Band 8A Senior Nuclear Medicine Physicist - PET CT
This job is now closed
Job summary
The postholder will provide a key role in the department's PETCT service. They will be instrumental to the successful transition to a two PETCT service, helping transform the use of PETCT in the context of the clinical implementation of a long axis field of view PETCT scanner. The development of optimised protocols for a highly sensitive PETCT scanner and how it complements a standard scanner will be a key area of work for the postholder as well as the development of parametric and dynamic protocols. Working with the PETCT Lead Physicist, the postholder would be expected to act as one of the MPEs, predominantly for the PETCT service and, dependent on experience, for other aspects of the nuclear medicine service.
Additionally, they will participate in nuclear medicine across the range of responsibilities the nuclear medicine physics team covers, providing specialised
scientific support for the extensive range of clinical activities carried out within the
department. This includes diagnostic nuclear medicine and radionuclide therapy in addition to PET/CT.
Main duties of the job
MPE PET CT
Clinical Scientific support to PET CT service
Implementing new techniques in PET CT total body scanning
Ensure safe radiation practice
Optimise scanning for PET CT
Support general Nuclear medicine physicist functions
About us
Royal Free World Class Values
The post holder will offer World Class Care to service users, staff, colleagues, clients and patients alike so that everyone at the Royal Free can feel:
- all of the time Confident because we are clearly
- and cared for that they are always in safe hands
Details
Date posted
02 May 2023
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£55,903 to £61,996 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
391-RFL-5239909
Job locations
Royal Free Hospital
Pond Street
London
NW3 2QG
Job description
Job responsibilities
Contribute to the general scientific support of the PETCT service, the general Nuclear Medicine imaging and in-vitro service and radionuclide therapy service.
Contribute to the QA program of all areas of the department
Be responsible for providing direction and supervision of the maintenance and development of Nuclear Medicine instrumentation, procedures and computing facilities.
Advise and assist clinicians in setting up diagnostic tests and new protocols, which requires the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options.
Investigate and resolve complex equipment problems. Carry out fault-finding on gamma and PETCT cameras and other complex equipment. Liaise with suppliers regarding equipment breakdown and arrange for the maintenance and servicing of identified items of equipment.
Participate in capital equipment evaluation and plan and manage commissioning of new equipment. Assist in the choice and deployment of equipment and materials (including any structural alterations).
Modify image processing software to meet specific clinical needs. Be responsible for providing strategic direction and supervision in the implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive QC programme for clinical software.
1. RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENTSAct as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) for the diagnostic imaging and non-imaging aspects of the service, being responsible for ensuring the radiation safety of the patient and as such: be involved in diagnostic services of the nuclear medicine department; be available in nuclear medicine practices and be involved, as appropriate, in other radiological practices; for consultation and giving advice on radiation protection issues including optimisation of patient protection, dosimetry and QA,
Act as an Operator for diagnostic Nuclear medicine and unsealed radionuclide therapies as defined under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 legislation [IR(ME)R]; a legal duty holder, entitled to carry out practical aspects of a medical exposure.
Measure radioactivity and calculate radiation doses received by patients from procedures involving unsealed radionuclides.
Demonstrate sufficient skills to accurately and precisely draw up radioactive liquids to ensure appropriate radioactivity is administered to patients whilst minimising radiation dose to yourself and others.
Advise and assist clinicians in setting up new protocols which requires the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options.
Advise and inform medical practitioners on the safe and effective use of radiopharmaceuticals for patients undergoing PETCT procedures and extending to diagnostic Nuclear medicine and non-imaging studies.
Review and analyse current practice in view of best practice and scientific developments
Optimise the use of PETCT and contribute to the use of novel techniques including parametric and dynamic PETCT
Optimise the use of hybrid Nuclear Medicine / CT imaging
Keep abreast of developments in PETCT and educate other staff in best use of CT in hybrid environment
Support development of low dose strategies for all procedures
Design and perform clinical validation systems for new imaging techniques, analysis methods and equipment.
Play a key role in clinical audit of the service, instigating, validating and supporting audits by yourself, the physics team and all other staff groups
Provide cover for the hot lab manager in carrying out calibration procedures on various types of radiation measuring instruments. This work will include the preparation and handling of several types of radioactive sources.
