Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity to join our friendly, forward-thinking department in North London as a Band 7 Radiotherapy Physicist.
The department provides a comprehensive physics service to support the delivery of radiotherapy treatment. This includes all treatment planning, machine quality assurance and the provision of molecular radiotherapy. The department consists of 9 clinical scientists, including this post, 5 dosimetrists and 4 engineering and technical staff.
The Radiotherapy department has three matched Varian TrueBEAM linacs and an Xstrahl superficial unit. One of our TrueBeams is to be replaced with a Halcyon unit this autumn, so there will lots of scope to get involved in commissioning of cutting-edge equipment.Varian Eclipse is used for all treatment planning activities, and we have ongoing projects to implement and expand knowledge based planning, AI auto-contouring, scripting and automation, and lots more besides.
Flexible working is supported across the Trust and the team continue to enjoy a hybrid pattern of on-site and working from home.
This would suit candidates who have recently completed their STP training and gained HCPC registration, although those due to complete soon are also encouraged to apply.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will participate in the general Radiotherapy Physics service provision to the North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust. The post holder may be required to specialise in one or more sections within the Radiotherapy Physics service.
The physicist's role is to ensure the safe delivery of the Radiotherapy Physics service assisting the Head of the service as well as the designated Medical Physics Experts in their various areas of responsibility.
About us
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Hospital Trust is one of London's busiest healthcare providers, providing hospital care and community services for the 350,000 people living in Enfield, Haringey and beyond.
The Radiotherapy Physics department provides a comprehensive physics service to support the delivery of radiotherapy treatment at the North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust. This includes all treatment planning, machine quality assurance, mould room, and the provision of molecular radiotherapy. The department consists of 9 clinical scientists, 5 dosimetrists, and 4 engineering and technical staff.
The Radiotherapy department has three matched Varian TrueBEAM linacs and an XStrahl superficial unit. One of our TrueBeams is to be replaced with a Halcyon unit this autumn. The department routinely delivers a consistently high proportion of VMAT treatments, including prostate, head & neck and lung patients.
Techniques are under continual review and development, with SABR for oligometastic disease joining our established primary lung practice. There is active participation in clinical trials, particularly those with significant radiotherapy questions.
The department offers MPE and RPA advice to Radiotherapy and clinical scientists are actively supported to achieve MPE status. Evaluation, procurement and clinical implementation of radiotherapy equipment are provided by the team.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Scientific
- Produce routine and complex treatment planning for external beam radiotherapy. Use computerised planning systems to design and customise treatment plans. Take responsibility for the accurate production of individualised treatment plans and associated dosimetry calculations.
- 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.
- Check and approve routine and complex treatment plans, dose calculations and templates produced by other members of staff.
- Re-plan patient treatments where required, following a treatment error or changes in patient shape. Use judgement to analyse and determine the most appropriate compensation method, under supervision of the MPE. Calculate the compensation required and subsequent patient dose.
- Provide routine physics support to radio-isotope administration. Explain procedures to patients and liaise with other groups such as ward staff as required. Assist with resolving problems with the procedure, including those arising with the patient present.
- Provide 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 other measurements and procedures on highly-complex, patient-critical equipment.
- Assist in the revision of protocols and dosimetry techniques under the supervision of the Principal Physicist. Develop and revise working practices. Assist in maintaining accurate calibration of all dosimetry equipment and Radiotherapy treatment machines.
General
- Provide support to Physics computing in Radiotherapy. Write software to the requirements of the department and adapt existing software packages as required. Monitor and resolve problems on computing systems in Radiotherapy and Radiotherapy Physics.
- Participate in acceptance testing and commissioning of new equipment as appropriate.
- Provide scientific and technical advice to radiotherapy consultants and other clinical staff regarding patient treatment.
- Act as liaison contact for identified radiotherapy equipment. Oversee work carried out on this equipment and give physics advice and direction as required. Investigate and resolve complex problems on complex, patient-critical radiotherapy and associated equipment.
- Act as an operator under the definitions of the IR(ME)R regulations in accordance with Trust Policies and Practices.
Managerial
- Prioritise and manage own work to meet agreed outcomes.
- Assist in maintaining accurate calibration of all dosimetry equipment and Radiotherapy treatment machines.
- Keep careful records of all work performed and complete other appropriate records.
- Supervise the professional work of other staff groups working in areas or on projects being managed by the post holder.
Teaching, training and research
- Provide practical training to physicists, medics and radiographers in Treatment Planning, Dosimetry and QA and in Radioisotope Therapy.
- Assist with training other staff, as required (e.g. radiation protection advice to nursing staff on wards with therapy nuclear medicine in-patients)
- Supervise trainee clinical scientists on placement.
- Assess and approve staff competencies within specified areas of work.
- Present original work at meetings and conferences, and in publication. Present seminars and feedback on meetings.
- Instigate and participate in Research and Development projects and clinical audit. Develop and improve equipment and techniques for radiation therapy.
Professional
- Participate in an approved Continuing Professional Development scheme and maintain HCPC registration.
- 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.
- Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, approved Codes of Practice and Local Safety Rules.
Miscellaneous
- Ensure compliance with accredited Quality Systems in the areas of work for which the post holder carries responsibility. Participate in the development and routine operation of quality systems.
- 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.
- 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.
- When working in other departments, the postholder 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.
- Perform other appropriate duties which may be required from time to time by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Scientific
- Produce routine and complex treatment planning for external beam radiotherapy. Use computerised planning systems to design and customise treatment plans. Take responsibility for the accurate production of individualised treatment plans and associated dosimetry calculations.
