Job summary
The Imaging Physics & Radiation Protection group within Christie Medical Physics & Engineering are seeking an experienced Clinical Scientist with MPE and/or RPA qualifications to join our growing team of ~30 scientists, technologists and administrators. We deliver scientific support to NHS and independent sector clinical radiology departments in the North West of England. You will be involved in the CMPE RPA body (recognised by the Health and Safety Executive as an RPA body under the requirements of IRR17), providing radiation protection advice to diagnostic and interventional radiology/cardiology departments and dental practitioners. You will be the primary radiation protection contact for specified organisations. In addition, as Medical Physics Expert you will provide support for the optimisation of diagnostic and interventional radiology, developing and maintaining a close working relationship with the radiographic and clinical teams in these organisations.Applicants should be patient focused and flexible to change where quality can be improved.Candidates with experience delivering MPE (imaging) and RPA support to radiotherapy would be welcomed as the group grows support to The Christie radiotherapy centres.Suitable, experienced applicants without MPE or RPA qualifications will be considered for appointment at band 7.
Main duties of the job
A large part of the role is leading on RPA and MPE advice to particular imaging organisations, ensuring they have the information necessary to comply with IRR17 and IRMER17. A detailed knowledge of the regulations and imaging equipment is essential to support these activities. You will take the lead in an area of the group's work, focusing on equipment performance or another element of radiation protection, dependent on your past experience and the group's needs. We would welcome someone with experience in mammography, dental or CT but have many opportunities. You will learn the CMPE way of working using the quality management system before initiating changes (due to the need to bring a large team along when changes are made). You will be expected to provide in-depth expertise and implement improved ways of working. You will initiate and undertake projects to support clinical research in line with the group priorities. Day to day management of staff and contributing to the group service management is also a key part of the role. Teaching is a regular part of the role. A current driving license is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role (we have pool cars for use).We encourage you to get in touch if you would like to informally discuss your suitability for the post.
About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Scientific support to diagnostic radiology1.1. Provide a wide range of scientific advice to departments of radiology/cardiology and other users of X-ray equipment, including matters such as patient dosimetry optimisation of radiation dose and image quality, and resolution of problems in these areas.1.2. Take the lead for specific areas of the groups work (e.g. fluoroscopy, digital radiography, dental etc.) providing in-depth expertise in these areas, driving the group strategy and its implementation e.g. x-ray equipment testing methods.1.3. Undertake critical examinations, commissioning tests and quality control measurements on a wide range of x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects. Provide written reports and advice to radiographic, clinical and management teams including outside Radiology. Liaise with manufacturers representatives where necessary.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Scientific support to diagnostic radiology1.1. Provide a wide range of scientific advice to departments of radiology/cardiology and other users of X-ray equipment, including matters such as patient dosimetry optimisation of radiation dose and image quality, and resolution of problems in these areas.1.2. Take the lead for specific areas of the groups work (e.g. fluoroscopy, digital radiography, dental etc.) providing in-depth expertise in these areas, driving the group strategy and its implementation e.g. x-ray equipment testing methods.1.3. Undertake critical examinations, commissioning tests and quality control measurements on a wide range of x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects. Provide written reports and advice to radiographic, clinical and management teams including outside Radiology. Liaise with manufacturers representatives where necessary.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Good honours degree in appropriate physical science
- Higher degree (MSc or equivalent)
- State registered Clinical Scientist
- Recognition as MPE or certificate of competence as RPA (ideally both or expected to gain within reasonable time)
Desirable
- Corporate membership of IPEM or other equivalent professional body
- PhD or equivalent research experience
- LPA certification
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- In depth experience of testing X-ray equipment
- Provision of highly specialist scientific support in diagnostic radiology and radiation protection (to RPA and/or MPE level)
- Demonstration of capability for self motivated working
Desirable
- Identifying, planning and undertaking research or service development work
- MPE experience in radiotherapy imaging
- RPA experience in radiotherapy
- Supervision and management experience
SKILLS
Essential
- Good computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access)
- Clear and articulate communicator
- Good interpersonal skills
- Scientific report writing
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Teaching skills
- Ability to position tests tools with precision, routinely
- Analysis & interpretation of investigations/results, drawing conclusions
- Ability to apply health & safety and risk management principles to practical scenarios
- Ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism
- Problem solving
- Resilience
Desirable
- Advanced computer applications such as image analysis and processing
- Ability to produce good publications in scientific journals and conferences
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Expert knowledge of radiological physics and radiation protection and regulatory framework
- In depth knowledge of X-ray equipment
Desirable
- Basic understanding of HR policies and procedures
- Working knowledge of quality management systems
VALUES
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisation's values and behaviours including respect towards others at all times.
OTHER
Essential
- Valid car driving licence (we have manual transmission 'pool cars' currently but moving to 'automatic' in coming years)
- Willing to work flexibly in line with service needs (see notes below).
- Physically able to lift heavy measuring equipment (up to 15 kg)
- Enthusiasm and commitment
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Good honours degree in appropriate physical science
- Higher degree (MSc or equivalent)
- State registered Clinical Scientist
- Recognition as MPE or certificate of competence as RPA (ideally both or expected to gain within reasonable time)
Desirable
- Corporate membership of IPEM or other equivalent professional body
- PhD or equivalent research experience
- LPA certification
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- In depth experience of testing X-ray equipment
- Provision of highly specialist scientific support in diagnostic radiology and radiation protection (to RPA and/or MPE level)
- Demonstration of capability for self motivated working
Desirable
- Identifying, planning and undertaking research or service development work
- MPE experience in radiotherapy imaging
- RPA experience in radiotherapy
- Supervision and management experience
SKILLS
Essential
- Good computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access)
- Clear and articulate communicator
- Good interpersonal skills
- Scientific report writing
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Teaching skills
- Ability to position tests tools with precision, routinely
- Analysis & interpretation of investigations/results, drawing conclusions
- Ability to apply health & safety and risk management principles to practical scenarios
- Ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism
- Problem solving
- Resilience
Desirable
- Advanced computer applications such as image analysis and processing
- Ability to produce good publications in scientific journals and conferences
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Expert knowledge of radiological physics and radiation protection and regulatory framework
- In depth knowledge of X-ray equipment
Desirable
- Basic understanding of HR policies and procedures
- Working knowledge of quality management systems
VALUES
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisation's values and behaviours including respect towards others at all times.
OTHER
Essential
- Valid car driving licence (we have manual transmission 'pool cars' currently but moving to 'automatic' in coming years)
- Willing to work flexibly in line with service needs (see notes below).
- Physically able to lift heavy measuring equipment (up to 15 kg)
- Enthusiasm and commitment
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).
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.
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).
