Job summary
We are looking for a motivated registered clinical scientist to act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) and join our friendly team of around 30 staff in Radiotherapy Physics.
The postholder will need to participate in all aspects of the service but will be encouraged to develop in a specialist area to meet the needs of the service.You will join the department, based at Leicester Royal Infirmary, at an exciting time. A new Brachytherapy facility, two new TrueBeam linear accelerators and an ARIA 17 Oncology management system upgrade have been commissioned to support treating patients with modern equipment and techniques. The department will also be receiving a Halcyon accelerator at the end of 2024. Equipment currently includes 4 Varian TrueBeam linear accelerators, Prosoma Virtual Simulation software, the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system, 2 wide bore CT scanners with 4DCT (Canon and GE), an XStrahl superficial unit and a Varian GammaMed brachytherapy unit.The postholder will be required to cover all aspects of Radiotherapy Physics but will be encouraged to develop in a specialist area to meet the needs of the service and develop and maintain expertise.
The postholder will work closely with other physicists, dosimetrists, clinical oncologists and radiographers. For staff not yet recognised as an MPE at appointment there is an expectation that MPE certification will be gained within 2 years to progress through the pay band.
Main duties of the job
Perform and supervise radiation dosimetry work for external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy, ensuring all external beam treatment units are kept in calibration, in accordance with national codes of practice and local protocols.
Resolve problems with the checking and implementation of highly complex, patient specific, radiotherapy treatment plans.
Ensure that adequate measures are in place to provide assurance that equipment and procedures are providing safe and accurate radiotherapy.
Undertake design, research and development projects relevant to Radiotherapy Physics.
Investigate and resolve complex problems on radiotherapy and associated equipment, determining the exact cause of subtle or non-reproducible equipment faults.
Conduct quality and clinical audits.
Lead service development projects and line manage staff.
Work with other radiotherapy physics staff and multidisciplinary teams to develop techniques and new ways of working to improve safety, quality and consistency of radiotherapy delivery.
About us
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all,
- bing a great place to work,
- partnerships for impact, and
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate,
- we are proud,
- we are inclusive, and
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY RESULT AREAS
Lead service development projects and line manage staff.
Support a safety and quality culture, including the ISO 9001 quality system.
Conduct quality and clinical audits.
Ensure that adequate measures are in place to provide assurance that equipment and procedures are providing safe and accurate radiotherapy.
Investigate and resolve complex problems on highly complex, expensive (>£1 million) patient-critical radiotherapy and associated equipment, determining the exact cause of subtle or non-reproducible equipment faults.
Perform and supervise radiation dosimetry work for external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy, ensuring all external beam treatment units are kept in calibration, in accordance with national codes of practice and local protocols.
Resolve problems with the checking and implementation of highly complex, patient specific, radiotherapy treatment plans.
Supervise the commissioning of new and modified radiotherapy equipment.
Ensure the accuracy of any data gathered during equipment commissioning. Take an active role in projects to deliver complex new and amended radiotherapy equipment and systems.
Undertake design, research and development projects relevant to Radiotherapy Physics.
Maintain HPC registration and MPE certification.
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.
Participate in the routine maintenance and calibration of dosimetry equipment.
Participate in the on-call Duty Physicist rota.
Perform and check planning of brachytherapy treatments.
Service Delivery & Development
Carry out duties in compliance with the relevant legal requirements and safety regulations, with which the post holder must be conversant.
The nature of the job requires that the post holder works their contracted hours in a flexible manner, e.g. there may be occasional late evenings.
Governance(E.g, CQC, Audit)
Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations such as IRR and IR(ME)R, approved Codes of Practice and Local Safety Rules.
Patient/Customer Service
The post holder is required to promote a professional image and must appear smartly dressed for duty.
Research
The postholder undertakes specific research and development activities and keeps abreast of new developments in the field of radiotherapy.
They will provide support (with MPE and general scientific input) to radiotherapy clinical trials at UHL.
GENERAL
This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended to be a complete list. You may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.
You will be required to maintain compliance with all statutory and mandatory training requirements.
The link to the Trusts policies and procedures is:
https://secure.library.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/PAGL/SitePages/Home.aspx
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY RESULT AREAS
Lead service development projects and line manage staff.
Support a safety and quality culture, including the ISO 9001 quality system.
Conduct quality and clinical audits.
Ensure that adequate measures are in place to provide assurance that equipment and procedures are providing safe and accurate radiotherapy.
Investigate and resolve complex problems on highly complex, expensive (>£1 million) patient-critical radiotherapy and associated equipment, determining the exact cause of subtle or non-reproducible equipment faults.
Perform and supervise radiation dosimetry work for external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy, ensuring all external beam treatment units are kept in calibration, in accordance with national codes of practice and local protocols.
Resolve problems with the checking and implementation of highly complex, patient specific, radiotherapy treatment plans.
Supervise the commissioning of new and modified radiotherapy equipment.
Ensure the accuracy of any data gathered during equipment commissioning. Take an active role in projects to deliver complex new and amended radiotherapy equipment and systems.
Undertake design, research and development projects relevant to Radiotherapy Physics.
Maintain HPC registration and MPE certification.
