Job summary
Applications are invited for a Clinical Scientist to join the dynamic Radiotherapy Physics group at The Christie. The successful applicant will ideally be HCPC registered, but applications from final-year STP trainees will also be considered.The successful applicant will join a team of Clinical Scientists providing a full range of scientific and technical support to the radiotherapy service in at least two of the following areas as part of the routine service: dosimetry, brachytherapy, treatment planning, scientific computing. The post holder will be expected to work towards MPE RPA2000 certification. The successful applicant will work with a wide range of radiotherapy IT systems including treatment planning systems (RayStation, Monaco, Oncentra etc.), oncology management systems (Mosaiq), and auto-contouring packages including those based on deep-learning models (Limbus, RayStation, ProKnow).Clinical scientists in the team are encouraged to present new ideas to improve the service and will be supported to develop them by the whole team.
Main duties of the job
Clinical work in RT physicsThe successful candidate will contribute to at least 2 of the following areas:o the treatment planning service including treatment planning and checking, and advising the multi-disciplinary team on issues relating to clinical treatment plans.o the dosimetry service including quality control, commissioning of new equipment, and responding to issues and/or faults.o the brachytherapy service including treatment planning, checking, and delivery. Quality control and machine commissioning.o the scientific computing service including supporting automation projects, compliance with regulation and guidance and development of artificial intelligence tools.ManagementThe successful candidate may be required to contribute to both clinical audit and internal quality system audits.Research & DevelopmentThe successful candidate will be expected to take an active role in research and development work, in line with the department objectives. Major departmental priorities include the transfer of all treatment planning activities to the RayStation TPS, the on-going replacement of linear accelerators and the commissioning of daily on-line adaptive radiotherapy.Teaching & trainingThe role may involve specialist teaching on MSc courses in collaboration with the University of Manchester.
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.
The Christie Paterson Cancer Research Centre is located in Withington, 4 miles south of Manchester city centre. Manchester is a hub for sport, music and culture as well as a friendly, vibrant city.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. General 1.1. Ensure all work complies with current UK legislation for work with ionising radiation (IRR 2017, IRMER 2017) and the Trusts 9001-2015-compliant Quality System for provision of radiotherapy. 1.2. The post holder will be expected to prioritise and manage their own work on a day-to-day basis. 1.3. The post holder must participate in an agreed scheme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). 1.4. 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. 1.5. The post is full-time. Hours are worked flexibly, in agreement with the line manager, to provide round the clock services where necessary to cover the normal range of clinical duties. 1.6. Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour 2. Treatment Planning System management 2.1. Contribute to the scientific management of the clinical treatment planning system. 2.2. Measure appropriate machine data during commissioning for the production of accurate treatment planning models. 2.3. Commission clinical treatment planning beam models adjusting parameters to fit commissioning data for new radiotherapy equipment to ensure accurate treatment planning. 2.4. Develop and implement treatment planning software for improved efficiency of treatment planning. 2.5. Ensure that the treatment planning data and calculation methods are accurate and the limitations understood and documented. 2.6. To liaise with the physicists in dosimetry to maintain an up-to-date physical data base for external beam therapy. 3. Clinical Treatment Planning. 3.1. Participate in maintaining the provision of an external beam treatment planning service to the Radiotherapy Department to ensure the accuracy of treatment plans and compliance with clinical requirements. 3.2. Provide advice on radiotherapy physics-related issues to clinical oncologists and radiographers, contributing to the effective work of the multidisciplinary team, in relation to both current practice and technique development. 3.3. Operate on a rota with other physicists to resolve problems arising with clinical treatment plans, including problems where the post holder may inspect and advise on patient set-up on linear accelerators. 3.4. Operate on a rota with other physicists to perform clinical planning room duties. Assess the suitability of patient imaging, immobilisation and localisation information in preparation for treatment planning. 3.5. Produce highly complex radiotherapy treatment plans, based on the evaluation of anatomical and clinical information using a highly complex three dimensional treatment planning system. 3.6. Critically analyse and independently check routine and highly complex treatment plans for transfer to linear accelerators. 3.7. Provide and independently check monitor unit calculations for external beam radiotherapy. 3.8. Participate in managing the implementation of new processes and techniques including the generation of work instructions for inclusion in the quality system. 