Job summary
Trainee Healthcare Scientist in Medical Physics
Scientific Training Programme (STP), 3 Yr Fixed Term Post. Funded by NHS England.
Trainees are employed by an NHS Trust for the duration of the programme and spend time in a range of settings before specialising in the last two years.
The aim of the STP is to produce graduates who will possess the essential knowledge, skills, experience and attributes required of a newly-qualified Clinical Scientist in the NHS. They will be able to undertake complex scientific and clinical roles, defining and choosing investigative and clinical options, making key judgements about complex facts and clinical situations within a quality assurance framework.
Many will work directly with patients, and all will impact patient care and outcomes. They will be involved, often in lead roles, in innovation and improvement, research and development, and/or education and training.
Main duties of the job
Trainee Healthcare Scientist in Medical Physics
Enrollment in the Trainee Healthcare Scientist in Medical Physics program requires:
Clinical and Scientific Investigations: Perform investigations like blood sample processing, clinical measurements, and procedures involving ionising and non-ionising radiation.
Professional Competence: Maintain high competence in all tests and measurements.
Result Interpretation: Interpret and act on test results per departmental policies.
Service Improvements: Provide feedback on new proposals and protocols to enhance services.
Advisory Role: Advise healthcare staff on the safe use of procedures and equipment, and assist in facility design.
Equipment Procurement: Assist in procuring and using medical devices and consumables.
Equipment Safety: Ensure safe use of equipment, maintaining maintenance and calibration records.
Health and Safety: Use reagents, consumables, and hazardous materials safely, adhering to Health and Safety policies.
Risk Management: Participate in risk assessments and incident investigations.
Audit Processes: Engage in internal and external audit processes and quality systems.
Research and Development: Conduct R&D as part of training, gaining skills for clinical audits.
Training and Supervision: Assist in training support staff, students, and new appointees. Participate in seminars and meetings to share knowledge.
About us
The STP trainee will be a supernumerary role but will be involved in many aspects of the service. Training STPs is crucial for future recruitment to the profession.
At all times, the Trainee Healthcare Scientist is expected to work within standard operating policies and procedures of the Medical Physics department and HUTH NHS organisation and adhere to high standards of professionalism, health and safety, risk reduction, confidentiality, patient care and dignity, and respect for equality and diversity as set out in the NHS Constitution.
The Trainee Healthcare Scientist (Medical Physics) will be employed by the host department for a fixed term of three years. During this time, they will work through a full-time programme combining work-based learning and a part-time academic programme at the master's (MSc) level.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Trainee Healthcare Scientist in Medical PhysicsJob PurposeThe Trainee Healthcare Scientist, supported by the designated Training Coordinator/Officer, is responsible for their progression through the training programme. This includes completing the learning outcomes outlined in their curriculum through work-based training activities, assessments in NHS scientific departments, and undertaking an academic master's programme at a designated Higher Education Institution.
The Trainee Healthcare Scientist is expected to adhere to standard operating policies, professional standards, health and safety protocols, risk reduction measures, confidentiality, patient care, dignity, and respect for equality and diversity as per the NHS Constitution.
This role involves a three-year fixed-term employment, combining full-time work-based learning with a part-time academic master's (MSc) programme. The trainee will follow the curriculum detailed on the NSHCS website.
Job StatementThe trainee will:
Undertake the full training programme, progressing through the training scheme modules.Perform and interpret clinical and specialist scientific processes with theoretical and practical knowledge.Carry out complex scientific and clinical roles, including direct patient work.Analyse and interpret investigative and clinical options.Make clinical and differential judgements impacting patients.Initiate innovation, improvement, R&D, and educate healthcare science trainees and other learners.They are expected to complete work-based training and the master's course, achieving eligibility for HCPC registration and the title of Clinical Scientist. The role involves communicating complex information to colleagues and ensuring compliance with HCPC standards.