Be aware of scientific and technical innovations such as use of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning in a clinical context.
2. RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENTIdentify and take responsibility for enhancing existing procedures and protocols and developing new procedures and protocols for the testing of highly complex, patient critical equipment.
Prepare procedures, protocols, Local Rules and risk assessments pertaining to physics support work. Contribute to regular reviews of all documentation in use and prepare related reports and presentations.
Work towards compliance with an accredited Quality System in areas of work for which the post holder carries responsibility.
Share responsibility for ensuring that safe working practices are followed by all staff in Nuclear Medicine and other connected departments. Take appropriate actions to ensure that the work of all staff in Nuclear Medicine meets the requirements of the Ionising Radiation Regulations and other relevant legislation concerning Health & Safety and radiation protection. Propose changes to working practices and policies that may affect the work of other professional groups in Nuclear Medicine. Write procedures for changed working practices, as required.
Carry out risk assessments (as referred to in IRR17) for work involving unsealed radionuclides, liaising with end-users about any necessary resulting action plans.
Contribute to the radiation protection management of ward and other facilities for patients receiving radioisotope administrations.
Contribute key radiation protection information and advice to patient information leaflets
3. RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCESIdentify the need for new instrumentation or equipment for use in Nuclear Medicine. Produce specifications for small items of equipment, for purchase or construction in-house
Support procurement activities related to purchasing radioactive materials and devices for the safe and efficient use of these materials.
Make preparations for off-site disposal of such waste and all the associated record-keeping, in order to ensure compliance with Environment Agency conditions for Best Available Technique in control over radioactive substances
Contribute to managing the Trusts centralised waste store to ensure that procedures, Local Rules, risk assessments and all required documentation, records and databases are kept up to date and that they comply with the relevant legislation.
Assist the RWA in liaising with the Estates department to ensure that the waste drains are regularly checked and that the plans are kept current as part of the requirement of the Environment Agency
Assist in the management of the Groups centralised radioactive stock / waste control for the trust
Contribute to similar activities for other organisations as agreed by the Trust
Optimise use of high cost radiopharmaceuticals to deliver cost effective radionuclide service
Support computer networking across the Department.
Support management of complex computing software used in reconstruction, analysis and diagnostic support.
4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADING AND MANAGINGSupport management of the hot lab. This work includes the use of radiation monitoring equipment.
Prioritise own work in accordance with departmental and Trust priorities and external demands. Meet expected results by using own initiative and following general principles and applicable regulations, standards and guidelines. Manage complex projects involving changes to equipment and practices.
Provide advice to staff of all grades in relation to radiation safety, regulatory compliance and good scientific practice taking specific responsibility in this regard for the PETCT service.
The postholder may be required to support and cover either the Lead Radionuclide therapy or Lead PETCT physicists
Provide oversight and supervision on the preparation of procedures, protocols, Local Rules and risk assessments pertaining to the PETCT service. Contribute to regular reviews of all documentation in use and prepare related reports and presentations.
5. RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION RESOURCESEnsure patient information including patient images is kept secure at all times.
Ensure that transfer of patient information is via secure routes and uses techniques including anonymisation and encryption.
Modify image and numerical processing software to meet specific clinical needs.
Identify and develop computer-based systems to enhance the sections productivity and effectiveness.
Contribute to the maintenance of an accurate database covering all sealed radioactive sources held by the Trust and other institutions.
Create, develop, test and maintain databases, spreadsheets and documentation to enhance accuracy, efficiency and safety and with regard to the provisions of data protection regulations.
Keep careful records of all work carried out, including decommissioning of areas, and maintain high standards of care and accuracy in the operation of spreadsheet and database records.
6. RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTPlay a substantial role in conjunction with the Lead PET physicist to develop novel techniques in the use of a long axis field of view PETCT scanner
Play a role in developing imaging workflows that can be used on the long axis field of view PETCT scanner and translated to the standard PETCT scanner.
Contribute to research and development projects relevant to the needs of the department.
Contribute to the development of a patient dosimetry service.
Provide scientific support to work on clinical trials in Nuclear Medicine and its connected departments.
As time allows, work closely with academic and other partners to develop the academic status of the department including developing grant funding applications and opportunities.
Present departmental work at national and international scientific meetings and publish in peer review journals.
