Radionuclide Therapy Team Leader (XR07)

Job responsibilities

Job Title: Radionuclide Therapy Team Leader

Location: Bexley Wing, St. Jamess University Hospital

Department: Nuclear Medicine / Medical Physics

Reports to: Principal Clinical Scientist Radionuclide Therapy

Accountable to: Head of Nuclear Medicine

Job Purpose

To manage the day-to-day operational delivery of the Radionuclide Therapy Service. The post holder will provide a highly specialised clinical service, working closely with Clinical Scientists, clinicians, and supporting staff to ensure safe, effective, and timely care for all patients. This includes the planning, delivery, and follow-up of therapeutic procedures and associated imaging, as well as the implementation of quality assurance, audit, training, and service development initiatives. The post holder will also act as Radiation Protection Supervisor for the therapy service, with training provided.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical and Operational

Lead, manage and deliver therapeutic radionuclide procedures, including radioiodine ablation, thyrotoxicosis treatment, and radium-223 administration.

Undertake pre-treatment planning, assessment, and patient-specific radiation protection advice.

Perform intravenous cannulation and administer oral and IV radiopharmaceuticals.

Conduct associated diagnostic imaging (e.g. thyroid scans, whole-body scans), post-treatment imaging and dosimetry planning.

Vet and protocol referrals, advise on clinical appropriateness, and prioritise patient appointments accordingly.

Liaise with medical, ward, and clerical staff to coordinate care and ensure effective scheduling.

Maintain competence in the use of imaging systems, monitoring equipment, and IT systems (e.g. Radiology Information System).

Supervisory and Team Leadership

Supervise junior staff, radiographers, technical officers, students, and other trainees.

Support workforce development through training, teaching and mentorship.

Ensure staff comply with local protocols, radiation safety regulations, and infection control standards.

Contribute to appraisals and professional development planning within the therapy team.

Quality and Governance

Lead quality assurance processes including internal and external audits, incident reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Participate in maintaining and developing the ISO9001 Quality Management System, including document control and audit preparation.

Act as Quality Lead for the Radionuclide Therapy Service.

Implement changes in practice based on audit, research, or service review outcomes.

Health & Safety / Radiation Protection

Act as Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) for the therapy area.

Provide radiation protection advice to staff, carers, and patients in accordance with IRR17 and IR(ME)R18.

Support the safe handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials, including record keeping.

Respond to and manage incidents involving contamination or radioactive spills.

Contribute to risk assessments, COSHH compliance, and departmental safety reviews.

Service Development

Work with the wider multidisciplinary team to support the strategic aims of Medical Physics and the Trust.

Assist in identifying opportunities for service innovation and efficiency improvements.

Participate in departmental policy development and service planning discussions.

Contribute to capacity planning, resource allocation, and procurement of therapeutic radionuclides.

Research and Development

Participate in clinical research projects, including therapeutic trials and dosimetry studies.

Support the implementation of research findings into clinical practice.

Contribute to local audit and service evaluation programmes.

Patient Care and Communication

Ensure excellent standards of patient-centred care and communication.

Provide patients and carers with appropriate information and advice about procedures, safety, and aftercare.

Act as a liaison for patients receiving complex therapy or requiring multi-disciplinary support.

Support patient follow-up and coordinate ongoing imaging requirements.

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Working Environment

Based primarily in the Radionuclide Therapy Unit, Nuclear Medicine, Bexley Wing.

The role involves direct contact with radioactive substances, working in controlled areas with strict protocols for safety and contamination control.

Requires wearing personal protective equipment and adherence to Trust and national safety regulations.

Includes periods of prolonged concentration, handling sensitive patient information, and emotional support for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge/understanding of underlying principles of Nuclear Medicine and radioisotope equipment and its use in the service.
• Specialist knowledge of absolute contra-indications to therapeutic investigations and procedures.
• Demonstrate expert practice in the delivery of patient care through advanced theoretical and practical knowledge across a range of specialised procedures.
• Demonstrate ability to safely perform activities that routinely demand complex analysis, synthesising prior knowledge and extensive practical experience.
• A good knowledge and understanding of all relevant safety principles, standards and legislation related to the clinical use of radiopharmaceuticals applied to Radionuclide Therapies.
• In conjunction with clinicians, assess patients suitability to undergo radionuclide therapeutic procedures.
• Skills and experience necessary for dealing with seriously ill and/or distressed patients and their relatives including the ability to explain treatment and test details to patients in simple terms
• Possess advanced dexterity skills, concentration and hand-eye co-ordination required to perform a range of complex procedures.
• Management or Supervisor experience.
• Involvement in teaching, education or training of others.
• Maintain a professional approach to all aspects of the role.
• Create and maintain an environment that supports and promotes Health and Safety of all individuals.
• Ensure that patient needs are central in the delivery of the service.
• Participate in the usage of monitoring and evaluation tools/systems that assist in the improvement of the service provided.
• Carry out policies and procedures as specified by the Trust and maintain standards of working practices necessary for the safe handling and use of radioactive materials.

Desirable

• Senior experience, with management/ supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of patient condition and how to modify the procedure.
• Knowledge of Pathologies which may affect patient management and deviation from standard protocol.
• Extensive practical experience in specialised nuclear medicine techniques.
• Knowledge of radiation protection measures for staff, patients and related establishments.
• Knowledge of medications and the impact this may have on therapy and diagnostic procedures.
• Knowledge of IRMER 17, IRR17, Human Medicines Act (applicable sections)
• Knowledge of current trends in nuclear medicine.
• Experience in performing quality control of all nuclear medicine equipment.
• Stock control, including ordering and recording delivery of radioactive substances for therapeutic purposes in accordance with Local Rules.

Additional Requirements

Essential

• Demonstrate ability to manage other staff, train others and influence and persuade 'key players' and delegating to junior staff, enabling the effective running of the radioisotope department
• Highly developed specialist skills, managing a varied, complex and unpredictable caseload of patients, whilst undergoing frequent interruptions, without medical supervision
• Aid in the selection, recruitment and retention of appropriate staff
• Identify and address staff training needs, and develop and implement staff appraisal, where appropriate. Performance monitoring and development plans
• Stock control, ordering and recording delivery of radioactive substances
• Advanced level of manual dexterity required for operating expensive and sophisticated imaging equipment, as well as equipment movement
• Active part taken in Quality Assurance, audit and research programmes
• Computer skills: Ability to work under pressure whilst delivering high quality of patient care, prioritising workflow to ensure the effective running of the department.
• Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post, including clearance on blood borne viruses in compliance with Trust Policy
• Able to move heavy loads

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc/DCR(R)/(T) in Radiography / Radiotherapy or Post Grad Diploma/Degree in a relevant science/nursing subject.
• Registration with Health & Care Professions Council (radiographer) or Membership of The Register of Clinical Technologists (or evidence of eligibility) or Registered Nurse on NMC Register
• Recognised teaching/assessing qualification or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Willing to undergo training as necessary.

Desirable

• Possess relevant post graduate qualification in Nuclear Medicine

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Sound and effective interpersonal, communication and supervisory skills.
• Professional attitude and appearance
• Punctual and flexible.
• A high standard in hygiene, manner, attendance and competence at all times.
• Maintenance of a safe working environment, following trust & national policies & procedures, involvement in audit & quality assurance programmes including QA systems & associated protocol development
• Motivated team worker with ability to support staff
• Responsible and accountable for patient safety
• Capable of prolonged periods of concentration and ability to analyse related data

Desirable

• Commitment for career progression

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).