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.
Participate in the routine maintenance and calibration of dosimetry equipment.
Participate in the on-call Duty Physicist rota.
Perform and check planning of brachytherapy treatments.
Service Delivery & Development
Carry out duties in compliance with the relevant legal requirements and safety regulations, with which the post holder must be conversant.
The nature of the job requires that the post holder works their contracted hours in a flexible manner, e.g. there may be occasional late evenings.
Governance(E.g, CQC, Audit)
Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations such as IRR and IR(ME)R, approved Codes of Practice and Local Safety Rules.
Patient/Customer Service
The post holder is required to promote a professional image and must appear smartly dressed for duty.
Research
The postholder undertakes specific research and development activities and keeps abreast of new developments in the field of radiotherapy.
They will provide support (with MPE and general scientific input) to radiotherapy clinical trials at UHL.
GENERAL
This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended to be a complete list. You may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.
You will be required to maintain compliance with all statutory and mandatory training requirements.
The link to the Trusts policies and procedures is:
https://secure.library.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/PAGL/SitePages/Home.aspx
Person Specification
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours
Training and Qualificaitons
Essential
- A first or second class honours degree in Physics or relevant subject.
- MSc. in relevant subject
- HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
- Evidence of post qualification specialist training (CPD)
Desirable
- Corporate Member of IPEM
- PhD or equivalent expertise
Experience
Essential
- Experience and skills to be recognised as a Medical Physics Expert or ability to gain recognition as an MPE within 2 years.
- Sufficient post-registration experience.
- Expert theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of patient and staff risks arising from clinical failure and staff error.
- Able to use Excel, Word, Access etc to set up documents, drawings, spreadsheets and extract information for reports
Desirable
- Demonstrates the ability to initiate, develop, and deliver advise and projects with a record of achievements underpinned by reports and or publication in peer-reviewed journals
- The post holder must have sufficient knowledge and experience in Radiotherapy Physics to be able to operate as a Medical Physics Expert.
Communication and relationship skills
Essential
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Able to communicate highly complex information at postgraduate level to clinical and Medical Physics staff at all levels and to other professional groups.
- Advanced negotiation skills with staff groups across the Trust
- Able to present scientific papers at national and international conferences.
- Able to train groups of other professional staff.
- Able to deliver teaching and training on highly complex subjects.
- Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations.
- Able to make decisions involving complex facts which require analysis.
- Able to plan complex ongoing activities.
- Understands the reasons and importance of confidentiality and the need for accurate records
Planning and organisation skills
Essential
- Self-motivated and able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Initialise and coordinate research e.g. clinical trials and local projects
- Able to act independently within professional guidelines.
- Takes responsibility for the work of other scientific and technical staff when they are performing work under the post holder's direction.
- Able to take managerial responsibility for running and supervising small teams.
- Able to prioritise and manage own work.
- Able to exercise own initiative when dealing with issues within own specialist area of competence.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
- All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others.
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Medical Physics Expert understanding of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and regulatory body reports and guidelines.
- Knowledge of other medical imaging/physiological monitoring techniques.
- Knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology and disease processes.
Person Specification
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours
Training and Qualificaitons
Essential
- A first or second class honours degree in Physics or relevant subject.
- MSc. in relevant subject
- HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
- Evidence of post qualification specialist training (CPD)
Desirable
- Corporate Member of IPEM
- PhD or equivalent expertise
Experience
Essential
- Experience and skills to be recognised as a Medical Physics Expert or ability to gain recognition as an MPE within 2 years.
- Sufficient post-registration experience.
- Expert theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of patient and staff risks arising from clinical failure and staff error.
- Able to use Excel, Word, Access etc to set up documents, drawings, spreadsheets and extract information for reports
Desirable
- Demonstrates the ability to initiate, develop, and deliver advise and projects with a record of achievements underpinned by reports and or publication in peer-reviewed journals
- The post holder must have sufficient knowledge and experience in Radiotherapy Physics to be able to operate as a Medical Physics Expert.
Communication and relationship skills
Essential
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Able to communicate highly complex information at postgraduate level to clinical and Medical Physics staff at all levels and to other professional groups.
- Advanced negotiation skills with staff groups across the Trust
- Able to present scientific papers at national and international conferences.
- Able to train groups of other professional staff.
- Able to deliver teaching and training on highly complex subjects.
- Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations.
- Able to make decisions involving complex facts which require analysis.
- Able to plan complex ongoing activities.
- Understands the reasons and importance of confidentiality and the need for accurate records
Planning and organisation skills
Essential
- Self-motivated and able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Initialise and coordinate research e.g. clinical trials and local projects
- Able to act independently within professional guidelines.
- Takes responsibility for the work of other scientific and technical staff when they are performing work under the post holder's direction.
- Able to take managerial responsibility for running and supervising small teams.
- Able to prioritise and manage own work.
- Able to exercise own initiative when dealing with issues within own specialist area of competence.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
- All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others.
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential
- Medical Physics Expert understanding of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and regulatory body reports and guidelines.
- Knowledge of other medical imaging/physiological monitoring techniques.
- Knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology and disease processes.
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).
