Clinical Scientist

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Management

• Plans own varied workload to meet deadlines, prioritising and responding to new demands as they come in.
• Contribute to ensuring the quality of the diagnostic and radiation protection service as required and as directed by line manager or group leader.
• Participate in the QMS for the group. Ensures implementation of policies, proposes changes to practices for work area.
• Assist with the groups internal audits.
• Supervise and train less experienced healthcare science staff (assistants, associates, practitioners and scientists) as required and appropriate.
• Coordinate workload with internal staff (e.g. managers, customer leads and survey booker) and external staff (e.g. customer contacts) as required to ensure the smooth delivery of the service.
• Participate in generic shared group roles such as Health & Safety checks or course organisation as required.

2. Specialist areas

• Take a lead in the coordination (e.g. planning and organising) and development (with guidance and oversight) of services in one of the groups areas of activity as required and as appropriate: for example, the online QA system, calibrations etc.
• It is expected that expertise will be developed in a least one modality in regard to Quality Assurance testing, clinical understanding of the use of the equipment and customer needs along with the radiation protection framework associated with the modality (IRR, IRMER, professional guidance etc). Learning should be shared with the team.

3. Scientific support to diagnostic radiology

• Provide scientific advice (within the QMS and scope of practice) to departments of radiology, including advice on local quality control measurements and assistance in reviewing departments quality control results.
• Undertake, as necessary, critical examinations, commissioning tests and quality control measurements on the full range of x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects.
• Be responsible for data entry and processing for equipment testing results or radiation protection assessments etc. Provide timely written reports in line with group Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and give advice to radiographers, radiologists and others.
• Liaise with manufacturers representatives where necessary.
• Assess and provide advice (within the QMS and scope of practice) on doses and risks to patients in routine and research procedures.
• Provide dose estimates and reports for accidental and unintended exposures.

4. Radiation protection

• Assist (within the QMS and scope of practice) in the provision of Medical Physics Expert support to NHS and independent sector healthcare establishments, with specific emphasis on the optimisation of patient dose and image quality and assist departments in resolving problems in these areas.
• Provide radiation protection advice (within the QMS and scope of practice) and support to specified Trusts and private hospitals, to help ensure that they meet their statutory obligations.
• Draft reports to radiation/imaging management meetings and attend.
• Undertake radiation facility assessments and prepare reports to be signed off by the Radiation Protection Adviser.
• Draft radiation protection documents such as risk assessments and local rules.
• Undertake calibrations of equipment as required.

5. Research, teaching and training

• Provide physics teaching for the departments teaching commitments as appropriate to grade and experience e.g. the radiation protection courses.
• Undertake research and development work aimed at improving the service in line with group needs.
• Present results of research and development work at appropriate meetings.
• Participate in outreach events that the group undertake such as the CMPE open evening or IPEM big bang events etc

6. Professional

• Staff development to undertake the role will be provided and it is expected that the successful candidate develops a body of evidence to achieve registration as a clinical scientist.
• Meet the competencies required: PROPOSED COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR CLINICAL SCIENTISTS TO ATTAIN STATE REGISTRATION (temp.domains)
• This post is a scientific post with a clear need for high level scientific ability and self-drive to follow a training plan and complete competencies within a suitable timeframe. This will be trainee driven.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field and undertake continued professional development (self-directed and as directed by your line manager).
• Follow the appropriate key work instructions, risk assessments and systems of work and ensure direct supervision of those you are responsible for until they are competent.
• Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including appraisal, supervision, academic course and problem-based learning.
• Follow, monitor and develop your training plan in conjunction with training supervisor and produce portfolio of evidence for submission to ACS.
• Collaborate with all other members of the group and radiology staff as required.
• Be able to communicate complex information.
• Frequent requirement for concentration for long periods (with interruptions). Dealing with multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Work under pressure with demanding workload. This includes the ability to prioritise based on risk and clinical need.
• Comply with the Data Protection Act, respecting confidentiality.
• Follow group expectations on professional conduct and working culture.

NOTE: This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service. Since from time to time these needs may change it is necessary to recognise that the post holder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the group leader.

Qualifications

Essential

• 1st or 2nd class Honours degree (or integrated masters) in pure or applied Physics (or equivalent, to meet registration needs). A 2.2 will only be accepted if the applicant already has a higher (MSc/PhD) degree in the field.

Desirable

• MSc in Medical Physics (or must be completed or equivalence gained during training)
• Registration as a technologist/HCS Practitioner in our field
• Membership of IPEM (may be expected later to undertake the supported training scheme)

Experience

Essential

• Relevant experience in imaging physics or radiation protection such as providing technical or scientific services in diagnostic radiology.

Desirable

• Involvement in relevant aspects of service delivery management / coordination
• Teaching / training experience
• Supervision of trainees
• Experience of optical radiation protection

Skills

Essential

• Excellent basic computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
• Clear and articulate communicator to communicate complex information
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability To Problem Solve
• Ability to work independently in line with GSP
• Ability to work well as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to position intricate tests tools with precision, routinely
• Analysis & interpretation of investigations/results, drawing conclusions
• Motivated and resilient

Desirable

• Advanced computer applications such as image analysis and processing, programming

Knowledge

Essential

• Good knowledge of radiological physics and radiation protection
• Working knowledge of radiation instrumentation
• Working knowledge of appropriate radiation legislation

Desirable

• Working knowledge of recommended standards of X-ray equipment
• Appropriate knowledge of radiation physics and a wide range of diagnostic X-ray equipment (including CT, angiography and mammography)
• Working knowledge of quality management systems

Values

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisation's values and behaviours including respect towards others at all times.
• Patient focused
• Accountability

Other

Essential

• Valid UK driving licence for a car - essential
• Willing to work flexibly in line with service needs
• Enthusiasm and commitment

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).