- 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.
- Check and approve routine and complex treatment plans, dose calculations and templates produced by other members of staff.
- Re-plan patient treatments where required, following a treatment error or changes in patient shape. Use judgement to analyse and determine the most appropriate compensation method, under supervision of the MPE. Calculate the compensation required and subsequent patient dose.
- Provide routine physics support to radio-isotope administration. Explain procedures to patients and liaise with other groups such as ward staff as required. Assist with resolving problems with the procedure, including those arising with the patient present.
- Provide 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 other measurements and procedures on highly-complex, patient-critical equipment.
- Assist in the revision of protocols and dosimetry techniques under the supervision of the Principal Physicist. Develop and revise working practices. Assist in maintaining accurate calibration of all dosimetry equipment and Radiotherapy treatment machines.
General
- Provide support to Physics computing in Radiotherapy. Write software to the requirements of the department and adapt existing software packages as required. Monitor and resolve problems on computing systems in Radiotherapy and Radiotherapy Physics.
- Participate in acceptance testing and commissioning of new equipment as appropriate.
- Provide scientific and technical advice to radiotherapy consultants and other clinical staff regarding patient treatment.
- Act as liaison contact for identified radiotherapy equipment. Oversee work carried out on this equipment and give physics advice and direction as required. Investigate and resolve complex problems on complex, patient-critical radiotherapy and associated equipment.
- Act as an operator under the definitions of the IR(ME)R regulations in accordance with Trust Policies and Practices.
Managerial
- Prioritise and manage own work to meet agreed outcomes.
- Assist in maintaining accurate calibration of all dosimetry equipment and Radiotherapy treatment machines.
- Keep careful records of all work performed and complete other appropriate records.
- Supervise the professional work of other staff groups working in areas or on projects being managed by the post holder.
Teaching, training and research
- Provide practical training to physicists, medics and radiographers in Treatment Planning, Dosimetry and QA and in Radioisotope Therapy.
- Assist with training other staff, as required (e.g. radiation protection advice to nursing staff on wards with therapy nuclear medicine in-patients)
- Supervise trainee clinical scientists on placement.
- Assess and approve staff competencies within specified areas of work.
- Present original work at meetings and conferences, and in publication. Present seminars and feedback on meetings.
- Instigate and participate in Research and Development projects and clinical audit. Develop and improve equipment and techniques for radiation therapy.
Professional
- Participate in an approved Continuing Professional Development scheme and maintain HCPC registration.
- 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.
- Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, approved Codes of Practice and Local Safety Rules.
Miscellaneous
- Ensure compliance with accredited Quality Systems in the areas of work for which the post holder carries responsibility. Participate in the development and routine operation of quality systems.
- 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.
- 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.
- When working in other departments, the postholder 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.
- Perform other appropriate duties which may be required from time to time by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Good First Degree in a Physical Science or equivalent
- Relevant Masters or higher degree
- IPEM Training Exit Certificate or equivalent experience
- Registration as Clinical Scientist with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) or achievement of registration within 12 months of appointment.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to communicate technical material to colleagues and other professionals
- Experience of application packages such as Excel, Word, Access etc to set up documents and spreadsheets and extract information.
- Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations
- Ability to organise own workload
- Exhibits independent approach to problem solving
- Exhibits a keen interest in research and development
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Experience in the clinical environment with patients and clinical staff
- Good knowledge of radiotherapy physics, radiotherapy techniques and clinical applications
- Logical approach to problem solving
- Knowledge of appropriate legislation [eg IRR, IR(ME)R, ISO 9001:2000, BSI and ISO standards, professional and regulatory body reports and guidelines]
- Knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology
Desirable
- Relevant post-graduate experience in Radiotherapy Physics
- Relevant experience in Treatment Planning
- Relevant experience in Radiotherapy quality control and dosimetry.
- Relevant experience in Radioisotope therapies
- A broad level of knowledge and understanding of other areas of Medical Physics, including Radiation Safety and Imaging with ionising & non-ionising radiation.
Personal qualities
Essential
- Ability to work as one of a team
- Ability to show a sympathetic and caring attitude to patients of diverse cultures
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Good First Degree in a Physical Science or equivalent
- Relevant Masters or higher degree
- IPEM Training Exit Certificate or equivalent experience
- Registration as Clinical Scientist with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) or achievement of registration within 12 months of appointment.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to communicate technical material to colleagues and other professionals
- Experience of application packages such as Excel, Word, Access etc to set up documents and spreadsheets and extract information.
- Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations
- Ability to organise own workload
- Exhibits independent approach to problem solving
- Exhibits a keen interest in research and development
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Experience in the clinical environment with patients and clinical staff
- Good knowledge of radiotherapy physics, radiotherapy techniques and clinical applications
- Logical approach to problem solving
- Knowledge of appropriate legislation [eg IRR, IR(ME)R, ISO 9001:2000, BSI and ISO standards, professional and regulatory body reports and guidelines]
- Knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology
Desirable
- Relevant post-graduate experience in Radiotherapy Physics
- Relevant experience in Treatment Planning
- Relevant experience in Radiotherapy quality control and dosimetry.
- Relevant experience in Radioisotope therapies
- A broad level of knowledge and understanding of other areas of Medical Physics, including Radiation Safety and Imaging with ionising & non-ionising radiation.
Personal qualities
Essential
- Ability to work as one of a team
- Ability to show a sympathetic and caring attitude to patients of diverse cultures
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).