Summarise and present outcomes of complex scientific research work to patients and to a range of other staff.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Contribute to the general scientific support of the PETCT service, the general Nuclear Medicine imaging and in-vitro service and radionuclide therapy service.
Contribute to the QA program of all areas of the department
Be responsible for providing direction and supervision of the maintenance and development of Nuclear Medicine instrumentation, procedures and computing facilities.
Advise and assist clinicians in setting up diagnostic tests and new protocols, which requires the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options.
Investigate and resolve complex equipment problems. Carry out fault-finding on gamma and PETCT cameras and other complex equipment. Liaise with suppliers regarding equipment breakdown and arrange for the maintenance and servicing of identified items of equipment.
Participate in capital equipment evaluation and plan and manage commissioning of new equipment. Assist in the choice and deployment of equipment and materials (including any structural alterations).
Modify image processing software to meet specific clinical needs. Be responsible for providing strategic direction and supervision in the implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive QC programme for clinical software.
1. RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENTSAct as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) for the diagnostic imaging and non-imaging aspects of the service, being responsible for ensuring the radiation safety of the patient and as such: be involved in diagnostic services of the nuclear medicine department; be available in nuclear medicine practices and be involved, as appropriate, in other radiological practices; for consultation and giving advice on radiation protection issues including optimisation of patient protection, dosimetry and QA,
Act as an Operator for diagnostic Nuclear medicine and unsealed radionuclide therapies as defined under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 legislation [IR(ME)R]; a legal duty holder, entitled to carry out practical aspects of a medical exposure.
Measure radioactivity and calculate radiation doses received by patients from procedures involving unsealed radionuclides.
Demonstrate sufficient skills to accurately and precisely draw up radioactive liquids to ensure appropriate radioactivity is administered to patients whilst minimising radiation dose to yourself and others.
Advise and assist clinicians in setting up new protocols which requires the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options.
Advise and inform medical practitioners on the safe and effective use of radiopharmaceuticals for patients undergoing PETCT procedures and extending to diagnostic Nuclear medicine and non-imaging studies.
Review and analyse current practice in view of best practice and scientific developments
Optimise the use of PETCT and contribute to the use of novel techniques including parametric and dynamic PETCT
Optimise the use of hybrid Nuclear Medicine / CT imaging
Keep abreast of developments in PETCT and educate other staff in best use of CT in hybrid environment
Support development of low dose strategies for all procedures
Design and perform clinical validation systems for new imaging techniques, analysis methods and equipment.
Play a key role in clinical audit of the service, instigating, validating and supporting audits by yourself, the physics team and all other staff groups
Provide cover for the hot lab manager in carrying out calibration procedures on various types of radiation measuring instruments. This work will include the preparation and handling of several types of radioactive sources.
Be aware of scientific and technical innovations such as use of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning in a clinical context.
2. RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENTIdentify and take responsibility for enhancing existing procedures and protocols and developing new procedures and protocols for the testing of highly complex, patient critical equipment.
Prepare procedures, protocols, Local Rules and risk assessments pertaining to physics support work. Contribute to regular reviews of all documentation in use and prepare related reports and presentations.
Work towards compliance with an accredited Quality System in areas of work for which the post holder carries responsibility.
Share responsibility for ensuring that safe working practices are followed by all staff in Nuclear Medicine and other connected departments. Take appropriate actions to ensure that the work of all staff in Nuclear Medicine meets the requirements of the Ionising Radiation Regulations and other relevant legislation concerning Health & Safety and radiation protection. Propose changes to working practices and policies that may affect the work of other professional groups in Nuclear Medicine. Write procedures for changed working practices, as required.
Carry out risk assessments (as referred to in IRR17) for work involving unsealed radionuclides, liaising with end-users about any necessary resulting action plans.
Contribute to the radiation protection management of ward and other facilities for patients receiving radioisotope administrations.
Contribute key radiation protection information and advice to patient information leaflets
3. RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCESIdentify the need for new instrumentation or equipment for use in Nuclear Medicine. Produce specifications for small items of equipment, for purchase or construction in-house
Support procurement activities related to purchasing radioactive materials and devices for the safe and efficient use of these materials.