Example Principal DutiesScientific and Clinical Practice
Conduct a range of clinical and scientific investigations, including blood sample processing and radiation procedures.Maintain professional competence in all tests, investigations, and measurements.Interpret and act upon test results per departmental policies.Provide feedback on new proposals and protocols for service improvements.Advise medical, nursing, and healthcare staff on the safe use of scientific procedures and equipment.Assist in procuring, accepting, and using medical devices and consumables.Ensure the safe use of complex equipment, maintaining records of maintenance and corrective actions.Safely use reagents, consumables, and hazardous materials.Participate in risk management, including risk assessments and incident reporting.Engage in internal and external audit processes and quality systems.Undertake R&D as part of training and develop skills for clinical audit.Assist in supervising and training support staff, students, and new appointees.Participate in departmental seminars and scientific meetings to share knowledge.Education and Learning
Progress and complete the training and assessment programme with the local Training Coordinator/Officer and NSHCS.Take responsibility for learning and development through various educational opportunities.Ensure learning needs identified with the Training Coordinator/Officer are met.Maintain flexibility and adaptability to contribute to service improvements.Stay updated on scientific developments and undertake supplementary training.Attend mandatory vocational and academic training.Participate in internal and external assessments.Patient Management and Clinical Care
Provide support to specialist clinics and treatment interventions.Perform, report, and interpret a range of investigations directly or indirectly for patients.Offer clinical and scientific advice and interpretation of results.Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and apply evidence-based practices.Ensure the safe handling and application of equipment according to health and safety requirements.In some specialisms, collect and process clinical samples from patients.Communication
Communicate complex clinical, scientific, and technical information to various stakeholders.Liaise with senior scientists and clinical users regarding investigations and tests.Communicate scientific innovation and service redesign.Present research and development findings internally and externally.Quality Audit
Contribute to audits to inform patient management and clinical care.Participate in quality audits related to accreditation and regulation.Perform quality assurance audits relevant to the specialism.Develop audit reports and action plans for arising issues.Design audits to improve service cost-effectiveness.Clinical Governance
Maintain standards for health and safety procedures.Comply with departmental quality and governance procedures.Uphold high standards of professional and personal conduct.Maximise patient safety, experience, and service effectiveness.Occasional Duties
Perform other duties required for learning and experience, consistent with the post's grade and nature.The job description may be reviewed and altered subject to consultation.Participate in annual progress meetings and consider issues relevant to the national training programme.Terms and Conditions of Service Agenda for ChangeGeneral
Successful candidates will adhere to the designated organisations Terms and Conditions, including participation in annual reviews and meeting Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) requirements.
Health, Safety, and Risk
All employees must comply with Health and Safety legislation and the organisations policies. Employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own and others' health and safety at work.Co-operate with their employer to comply with the Act.Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health and safety.Confidentiality
Personal information about patients and staff is confidential. Unauthorised use or disclosure is a serious disciplinary matter and may lead to prosecution or civil action under the Data Protection Act 1998.
Conflict of Interest
Employees must declare any interests that could conflict with their duties. They must not use their position for personal gain or benefit their family and friends.
Equality and Diversity
All staff must avoid discrimination, harassment, or bullying. They are responsible for promoting diversity and equality in service delivery and the workplace.
Working Time Directive
Employees should not work more than an average of 48 hours per week unless authorised by their manager and after signing an opt-out agreement. Total hours across all jobs should not exceed this average.
NHS Pension Scheme
Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme is voluntary. Employees are automatically enrolled unless they opt out. Further information is provided upon commencement.
Staff Benefits
A list of staff benefits is available from the Human Resources Department.
Scientist Training Programme Curricula and SpecialismsApplicants are encouraged to visit the National School of Healthcare Science website for detailed information.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Trainee Healthcare Scientist in Medical PhysicsJob PurposeThe Trainee Healthcare Scientist, supported by the designated Training Coordinator/Officer, is responsible for their progression through the training programme. This includes completing the learning outcomes outlined in their curriculum through work-based training activities, assessments in NHS scientific departments, and undertaking an academic master's programme at a designated Higher Education Institution.
The Trainee Healthcare Scientist is expected to adhere to standard operating policies, professional standards, health and safety protocols, risk reduction measures, confidentiality, patient care, dignity, and respect for equality and diversity as per the NHS Constitution.
This role involves a three-year fixed-term employment, combining full-time work-based learning with a part-time academic master's (MSc) programme. The trainee will follow the curriculum detailed on the NSHCS website.
