics). The group has responsibility for managing the Trust's radiation assurance programme, which includes Trust-wide departmental radiation compliance audits, research assurance and radiation incident management.
JOB SUMMARY: The post holder will be responsible for assisting with technical business support duties within Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering and Radiotherapy Physics. The role will involve implementing operational procedures and will require a high degree of organisational skills and a working knowledge of business management systems within a scientific environment, providing support for quality, radiation assurance, governance and incident management within MPCE. The post holder will support the radiation assurance programme for MPCE.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Responsibilities1.1 To take day-to-day responsibility for supporting the radiation research assurance service.1.2 To support radiation and computing-related scientific & technical services within Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering.1.3 To assist with services supporting the operational management of the Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering department.1.4 To support the departmental audit activities.1.5 To assist with the operation and management of the quality management system in line with departmental policies and procedures1.6 To assist with the delivery of the personal dosimetry service1.7 To assist with the delivery of the radioisotope ordering service1.8 To support the department's CPD programme
2. Managerial2.1 Prioritise and manage own work to meet agreed outcomes.2.2 Forge close positive working relationships across the department to achieve and sustain quality services.2.3 To carry out duties in line with the department's business management procedures.
3. Research and Development3.1 To provide support to research and development activities within the department.3.2 Participate in the department's audit programme.
4. Teaching and Training4.1 To train other staff in their own area of expertise.
5. Professional5.1 Develop and maintain effective and professional communication and working relationships with all levels of personnel within MPCE and the wider Trust. 5.2 Maintain an agreed programme of CPD.5.3 Attend suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further work of the department.5.5 Support and contribute presentations to the departments CPD seminar programme.5.6 Ensure that all aspects of the work are provided in accordance with a quality framework, and conform to relevant legislation, national protocols and Trust policies.
6. General6.1 To ensure compliance with the policies and procedures in the areas of work for which the postholder carries responsibility. Participate in the development and routine operation of such procedures.6.2 Occasionally lift moderately heavy, cumbersome equipment for several short periods during a shift.6.3 When working in other departments, the post holder will liaise with local heads of department, superintendents, nursing and management staff, adhering to local policies and practices. The postholder will behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by their team.6.4 Work the hours necessary for the proper and efficient work performance within the flexible working system set up in the Department.6.5 To have a positive attitude towards learning new skills 6.6 To perform other appropriate duties which may be required from time to time by the Deputy Head of Group.6.7 Frequently to use VDU equipment for periods up to the whole working day.
LIAISES WITH:Qualified Advisers Required by Statute, Radiographers, Clinical Scientists, Directorate Governance and Quality leads, Operational Management, Theatre staff.
Person Specification
Area
Definition(s)
Qualifications
Education & training
Educated to diploma level or equivalent qualification or has equivalent training, knowledge and experience, or an advanced EDCL qualification.
Knowledge & Experience
Specialist
Knowledge and experience of providing assurance and operational related support, preferably to scientific and technical services.
Able to assess and judge projects and formulate solutions.
Knowledge of electronic quality management systems.
Knowledge and practical experience of project management methodologies.
Knowledge and practical experience of audit
Knowledge of business support procedures and systems.
Able to document technical conversations and meetings with accuracy in a timely manner.
Can test and validate the operation of scientific equipment
Managerial
Able to participate and contribute to projects and take a lead role when required.
Able to prioritise and manage own work.
Able to exercise own initiative when dealing with issues within own specialist area of competence.
Able to train other staff on departmental procedures and policies within own area of work.
Able to comment on, and offer improvements to, procedures within own area of work
Skills
IT
Able to use Excel, Word, Access etc. to set up documents and spreadsheets and extract information.
Able to use specialist software packages (Trust wide and department specific).
Physical
Able to handle and operate scientific equipment
Able to use computers and carry equipment necessary for duties (carry laptop, papers to and from meetings/committees).
Able to lift heavy items such as files and folders
Mental
Self-motivation and ability to meet deadlines.
Able to cope with a busy working environment and respond appropriately to ad-hoc non-routine requests.
Have a positive attitude towards learning new skills.
Emotional
Rare exposure to distressing circumstances
Communication
Excellent communication skills
Able to work with a number of teams on a variety of sites.
Able to write basic reports relating to own area of work
