Radiotherapy Physics Practitioner

Job responsibilities

General

1.1. The place of work is normally The Christie, Withington, but the post holder may be required to carry out work at other local hospitals with a radiotherapy service.

1.2. The post holder will have the opportunity to work remotely from home (subject to approval by their line manager), following their initial training period. A minimum of 50% of their contracted hours will be completed on site.

1.3. Hours are worked flexibly between 7:00 and 21:00, Monday to Saturday, to cover the normal range of clinical duties.

1.4. Ensure all work complies with current UK legislation for work with ionizing radiation (IRR 1999, IRMER 2017) and the Trusts ISO 9001:2008-compliant Quality Management System for the provision of radiotherapy.

1.5. The post holder will be expected to prioritise and manage their own work on a day-to-day basis. Promote best practice and raise standards within a multi-disciplinary group and participate in continuing professional development.

1.6. The post holder must be and must remain registered as a Therapy Radiographer with the health professions council or be on the register of clinical technologists and undertake regular continuing professional development.

1.7. Participate in clinical audit.

Clinical Treatment Planning

2.1. Assess the suitability of patient imaging, immobilization and localisation information in preparation for treatment planning.

2.2. Produce highly complex radiotherapy treatment plans, based on the evaluation of anatomical and clinical information using a highly complex three-dimensional treatment planning system.

2.3. Critically analyse and independently check routine and highly complex treatment plans for transfer to linear accelerators.

2.4. Provide and independently check monitor unit calculations for external beam radiotherapy.

2.5. Evaluate and approve pre-treatment verification details of final plans.

2.6. Transfer patient data to simulators and treatment machines.

2.7. Identify and report problems with clinical treatment planning systems

2.8. Use professional judgement to refer appropriate treatment planning problems to others.

2.9. Provide advise to radiotherapy staff on issues relating to the implementation of treatment plans.

2.10. Handle internal and external enquiries from other professional groups and patients.

2.11. Communicate with patients and relatives during verification and simulation processes

2.12. Participate in the implementation of new processes and techniques including the generation of work instructions for inclusion in the quality system.

2.13. Participate in clinical audit

Dosimetry and Quality Control

3.1. Perform routine radiotherapy plan verification (including measurement and analysis) on linear accelerators and provide specialist training and advice in this discipline to Physicists and Dosimetrists.

3.2. The post holder will participate in the clinical quality control programme for highly complex radiotherapy equipment, including linear accelerators, CT scanners and superficial therapy devices to ensure all such equipment is fit for clinical use.

3.3. Perform routine morning run-up and output measurements on linear accelerators.

3.4. Provide specialist training and advice in this discipline to Physicists, Dosimetrists and therapy Radiographers.

3.5. Participate in the departments system for performing in-vivo dosimetry measurements. This will include calibration of dosimeters, analysing in-vivo dosimetry results, investigating measurements that are out of tolerance and maintaining a database of results.

Training and Education

4.1. Provide specialist training to radiotherapy and dosimetry students in treatment planning.

4.2. Assist with the specialist training of clinical scientists and clinical oncologists in the use of the treatment planning system and treatment planning techniques.

4.3. Disseminate knowledge via lectures, tutorials and other appropriate methods.

Research and Development

5.1. Participate in projects for the review and development of clinical techniques, and for the support of clinical trials within rotational site specialty.

5.2. To interpret national and international guidelines concerning the planning of the treatment sites allocated and to implement protocols to keep practice in line with recommended practice.

5.3. To work with other professionals to provide a co-ordinated service improvements through the development of new techniques.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent in Therapy Radiography or physical sciences
• State registration with HCPC or on voluntary register of Clinical Technologists

Desirable

• Treatment planning course

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience as a treatment Radiographer or Dosimetrist
• Ability to work independently

Desirable

• Experience in treatment planning and/or dosimetry

Skills

Essential

• Computer literate
• Ability to communicate complex information across professional boundaries.
• Analytical and reflective skills
• Ability to prioritise work and function under pressure
• Sound decision making skills.
• Highly developed physical accuracy and hand-eye co-ordination.

Knowledge

Essential

• A sound, practical knowledge of radiotherapy.
• Proof of adequate CPD.

Values

Essential

• A willingness to undertake research and development

Desirable

• Evidence of participation in research

Other

Essential

• Ability to work independently
• Self-motivated
• Flexible attitude to work
• Good team worker
• Conscientious

Desirable

• Able to attend training courses involving periods away from home

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).