Lead Principal Clinical Scientist

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Management1.1. Work closely with the group leader in managing the activities of the group and in planning services.1.2. Work in collaboration with the group leader in the setting and fulfilment of group objectives in line with Trust objectives and those of the Imaging Networks as appropriate.1.3. Proactively participate in workforce development including appraisals, grievances, selection, recruitment and retention of staff.1.4. Participate in and comply with the Quality Management System for the Group, likely providing leadership for a major component of the system and be an active member of the Management Review Committee. Undertake quality improvement.1.5. Responsible for the quality of the service relevant to leadership role including data entry, analysis tools, records maintained (scientific, quality, management, advice etc) including the minutes of meetings, production of management reports e.g. KPIs from data available. Ensure appropriate use of IT packages used within service. 1.6. Act as line manager for Healthcare Scientists, Practitioners and administrators as allocated by the group leader, conducting staff appraisals and handling day-to-day matters such a leave requests or sickness absence reviews.1.7. Be responsible for decisions on the purchase of equipment used in the provision of the radiation protection service.1.8. Identify and maintain risks on the register as appropriate to leadership role and senior management position. Promote risk management within the team. Undertake incident investigation as required and promote learning.1.9. Take part in duty manager rota in line with group needs. 1.10. Be familiar with contingency plans and proactively prepare to put in action.1.11. Proactively provide supervision and support to the team, encouraging their progression as appropriate.

2. Scientific support to diagnostic radiology2.1. Provide leadership in specific areas of the groups work, in providing in-depth expertise in these areas, planning group strategy and in developing new ways of working, and implementing these into the routine procedures of the Group. Work closely with the group leader and other leads within the team to ensure continuity of quality and service provision at role boundaries. 2.2. Provide Medical Physics Expert advice to specified Trusts and other customers, in line with the requirements of the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017, as amended. Contribute to development of group policy.2.3. Provide a wide range of scientific advice to departments of radiology and other users of X-ray equipment, including matters such as equipment specification, optimisation of radiation dose and image quality, and resolution of problems in these areas. Use expertise to support customers who wish to gain accreditation of their services.2.4. Undertake, as necessary, critical examinations and commissioning quality control measurements on x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. Provide written reports and advice to radiology managers, radiographers, radiologists and others. Liaise with manufacturers representatives where necessary.2.5. Provide specialist technical advice to radiology managers and others for the procurement of high capital value complex clinical equipment.2.6. Manipulation of test objects for precise measurement and use of expensive, highly complex equipment.2.7. Communicate appropriately with regulatory inspectors and participate actively at inspections of our customer facilities.

3. Radiation protection3.1. Provide leadership in specific areas of the groups work, in providing in-depth expertise in these areas, planning group strategy and in developing new ways of working, and implementing these into the routine procedures of the Group. Work closely with the group leader and other leads within the team to ensure continuity of quality and service provision at role boundaries. 3.2. Provide, on own authority, Radiation Protection Advice (and potentially optical/Laser Protection Advice) to specified Trusts, private hospitals and other organisations, to ensure that they meet their statutory obligations. This involves developing relationships with a wide range of staff including senior Trust managers, radiology managers, consultant radiologists, and radiographers. The advice provided will cover such aspects as the design of x-ray facilities including the calculation of shielding requirements, personal dosimetry and measures for staff protection.3.3. Review and provide written reports to Radiation Protection Committees and Employers on compliance with the Regulations.3.4. Communicate appropriately with regulatory inspectors and participate actively at inspections of our customer facilities.

4. Research, Development & Innovation4.1. Undertake research, development and innovation, in line with group objectives. 4.2. Oversee team members supporting research, project work and development, recognising the expertise and autonomy of other professionals in the group.4.3. Draw research opportunities to the attention of the group leader and when appropriate, generate applications for grants and research contracts. Collaborate with other leads in the team as required.4.4. To publish research in internationally recognised peer reviewed research journals and present at national /international meetings.4.5. Possible supervision of HSST projects as appropriate and in line with group need.

5. Teaching and training5.1 Provide leadership and manage a major area of the departments teaching commitment e.g. radiation protection courses, STP, FRCR physics modules.5.2 Involvement in the departments teaching commitments, including FRCR, University courses and regional radiation protection courses. 5.3 Assist in the training and supervision of trainee Healthcare Scientists and Practitioners including acting as STP/Route 2 supervisor as required.5.4 Mentor and encourage professionals within the team to advance their independent working. Give guidance and steer where this will benefit the individual and the group rather than undertaking work directly.

6. Professional6.1. Work at a high standard with long periods of concentration, on multiple concurrent tasks/projects with scientific and managerial skill. 6.2. Exercise judgment and make sound decisions.6.3. Deliver complex information in a clear and consistent way to a varied audience.6.4. Keep up to date with developments in the field of diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection.6.5. Be involved in relevant national activities and initiatives, including the development of national guidance and playing an active role in national professional organisations.6.6. Maintain state registration as a Clinical Scientist, recognition as Medical Physics Expert and an up-to-date certificate of competence as Radiation Protection Adviser (and LPA as necessary).

NOTEThis 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 honours degree in appropriate physical science
• Higher degree (MSc or equivalent)
• HCPC registration as Clinical Scientist
• RPA certificate of competence
• Recognition as Medical Physics Expert

Desirable

• Corporate membership of IPEM or other equivalent professional body
• Management qualification
• PhD or equivalent research experience
• LPA certification

Experience

Essential

• Expert provision of scientific support in diagnostic radiology and radiation protection, including acting as an RPA and MPE
• In depth experience of testing x-ray equipment
• Policy development within the field
• Independent, self-motivated working
• Identifying, planning and undertaking research or service development work
• Management of scientific staff

Desirable

• Research grant applications
• Supervision of project teams
• Leading on areas of work within a Medical Physics Department
• Project management/quality improvement

Skills

Essential

• Good computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access)
• Clear and articulate communicator
• Good interpersonal skills
• Scientific report writing
• Ability to produce good publications in scientific journals and conference presentations
• Effective collaboration with other organisations and staff groups.
• Ability to lead a team
• Performance of staff reviews and appraisals
• Ability to position tests tools with precision, routinely
• Resilient

Desirable

• Advanced computer applications such as image analysis and processing
• Digital data management skills
• Technology uptake skills
• Programming skills
• A.I. understanding and application in our field

Knowledge

Essential

• Expert knowledge of radiological physics and radiation protection and UK regulatory framework
• In depth knowledge of X-ray equipment
• Basic understanding of HR policies and procedures
• Appropriate health and safety legislation

Desirable

• Working knowledge of quality management systems
• Optical radiation protection

Values

Essential

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

Other

Essential

• Valid full UK driving licence (we have a fleet of automatic pool cars)
• Willing to work flexibly in line with service needs (see notes below)
• Physically able to lift heavy 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).