3.9. To update radiotherapy physics aspects of clinical procedures required by the ionising radiations medical exposures regulations (IRMER). 4. Clinical Dosimetry 4.1. Maintain, develop and implement procedures for quality assurance for linear accelerators and other radiotherapy machines within the ISO 9001:2015 quality system, analysing current practice against recommendations of Professional bodies and proposing changes to practice and procedures. 4.2. Participate regularly in the clinical quality control programme for highly complex radiotherapy equipment, including linear accelerators, simulators and superficial therapy devices to ensure all such equipment is fit for clinical use. 4.3. Act on a rota basis as Duty Physicist for the Dosimetry Section, responding via a bleep system to issues relating to the dosimetric performance of radiotherapy equipment raised by radiographer and engineering staff, providing scientific advice or performing measurements as appropriate. 4.4. Investigate and resolve technical and dosimetric problems highlighted through ongoing quality control measurements and reported equipment faults, analysing oral and written information along with measurements in order to provide advice or identify any remedial action. 4.5. To work with the physicists in treatment planning to maintain an up to date physical database for external beam therapy. 4.6. Perform acceptance testing and commissioning measurements for linear accelerators, allocating tasks and supervising physicists collecting the data required to provide accurate models of radiation treatment beams necessary to ensure efficient and safe implementation into clinical service. 4.7. Perform patient specific QA. 5. Brachytherapy System management 5.1. Contribute to the scientific management of the Brachytherapy planning systems and associated equipment. 5.2. Develop and implement software for improved efficiency of Brachytherapy. 5.3. Ensure that Brachytherapy planning and calculation methods are accurate and the limitations understood and documented. 5.4. Participate regularly in the clinical quality control programme for highly complex brachytherapy equipment, to ensure equipment is fit for clinical use. 6. Clinical Brachytherapy. 6.1. Participate in maintaining the provision of the brachytherapy service to ensure the accuracy of brachytherapy plans and compliance with clinical requirements. 6.2. Provide advice on radiotherapy physics-related issues to clinical oncologists and radiographers, contributing to the effective work of the multidisciplinary team, in relation to both current practice and technique development. 6.3. Work within the brachytherapy team to resolve problems arising with brachytherapy plans, including problems where the post holder may inspect and advise on patient set-up. 6.4. Work within the brachytherapy team to perform clinical duties. This includes treating patients, set up and cleaning of medical devices after treatment and includes work within the Brachytherapy operating theatre. 6.5. Assess the suitability of patient imaging, immobilisation and localisation information in preparation for Brachytherapy. 6.6. Produce highly complex brachytherapy plans, based on the evaluation of anatomical and clinical information using a highly complex three dimensional treatment planning system. 6.7. Critically analyse and independently check routine and highly complex treatment plans for transfer to afterloaders. 6.8. Participate in managing the implementation of new processes and techniques including the generation of work instructions for inclusion in the quality system. 6.9. To update radiotherapy physics aspects of clinical procedures required by the ionising radiations medical exposures regulations (IRMER). 7. Scientific Computing 7.1. Participate in the management and maintenance of health IT systems, both commercial and in-house developed, assisting in our compliance with ISO 9001:2015 quality standards, MDR, and risk management standards. 7.2. Develop and participate in the implementation of bespoke computational tools and scripts (e.g., Python-based automation) to improve workflow efficiency, data analysis, and integration between clinical systems. 7.3. Perform validation and verification of software systems and algorithms, including those based on AI/deep-learning models, to ensure clinical safety and accuracy. 7.4. Analyse large datasets from radiotherapy systems for quality assurance, research, and service improvement, applying advanced statistical and computational techniques. 7.5. Participate in the maintenance of the Scientific Computing infrastructure, assisting in our compliance with information governance and cyber-security requirements. 8. Teaching and Training 8.1. To supervise trainee Clinical Scientists. 8.2. To lecture to postgraduate scientists, radiographers, Specialist Registrars and others and assist in the organisation of the departments teaching programmes. 9. Research and development 9.1. Perform directed research to further the clinical service. 9.2. Assist M.Sc. students with project work. 9.3. To present work at local/national meetings. 9.4. To publish research in internationally recognised peer reviewed research journals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. General 1.1. Ensure all work complies with current UK legislation for work with ionising radiation (IRR 2017, IRMER 2017) and the Trusts 9001-2015-compliant Quality System for provision of radiotherapy. 