Make preparations for off-site disposal of such waste and all the associated record-keeping, in order to ensure compliance with Environment Agency conditions for Best Available Technique in control over radioactive substances
Contribute to managing the Trusts centralised waste store to ensure that procedures, Local Rules, risk assessments and all required documentation, records and databases are kept up to date and that they comply with the relevant legislation.
Assist the RWA in liaising with the Estates department to ensure that the waste drains are regularly checked and that the plans are kept current as part of the requirement of the Environment Agency
Assist in the management of the Groups centralised radioactive stock / waste control for the trust
Contribute to similar activities for other organisations as agreed by the Trust
Optimise use of high cost radiopharmaceuticals to deliver cost effective radionuclide service
Support computer networking across the Department.
Support management of complex computing software used in reconstruction, analysis and diagnostic support.
4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADING AND MANAGINGSupport management of the hot lab. This work includes the use of radiation monitoring equipment.
Prioritise own work in accordance with departmental and Trust priorities and external demands. Meet expected results by using own initiative and following general principles and applicable regulations, standards and guidelines. Manage complex projects involving changes to equipment and practices.
Provide advice to staff of all grades in relation to radiation safety, regulatory compliance and good scientific practice taking specific responsibility in this regard for the PETCT service.
The postholder may be required to support and cover either the Lead Radionuclide therapy or Lead PETCT physicists
Provide oversight and supervision on the preparation of procedures, protocols, Local Rules and risk assessments pertaining to the PETCT service. Contribute to regular reviews of all documentation in use and prepare related reports and presentations.
5. RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION RESOURCESEnsure patient information including patient images is kept secure at all times.
Ensure that transfer of patient information is via secure routes and uses techniques including anonymisation and encryption.
Modify image and numerical processing software to meet specific clinical needs.
Identify and develop computer-based systems to enhance the sections productivity and effectiveness.
Contribute to the maintenance of an accurate database covering all sealed radioactive sources held by the Trust and other institutions.
Create, develop, test and maintain databases, spreadsheets and documentation to enhance accuracy, efficiency and safety and with regard to the provisions of data protection regulations.
Keep careful records of all work carried out, including decommissioning of areas, and maintain high standards of care and accuracy in the operation of spreadsheet and database records.
6. RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTPlay a substantial role in conjunction with the Lead PET physicist to develop novel techniques in the use of a long axis field of view PETCT scanner
Play a role in developing imaging workflows that can be used on the long axis field of view PETCT scanner and translated to the standard PETCT scanner.
Contribute to research and development projects relevant to the needs of the department.
Contribute to the development of a patient dosimetry service.
Provide scientific support to work on clinical trials in Nuclear Medicine and its connected departments.
As time allows, work closely with academic and other partners to develop the academic status of the department including developing grant funding applications and opportunities.
Present departmental work at national and international scientific meetings and publish in peer review journals.
Summarise and present outcomes of complex scientific research work to patients and to a range of other staff.
Person Specification
Royal Free World Class Values
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Education & professional Qualifications
Essential
- Honours First Degree in Physics or equivalent, or containing a major physics component
- Postgraduate degree or equivalent in medical or radiation physics
- HCPC registered as a Clinical Scientist
- On the Medical Physics expert register or able to obtain within an agreed timetable
Desirable
- Good Clinical Practice certificate
Experience
Essential
- Experience of PETCT
- Experience of nuclear medicine imaging and therapy procedures
Desirable
- Experience of research and clinical trials
Person Specification
Royal Free World Class Values
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Education & professional Qualifications
Essential
- Honours First Degree in Physics or equivalent, or containing a major physics component
- Postgraduate degree or equivalent in medical or radiation physics
- HCPC registered as a Clinical Scientist
- On the Medical Physics expert register or able to obtain within an agreed timetable
Desirable
- Good Clinical Practice certificate
Experience
Essential
- Experience of PETCT
- Experience of nuclear medicine imaging and therapy procedures
Desirable
- Experience of research and clinical trials
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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).
Employer details
Employer name
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Free Hospital
Pond Street
London
NW3 2QG
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Free Hospital
Pond Street
London
NW3 2QG
Employer's website
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Details
Date posted
02 May 2023
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£55,903 to £61,996 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
391-RFL-5239909
Job locations
Royal Free Hospital
Pond Street
London
NW3 2QG
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
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