Job StatementThe trainee will:
Undertake the full training programme, progressing through the training scheme modules.Perform and interpret clinical and specialist scientific processes with theoretical and practical knowledge.Carry out complex scientific and clinical roles, including direct patient work.Analyse and interpret investigative and clinical options.Make clinical and differential judgements impacting patients.Initiate innovation, improvement, R&D, and educate healthcare science trainees and other learners.They are expected to complete work-based training and the master's course, achieving eligibility for HCPC registration and the title of Clinical Scientist. The role involves communicating complex information to colleagues and ensuring compliance with HCPC standards.
Example Principal DutiesScientific and Clinical Practice
Conduct a range of clinical and scientific investigations, including blood sample processing and radiation procedures.Maintain professional competence in all tests, investigations, and measurements.Interpret and act upon test results per departmental policies.Provide feedback on new proposals and protocols for service improvements.Advise medical, nursing, and healthcare staff on the safe use of scientific procedures and equipment.Assist in procuring, accepting, and using medical devices and consumables.Ensure the safe use of complex equipment, maintaining records of maintenance and corrective actions.Safely use reagents, consumables, and hazardous materials.Participate in risk management, including risk assessments and incident reporting.Engage in internal and external audit processes and quality systems.Undertake R&D as part of training and develop skills for clinical audit.Assist in supervising and training support staff, students, and new appointees.Participate in departmental seminars and scientific meetings to share knowledge.Education and Learning
Progress and complete the training and assessment programme with the local Training Coordinator/Officer and NSHCS.Take responsibility for learning and development through various educational opportunities.Ensure learning needs identified with the Training Coordinator/Officer are met.Maintain flexibility and adaptability to contribute to service improvements.Stay updated on scientific developments and undertake supplementary training.Attend mandatory vocational and academic training.Participate in internal and external assessments.Patient Management and Clinical Care
Provide support to specialist clinics and treatment interventions.Perform, report, and interpret a range of investigations directly or indirectly for patients.Offer clinical and scientific advice and interpretation of results.Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and apply evidence-based practices.Ensure the safe handling and application of equipment according to health and safety requirements.In some specialisms, collect and process clinical samples from patients.Communication
Communicate complex clinical, scientific, and technical information to various stakeholders.Liaise with senior scientists and clinical users regarding investigations and tests.Communicate scientific innovation and service redesign.Present research and development findings internally and externally.Quality Audit
Contribute to audits to inform patient management and clinical care.Participate in quality audits related to accreditation and regulation.Perform quality assurance audits relevant to the specialism.Develop audit reports and action plans for arising issues.Design audits to improve service cost-effectiveness.Clinical Governance
Maintain standards for health and safety procedures.Comply with departmental quality and governance procedures.Uphold high standards of professional and personal conduct.Maximise patient safety, experience, and service effectiveness.Occasional Duties
Perform other duties required for learning and experience, consistent with the post's grade and nature.The job description may be reviewed and altered subject to consultation.Participate in annual progress meetings and consider issues relevant to the national training programme.Terms and Conditions of Service Agenda for ChangeGeneral
Successful candidates will adhere to the designated organisations Terms and Conditions, including participation in annual reviews and meeting Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) requirements.
Health, Safety, and Risk
All employees must comply with Health and Safety legislation and the organisations policies. Employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own and others' health and safety at work.Co-operate with their employer to comply with the Act.Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health and safety.Confidentiality
Personal information about patients and staff is confidential. Unauthorised use or disclosure is a serious disciplinary matter and may lead to prosecution or civil action under the Data Protection Act 1998.
Conflict of Interest
Employees must declare any interests that could conflict with their duties. They must not use their position for personal gain or benefit their family and friends.
Equality and Diversity
All staff must avoid discrimination, harassment, or bullying. They are responsible for promoting diversity and equality in service delivery and the workplace.
Working Time Directive
Employees should not work more than an average of 48 hours per week unless authorised by their manager and after signing an opt-out agreement. Total hours across all jobs should not exceed this average.
NHS Pension Scheme
Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme is voluntary. Employees are automatically enrolled unless they opt out. Further information is provided upon commencement.
Staff Benefits
A list of staff benefits is available from the Human Resources Department.
Scientist Training Programme Curricula and SpecialismsApplicants are encouraged to visit the National School of Healthcare Science website for detailed information.
Person Specification
Qualification Degree
Essential
Desirable
NSHCS criteria
Essential
Person Specification
Qualification Degree
Essential
Desirable
NSHCS criteria
Essential
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).
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).