1.2. The post holder will be expected to prioritise and manage their own work on a day-to-day basis. 1.3. The post holder must participate in an agreed scheme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). 1.4. 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. 1.5. The post is full-time. Hours are worked flexibly, in agreement with the line manager, to provide round the clock services where necessary to cover the normal range of clinical duties. 1.6. Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour 2. Treatment Planning System management 2.1. Contribute to the scientific management of the clinical treatment planning system. 2.2. Measure appropriate machine data during commissioning for the production of accurate treatment planning models. 2.3. Commission clinical treatment planning beam models adjusting parameters to fit commissioning data for new radiotherapy equipment to ensure accurate treatment planning. 2.4. Develop and implement treatment planning software for improved efficiency of treatment planning. 2.5. Ensure that the treatment planning data and calculation methods are accurate and the limitations understood and documented. 2.6. To liaise with the physicists in dosimetry to maintain an up-to-date physical data base for external beam therapy. 3. Clinical Treatment Planning. 3.1. Participate in maintaining the provision of an external beam treatment planning service to the Radiotherapy Department to ensure the accuracy of treatment plans and compliance with clinical requirements. 3.2. Provide advice on radiotherapy physics-related issues to clinical oncologists and radiographers, contributing to the effective work of the multidisciplinary team, in relation to both current practice and technique development. 3.3. Operate on a rota with other physicists to resolve problems arising with clinical treatment plans, including problems where the post holder may inspect and advise on patient set-up on linear accelerators. 3.4. Operate on a rota with other physicists to perform clinical planning room duties. Assess the suitability of patient imaging, immobilisation and localisation information in preparation for treatment planning. 3.5. Produce highly complex radiotherapy treatment plans, based on the evaluation of anatomical and clinical information using a highly complex three dimensional treatment planning system. 3.6. Critically analyse and independently check routine and highly complex treatment plans for transfer to linear accelerators. 3.7. Provide and independently check monitor unit calculations for external beam radiotherapy. 3.8. Participate in managing the implementation of new processes and techniques including the generation of work instructions for inclusion in the quality system. 3.9. To update radiotherapy physics aspects of clinical procedures required by the ionising radiations medical exposures regulations (IRMER). 4. Clinical Dosimetry 4.1. Maintain, develop and implement procedures for quality assurance for linear accelerators and other radiotherapy machines within the ISO 9001:2015 quality system, analysing current practice against recommendations of Professional bodies and proposing changes to practice and procedures. 4.2. Participate regularly in the clinical quality control programme for highly complex radiotherapy equipment, including linear accelerators, simulators and superficial therapy devices to ensure all such equipment is fit for clinical use. 4.3. Act on a rota basis as Duty Physicist for the Dosimetry Section, responding via a bleep system to issues relating to the dosimetric performance of radiotherapy equipment raised by radiographer and engineering staff, providing scientific advice or performing measurements as appropriate. 4.4. Investigate and resolve technical and dosimetric problems highlighted through ongoing quality control measurements and reported equipment faults, analysing oral and written information along with measurements in order to provide advice or identify any remedial action. 4.5. To work with the physicists in treatment planning to maintain an up to date physical database for external beam therapy. 4.6. Perform acceptance testing and commissioning measurements for linear accelerators, allocating tasks and supervising physicists collecting the data required to provide accurate models of radiation treatment beams necessary to ensure efficient and safe implementation into clinical service. 4.7. Perform patient specific QA. 5. Brachytherapy System management 5.1. Contribute to the scientific management of the Brachytherapy planning systems and associated equipment. 5.2. Develop and implement software for improved efficiency of Brachytherapy. 5.3. Ensure that Brachytherapy planning and calculation methods are accurate and the limitations understood and documented. 5.4. Participate regularly in the clinical quality control programme for highly complex brachytherapy equipment, to ensure equipment is fit for clinical use. 6. Clinical Brachytherapy. 6.1. Participate in maintaining the provision of the brachytherapy service to ensure the accuracy of brachytherapy plans and compliance with clinical requirements. 6.2. Provide advice on radiotherapy physics-related issues to clinical oncologists and radiographers, contributing to the effective work of the multidisciplinary team, in relation to both current practice and technique development. 6.3. Work within the brachytherapy team to resolve problems arising with brachytherapy plans, including problems where the post holder may inspect and advise on patient set-up. 6.4. Work within the brachytherapy team to perform clinical duties. This includes treating patients, set up and cleaning of medical devices after treatment and includes work within the Brachytherapy operating theatre. 