Principal Clinical Scientist

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Physics for Nuclear Medicine

Provides day-to-day scientific support to the diagnostic, therapeutic and PET-CT work of the Nuclear Medicine Department at The Christie and at other sites as agreed. This includes:-

1.1. Advising consultant radiologists, clinical technologists and radiographers on diagnostic image processing techniques and interpretation of results and images, including practical assistance where required in difficult or unusual cases. Processing data using nuclear medicine computer systems, and verifying previously-processed studies.

1.2. Proposing, developing and implementing new Nuclear Medicine diagnostic techniques, and training clinical scientists, radiographers and technologists in those techniques.

1.3. Carrying out advanced and complex mathematical calculations for both Nuclear Medicine imaging analysis techniques and clinical radiation dosimetry.

1.4. Participating in setting up and monitoring of the programme of QA on critical nuclear medicine diagnostic equipment: gamma cameras, PET-CT scanners, radionuclide calibrators, etc.

1.5. Advising Consultant Radiologists on the certification requirements for the administration of radioactive substances to patients.

1.6. Evaluating equipment specification and performance prior to purchase, in order to advise on equipment selection. Participating in organisation and installation of equipment.

1.7. Advising technologists and radiographers on, and assisting with, quality assurance and calibration of high capital value Nuclear Medicine diagnostic equipment.

1.8. Working in cooperation with technology and radiographic staff, to ensure the maintenance of up-to-date working practices, and to keep protocols under review.

2. Software Development

2.1. Develops, tests and implements scientific computer programs for the management and analysis of nuclear medicine data both at The Christie and at other sites for which CMPE provides a service.

3. Radiation Protection

Provides day-to-day support to radiation protection requirements for patients, staff and members of the public within the policies and procedures existing within CMPE, in order for the Christie Trust to comply with legislation on the use of radioactive materials in medicine. The work is generally undertaken in the Nuclear Medicine Department or within the in-patient radionuclide radiotherapy facilities. The support includes :

3.1. Liaising with ward and other staff regarding the discharge of patients treated with large quantities of radioactive materials and with monitoring for radioactive contamination. Supervising the use of patient-radioactivity monitoring equipment, to determine when patients may be discharged.

3.2. Writing procedures for domestic, nursing and departmental staff to ensure safety when dealing with radioactive waste and contaminated laundry.

3.3. Carrying out risk assessments for those patients whose clinical condition or other circumstances may require additional radiation protection measures. Advising patients on restrictions required within the hospital site, and subsequently at home.

3.4. Preparing of risk assessments, local rules for radiation protection and permits to work for Estates and other staff.

3.5. Preparing of patient information leaflets.

3.6. Preparing documentation to ensure compliance with all legislation concerning the use of radioactive materials, including IRR, IRMER and EPR.

3.7 Actively participates in the radiation protection policy-making meeting of the Nuclear Medicine Group.

3.8 Actively participates in practical aspects of radiation protection as set-out in local procedures.

4. Teaching and Training

4.1. Lecturing, course planning, and setting exam questions for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

4.2. Lecturing on any aspect of nuclear medicine to other staff groups, such as nurses and technologists

4.3. Supervises staff in training, including pre-registration clinical scientists and clinical technologists.

5. Research

5.1. Participates in research. This includes the initiation and planning of research projects, participating in carrying out the research work and data analysis.

5.2. Liaises and collaborates with colleagues, including clinical and research staff in order to maintain conformance with all aspects of research governance relating to the projects.

5.3. Communicates the results of research by publication in journals and/or presentation at scientific meetings.

6. Professional

6.1. Maintains registration as a Clinical Scientist for which successful participation in a CPD scheme is required, according to the rules laid down by the Health and Care Professions Council.

6.2. Keeps abreast of new techniques, technological developments and legislative changes.

6.3. Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour

Note:

This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service. Since from time to time these needs may change it is necessary to recognise that the post holder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the Director.

Qualifications

Essential

• Good first degree in Physics or a physical science.
• MSc. or MPhil or equivalent in physics applied to medicine or related subject
• State registration as a Clinical Scientist.

Desirable

• Medical Physics Expert certification
• PhD in physics applied to medicine or related subject

Experience

Essential

• Considerable experience as a Clinical Scientist in nuclear medicine.
• A track record in R&D in nuclear medicine methods.
• Supervision of technical staff.
• Specification and commissioning of new nuclear medicine imaging facilities.
• Radiation protection in nuclear medicine.

Desirable

• Work experience with Molecular Radiotherapy and Positron Emission Tomography
• Demonstration of capability for independent, self-motivated working.

Skills

Essential

• Operation and calibration of nuclear medicine equipment, such as: gamma cameras; radiation measurement and counting devices,
• Computer programming on nuclear medicine systems

Desirable

• Ability to write computer software in programming languages relevant to nuclear medicine.
• Competence in lecturing, and in presenting original work

Knowledge

Essential

• Numerical analysis methods.
• Principles of radiation protection and regulatory framework.
• Relevant human physiology and anatomy

Desirable

• Use of RIS and PACS facilities

Other

Essential

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work within a team.
• Personal skills for working directly with patients, and an enthusiasm for working in health care.

Desirable

• Valid UK driving licence.

Values

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

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).