Job summary
We are looking for a clinical scientist to join the Radiotherapy Physics service. This post is 12 months fixed term cover for a secondment.
The focus of this post will be on computing and dosimetry within radiotherapy. The computing aspect would involve developing scripting within Varian Eclipse and Python, as well as supporting the day to day operational requirements of the department. The dosimetry aspects would include carrying out routine machine QA, Patient specific QA, in vivo dosimetry and development projects.
The successful candidate may also be involved in a range of other aspects of Radiotherapy Physics, such as treatment planning, depending on experience and service priorities.
The successful candidate should be HCPC registered as a Clinical Scientist or expected to achieve registration within the next 12 months.
Main duties of the job
The main role of this post is to provide support to the work of the Radiotherapy Physics section. The post holder will work over a range of areas in Radiotherapy Physics and will undergo trainingin Radiotherapy Physics and associated techniques. They will be responsible on a day to day basis to the relevant Principal Physicist or Lead Dosimetrist in charge of the areas in which work is currently being performed. The post holder will be expected to provide routine support at the Queen Mary Hospital site, Sidcup for up to 20% of their time.
Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for detailed information regarding the responsibilities and requirements for this post.
About us
The Department of Medical Physics at Guys & St. Thomas' provides a comprehensive range of scientific and technical services to the Trust and external organisations. Its large Radiotherapy Physics section works closely with the Radiotherapy Department to deliver high quality patient care on state of the art equipment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
4.1 Clinical Scientific4.1.1 Undertake routine and complex treatment planning for external beam radiotherapy. Carry out associated dosimetry calculations, in accordance with clinical prescription and agreed procedures. Analyse requirements and make complex judgements regarding treatment parameters and patient dose effects to produce the required dose distribution over the treatment volume, using computerised planning systems as appropriate. Take responsibility for the accurate production of individualised treatmentplans and associated dosimetry calculations.4.1.2 Advise clinical staff on the effects of various treatment plan options on patient dose distributions. Discuss and agree approaches with clinical staff to create optimum treatment plans and advise on aspects of the treatment and patient set-up, as required.4.1.3 As required, check and approve routine and complex treatment plans, dose calculations and templates produced by other members of staff.4.1.4 Assist with the provision of routine physics support to brachytherapy treatments. Carry out dose calculations and distributions, prepare radioactive sources and attend theatre and patient x-ray sessions. Explain procedures to patients and liaise with other groups such as surgery, radiology and ward staff as required. Assist with resolving problemswith the procedure, including those arising with the patient present.4.1.5 Assist with providing routine support for physics dosimetry and quality control in radiotherapy, according to established protocols. Undertake dosimetry measurements to a high degree of accuracy with suitable equipment. Perform quality control and othermeasurements and procedures on highly-complex patient-critical equipment.4.1.6 Perform and advise on dosimetry measurements on patients. Provide complex advice to clinical staff and support developments in in-vivo dosimetry and imaging.4.1.7 Assist with the commissioning and clinical application of new treatment equipment andtechniques.4.1.8 Assist in the maintenance, application and development of treatment planning and other computing systems in Radiotherapy Physics.4.1.9 Provide scientific and technical advice to radiotherapy consultants and other staff regarding the treatment of patients.4.1.10 Take part in working parties to agree changes to protocols affecting both Radiotherapy Physics and Radiotherapy.4.1.11 Act as an operator under the definitions of the IR(ME)R regulations in accordance with Trust Policies and Practices.4.2. Managerial4.2.1 Prioritise and manage own work to meet agreed outcomes. Keep careful records of all work performed and complete other appropriate records.4.2.2 Supervise the professional work of other radiotherapy physics staff working in areas or on projects being managed by the post holder.4.2 Teaching, training and research4.2.1 Assist with training other staff, and undergraduate or graduate students on internal and external courses, as required.4.2.2 Supervise trainee clinical scientists on placement.4.2.3 Present original work at meetings and conferences, and in publication. Present seminars and feedback on meetings.4.2.4 Participate in research and development projects and clinical audit.4.3 Professional4.3.1 Register and participate in the IPEM or other approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme.4.3.2 Keep abreast of the latest technical and scientific developments and their applications in medical and associated fields. Attend suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the Department.4.3.3 Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, approved Codes of Practice and Local Safety Rules.4.4 Miscellaneous4.4.1 Ensure compliance with accredited Quality Systems in the areas of work for which the post holder carries responsibility. Participate in the routine operation and development of quality systems.4.4.2 Carry out all duties in accordance with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act, relevant Statutory Regulations, Approved Codes of Conduct and Local Rules.4.4.3 Work hours necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work. In practice, the appointee will occasionally be required to perform duties outside the normal working hours of the Department.4.4.4 When working in other departments, the appointee will liaise with local heads of department, medical consultants, superintendents, nursing sisters or their representatives as appropriate, adhering to local policies and practices. The post holder will behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by Medical Physics.4.4.5 Perform other appropriate duties which may be required from time to time by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics or Head of Medical Physics.
Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for detailed information regarding the responsibilities and requirements for this post.
Job description
Job responsibilities
4.1 Clinical Scientific4.1.1 Undertake routine and complex treatment planning for external beam radiotherapy. Carry out associated dosimetry calculations, in accordance with clinical prescription and agreed procedures. Analyse requirements and make complex judgements regarding treatment parameters and patient dose effects to produce the required dose distribution over the treatment volume, using computerised planning systems as appropriate. Take responsibility for the accurate production of individualised treatmentplans and associated dosimetry calculations.4.1.2 Advise clinical staff on the effects of various treatment plan options on patient dose distributions. Discuss and agree approaches with clinical staff to create optimum treatment plans and advise on aspects of the treatment and patient set-up, as required.4.1.3 As required, check and approve routine and complex treatment plans, dose calculations and templates produced by other members of staff.4.1.4 Assist with the provision of routine physics support to brachytherapy treatments. Carry out dose calculations and distributions, prepare radioactive sources and attend theatre and patient x-ray sessions. Explain procedures to patients and liaise with other groups such as surgery, radiology and ward staff as required. Assist with resolving problemswith the procedure, including those arising with the patient present.4.1.5 Assist with providing routine support for physics dosimetry and quality control in radiotherapy, according to established protocols. Undertake dosimetry measurements to a high degree of accuracy with suitable equipment. Perform quality control and othermeasurements and procedures on highly-complex patient-critical equipment.4.1.6 Perform and advise on dosimetry measurements on patients. Provide complex advice to clinical staff and support developments in in-vivo dosimetry and imaging.4.1.7 Assist with the commissioning and clinical application of new treatment equipment andtechniques.4.1.8 Assist in the maintenance, application and development of treatment planning and other computing systems in Radiotherapy Physics.4.1.9 Provide scientific and technical advice to radiotherapy consultants and other staff regarding the treatment of patients.4.1.10 Take part in working parties to agree changes to protocols affecting both Radiotherapy Physics and Radiotherapy.4.1.11 Act as an operator under the definitions of the IR(ME)R regulations in accordance with Trust Policies and Practices.4.2. Managerial4.2.1 Prioritise and manage own work to meet agreed outcomes. Keep careful records of all work performed and complete other appropriate records.4.2.2 Supervise the professional work of other radiotherapy physics staff working in areas or on projects being managed by the post holder.4.2 Teaching, training and research4.2.1 Assist with training other staff, and undergraduate or graduate students on internal and external courses, as required.4.2.2 Supervise trainee clinical scientists on placement.4.2.3 Present original work at meetings and conferences, and in publication. Present seminars and feedback on meetings.4.2.4 Participate in research and development projects and clinical audit.4.3 Professional4.3.1 Register and participate in the IPEM or other approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme.4.3.2 Keep abreast of the latest technical and scientific developments and their applications in medical and associated fields. Attend suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the Department.4.3.3 Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, approved Codes of Practice and Local Safety Rules.4.4 Miscellaneous4.4.1 Ensure compliance with accredited Quality Systems in the areas of work for which the post holder carries responsibility. Participate in the routine operation and development of quality systems.4.4.2 Carry out all duties in accordance with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act, relevant Statutory Regulations, Approved Codes of Conduct and Local Rules.4.4.3 Work hours necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work. In practice, the appointee will occasionally be required to perform duties outside the normal working hours of the Department.4.4.4 When working in other departments, the appointee will liaise with local heads of department, medical consultants, superintendents, nursing sisters or their representatives as appropriate, adhering to local policies and practices. The post holder will behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by Medical Physics.4.4.5 Perform other appropriate duties which may be required from time to time by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics or Head of Medical Physics.
Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for detailed information regarding the responsibilities and requirements for this post.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Broad understanding of patient and staff risks arising from treatment planning computer system errors, equipment failure, treatment errors and incorrect dosimetry
- Broad knowledge of radiotherapy techniques and clinical applications
Experience
Essential
- Basic knowledge and experience across the range of working procedures and practices in radiotherapy physics
- Specialist training on and practical experience with a limited range of radiotherapy equipment and clinical applications
Desirable
- Experience of supporting original radiotherapy research or service development
Qualifications
Essential
- Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in a relevant subject
- Relevant MSc or higher degree
- State registration as a Clinical Scientist (or able to achieve within 12 months)
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Broad understanding of patient and staff risks arising from treatment planning computer system errors, equipment failure, treatment errors and incorrect dosimetry
- Broad knowledge of radiotherapy techniques and clinical applications
Experience
Essential
- Basic knowledge and experience across the range of working procedures and practices in radiotherapy physics
- Specialist training on and practical experience with a limited range of radiotherapy equipment and clinical applications
Desirable
- Experience of supporting original radiotherapy research or service development
Qualifications
Essential
- Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in a relevant subject
- Relevant MSc or higher degree
- State registration as a Clinical Scientist (or able to achieve within 12 months)
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).
