Principal Radiotherapy Physicist (Fixed Term 12 Months)

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

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Job summary

Band 8A Principal Radiotherapy Physicist

This is a fixed-term post for 12 months to cover maternity leave.

The Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering Department at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Clinical Scientist to join its Radiotherapy Physics Section for a period of 12 months to provide maternity cover.

Radiotherapy equipment currently includes Elekta Versa HD(TM) and Synergy linear accelerators, equipped with 4D-CBCT and AlignRT SGRT, two wide-bore CT scanners with SimRT supporting 4D and breath-hold capture, an orthovoltage unit and a microSelectron HDR unit. Radiotherapy planning is provided by Eclipse(TM) and ProSoma, with patient management provided by MOSAIQ. Brachytherapy planning is provided by Oncentra and VariSeed systems. Radiotherapy services are delivered both at our hub in Reading and our satellite centre in Bracknell.

Candidates with active research interests are particularly welcome and will be supported through our growing collaboration with the Schools of Biomedical Sciences & Biomedical Engineering and Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences at the University of Reading.

Main duties of the job

As a Principal Radiotherapy Physicist, the post holder will take a leading role in identifying, managing and undertaking service developments in one or more areas of radiotherapy physics in addition to contributing to the routine work of the section.

The post-holder will also provide Medical Physics Expert (MPE) advice in areas where they are qualified to do so.

About us

The Radiotherapy Physics Section is responsible for providing clinical scientific and technical support to the Berkshire Cancer Centre within the Royal Berkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Functions include: Calibration and maintenance of radiotherapy treatment and imaging equipment, radiotherapy planning for external beam and brachytherapy treatments, radiotherapy-related IT infrastructure, connectivity and software, advising clinical staff on scientific and technical issues, ensuring the safety of patients and staff in a hazardous environment which includes exposure to high levels of ionising radiation, ensuring equipment is operating safely and effectively and the evaluation, selection, procurement, installation, acceptance testing and commissioning of equipment.

The town of Reading sits on the river Thames and is served by great road and rail links to London, Oxford and Southampton. With excellent leisure and shopping facilities, and a thriving cultural scene, Reading is a wonderful place to live, work and play and provides excellent facilities for families, including some of the best state and private schools in the UK.

Date posted

20 June 2022

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£47,126 to £53,219 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

193-4300671PCG

Job locations

Royal Berkshire Hospital

London Road

Reading

RG1 5AN

Job description

Job responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1/ Clinical Scientific

To perform the duties of a Medical Physics Expert in Radiotherapy in providing scientific advice to medical staff and other healthcare professionals.

To deputise for senior colleagues as required in at least one area of the Radiotherapy Physics Section.

To contribute to the specification and selection of relevant radiotherapy equipment.

To undertake commissioning, quality control, radiation safety checks and calibration of radiotherapy equipment used in the planning, verification and treatment of patients, in accordance with quality assurance procedures. Where identified to be system manager for such systems.

Take responsibility for the commissioning of radiotherapy equipment and other items of equipment. Commissioning will include implementation of national protocols and recommendations and decisions on safety critical issues.

To be responsible for carrying out Definitive Calibrations and supervise staff in this work activity.

To be responsible for returning radiotherapy treatment machines into clinical use after repair, liaising with senior equipment engineers and senior radiographic staff.

To perform planning for external beam and brachytherapy treatments and to independently check plans.

To perform calculations and measurements required in the use of solid radioisotopes for the treatments of patients.

To be responsible for the scientific accuracy of radiation treatment calculations and checks, treatment verification and patient dosimetry.

To be proficient in the use of specialised computer software and hardware, adapt computer systems and develop software solutions to meet the needs of Radiotherapy Physics and Radiotherapy.

To investigate problems, find solutions and implement changes in this area of work.

2/ Research and Development

To take a leading role in identifying appropriate areas for service development and ensuring that these are carried through to implementation.

Initiate, undertake and supervise applied research and development, disseminating results as appropriate through publications and at scientific meetings.

To write research based reports, create spreadsheets and databases to assist in the analysis of measured data.

3/ Managerial

To prioritise and manage own work to meet agreed outcomes. To delegate and manage tasks associated with any of the duties listed above.

To keep careful records of all work performed and complete other appropriate records.

4/ Teaching and Training

To participate in the training and supervision of healthcare scientists working in radiotherapy physics.

To participate in training for medical, paramedical and other NHS staff on a range of subjects relevant to the work of the Group.

5/ Professional

Maintain HCPC registration and an agreed programme of CPD.

Keep abreast of technical and scientific developments having immediate or potential applications in medical diagnosis, therapy or research. Attend and deliver suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the Department.

To ensure that all aspects of the work are provided in accordance with a quality framework, and conform to relevant legislation, national protocols and Trust policies.

6/ General

To ensure compliance with the accredited quality system in all areas of work. Participate in the development and routine operation of the quality system.

Frequently to use VDU equipment for periods up to or longer than half a shift.

Occasionally to lift moderately heavy, cumbersome dosimetry equipment for several short periods during a shift.

When working in other departments, the post holder will liaise with local heads of department, medical consultants, superintendents and nursing staff, adhering to local policies and practices. The post holder will behave in a professional manner at all times, aligning with Trust values, and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by Medical Physics.

Work the hours necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work, within the flexible working system set up in the Department. The post holder will occasionally be required to perform duties outside the normal working hours of the Department.

To perform other appropriate duties which may be requested by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics or Head of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, commensurate with the grade.

Please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification for further details.