6.5. Assess the suitability of patient imaging, immobilisation and localisation information in preparation for Brachytherapy. 6.6. Produce highly complex brachytherapy plans, based on the evaluation of anatomical and clinical information using a highly complex three dimensional treatment planning system. 6.7. Critically analyse and independently check routine and highly complex treatment plans for transfer to afterloaders. 6.8. Participate in managing the implementation of new processes and techniques including the generation of work instructions for inclusion in the quality system. 6.9. To update radiotherapy physics aspects of clinical procedures required by the ionising radiations medical exposures regulations (IRMER). 7. Scientific Computing 7.1. Participate in the management and maintenance of health IT systems, both commercial and in-house developed, assisting in our compliance with ISO 9001:2015 quality standards, MDR, and risk management standards. 7.2. Develop and participate in the implementation of bespoke computational tools and scripts (e.g., Python-based automation) to improve workflow efficiency, data analysis, and integration between clinical systems. 7.3. Perform validation and verification of software systems and algorithms, including those based on AI/deep-learning models, to ensure clinical safety and accuracy. 7.4. Analyse large datasets from radiotherapy systems for quality assurance, research, and service improvement, applying advanced statistical and computational techniques. 7.5. Participate in the maintenance of the Scientific Computing infrastructure, assisting in our compliance with information governance and cyber-security requirements. 8. Teaching and Training 8.1. To supervise trainee Clinical Scientists. 8.2. To lecture to postgraduate scientists, radiographers, Specialist Registrars and others and assist in the organisation of the departments teaching programmes. 9. Research and development 9.1. Perform directed research to further the clinical service. 9.2. Assist M.Sc. students with project work. 9.3. To present work at local/national meetings. 9.4. To publish research in internationally recognised peer reviewed research journals.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Physics
- MSc in Medical Physics
- Dip IPEM (or equivalent experience)
- HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- At least 2 of: oTreatment planning experience oDosimetry Experience oBrachytherapy Experience
Desirable
- Experience in modern and emerging clinical techniques
- Experience with RayStation
- Experience with Elekta linear accelerators
Skills
Essential
- Multi-disciplinary team working
- Use of radiation monitoring and scanning equipment, working to millimetre precision.
- Use of computer-based treatment planning software.
- Data analysis, including use of Excel and Access (or similar packages).
- Scientific report writing/track record of publications in scientific journals and conferences.
- Good interpersonal skills
- Clear and articulate communicator
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of radiotherapy physics.
- Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional guidelines (e.g. IRR'17, IRMER 2017, ISO 9001:2015, IPEM Codes of Practice)
- Understanding of the clinical role of radiotherapy.
- Understanding of the hazards posed by the clinical use of radiation (both man-made and sealed source).
Desirable
- Knowledge of one or more computer programming languages (e.g. Python).
Other
Essential
- Professional
- Ability to work independently
- Self-motivated
- Flexible attitude to work
- Punctual
- Good team worker
- Conscientious
- Willing to participate in shift rota including working unsocial hours
Desirable
- Able to attend training courses involving periods away from home
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Physics
- MSc in Medical Physics
- Dip IPEM (or equivalent experience)
- HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- At least 2 of: oTreatment planning experience oDosimetry Experience oBrachytherapy Experience
Desirable
- Experience in modern and emerging clinical techniques
- Experience with RayStation
- Experience with Elekta linear accelerators
Skills
Essential
- Multi-disciplinary team working
- Use of radiation monitoring and scanning equipment, working to millimetre precision.
- Use of computer-based treatment planning software.
- Data analysis, including use of Excel and Access (or similar packages).
- Scientific report writing/track record of publications in scientific journals and conferences.
- Good interpersonal skills
- Clear and articulate communicator
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of radiotherapy physics.
- Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional guidelines (e.g. IRR'17, IRMER 2017, ISO 9001:2015, IPEM Codes of Practice)
- Understanding of the clinical role of radiotherapy.
- Understanding of the hazards posed by the clinical use of radiation (both man-made and sealed source).
Desirable
- Knowledge of one or more computer programming languages (e.g. Python).
Other
Essential
- Professional
- Ability to work independently
- Self-motivated
- Flexible attitude to work
- Punctual
- Good team worker
- Conscientious
- Willing to participate in shift rota including working unsocial hours
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.
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).
