Clinical Scientist

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Management

1.1 Plans own varied workload to meet deadlines, prioritising and responding to new demands as they come in.

1.2 Contribute to the planning and development of the Groups services.

1.3 Participate in the Quality Management System for the Group. Ensures implementation of policies, proposes changes to practices for work area.

2. Specialist areas

2.1 Take the lead in the development of services in one of the Groups areas of activity: for example, patient dosimetry, optimisation of dose and image quality, digital imaging, computed tomography, interventional and cardiac imaging, mammography, bone densitometry, equipment calibrations and methodology.

2.2 The development of services will include, as appropriate, identifying and undertaking research and development projects, development of test methods, protocols and work instructions, providing scientific advice to users, planning and organising programmes of work, associated radiation protection requirements etc.

3. Scientific support to diagnostic radiology

3.1 Provide scientific advice to departments of radiology, including advice on local quality control measurements and assistance in reviewing departments quality control results.

3.2 Undertake, as necessary, critical examinations, commissioning tests and quality control measurements on the full 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 radiographers, radiologists and others. Liaise with manufacturers representatives where necessary.

4. Radiation protection

4.1 Provide medical physics expert support to NHS and independent sector healthcare establishments, with specific emphasis on the optimisation of patient dose and image quality, and assist departments in resolving problems in these areas.

4.2 Provide radiation protection advice and support (including for non-ionising radiation) to specified Trusts and private hospitals, to help ensure that they meet their statutory obligations.

4.3 Assess and provide advice on doses and risks to patients in routine and research procedures.

5. Research, teaching and training

5.1 Provide physics teaching for the Departments teaching commitments, such as FRCR and radiation protection courses.

5.2 Assist in the training and supervision of trainee clinical scientists, healthcare practitioners and assistants etc. Training delivery is based on need and not related to the role or banding of the learner.

5.3 Undertake research and development work aimed at improving the service.

5.4 Present results of research and development work at appropriate meetings.

6. Professional

6.1 Keep up to date with developments in the field of diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection.

6.2 Undertake continuous professional development in accordance with professional and regulatory requirements. Maintain registration.

6.3 Comply with training identified by the Trust and manager.

6.4 Participate in outreach events as required by the Trust and group.

6.5 Frequent requirement for concentration for long periods (with interruptions). Dealing with multiple workstreams simultaneously.

Qualifications

Essential

• Honours degree in appropriate physical science
• MSc or equivalent in Medical Physics
• DipIPEM or equivalent e.g. STP competence
• Registered with HCPC as a clinical scientist

Desirable

• Corporate membership of IPEM or other equivalent professional body

Experience

Essential

• Providing highly specialist medical physics support to Diagnostic Radiology (& UV & lasers)

Desirable

• Progress towards Medical Physics Expert
• Progress towards Radiation Protection Adviser
• Teaching / training experience
• Research experience
• Supervision of trainees
• Working in radiotherapy physics (imaging and radiation protection)

Skills

Essential

• Excellent basic computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
• Clear and articulate communicator
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to position tests tools with precision, routinely
• Analysis & interpretation of investigations/results, drawing conclusions
• Problem solving
• Resilience

Desirable

• Advanced computer applications such as image analysis and processing

Knowledge

Essential

• Good knowledge of radiological physics and radiation protection
• Good knowledge of X-ray equipment

Desirable

• Working knowledge of quality management systems

Values

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisation's values and behaviours including respect towards others at all times.
• Patient focused
• Accountability

Other

Essential

• Valid car driving licence
• 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.

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).