The Christie NHS FT

Proton Diagnostic Superintendent Radiographer

The closing date is 17 July 2025

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a diagnostic radiographer with MR experience to join the pre-treatment team at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Proton Beam Therapy Centre. We are looking for a confident, enthusiastic and ambitious individual with consistent attention to detail, desire for improvement and a strong team ethic.

As a superintendent radiographer, the post holder will be required to work alongside existing therapeutic radiographers as part of the management team to lead both therapeutic and diagnostic radiographers in the safe operation and efficient running of the pre-treatment area. The pre-treatment area and team operates a mould room for the production of relevant immobilisation equipment as well as a CT and MR scanners, which are used almost exclusively to deliver pre-treatment imaging as well as research in the novel use of MRI for radiotherapy.

The pre-treatment area of the proton beam therapy centre stands out from other radiotherapy and radiology services as being one of the few in the UK to operate as a truly cohesive mixed professional team. In the centre, diagnostic and therapy radiographers work side by side to deliver exceptional patient experience whilst ensuring high standards in radiation and MR safety

Main duties of the job

The post holder is required to be responsible for the day to day operational management of the proton pre-treatment areas in accordance with the accredited radiotherapy department quality system and all other professional standards and national guidance. Providing clinical leadership, participating in and supervising pre-treatment procedures across mould room, CT and MRI.

The post holder will require a good level of MR experience and have a good awareness of UK and international MR safety guidelines and legislation in order to be able to lead on MR safety and take on the role of MR Responsible person for the department.

The pre- treatment superintendent team lead on the implementation of new techniques, software and technology to provide a safe and well managed transition from the development stage to clinical operation and the development and optimisation of MRI in PBT and assist in the development and optimisation CT imaging in PBT.

The pre-treatment service is a key stakeholder in the delivery of several important imaging trials within MRRT and all members of the team are expected to contribute to research. The post holder will take the lead on behalf of the pre-treat service in managing current trials and audits.

About us

The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

Date posted

10 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum, pro rota

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

413-96100-CNS-AK

Job locations

PBT Radiotherapy - E00625

Manchester

M20 4BX

Job description

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Main duties and responsibilities

The post holder is expected to troubleshoot patient care or technical issues in all pre-treatment areas.

In conjunction with the MR safety expert (MRSE), lead on MR safety and assume role of MR responsible person for proton beam therapy (PBT), managing quality system documentation, training resources and information relating to MR Safety.

In conjunction with the MRSE, provide timely and appropriate advice relating to MR safety for, staff and patients within the PBT service.

To work with all radiographers, Christie medical physics, clinical specialists, radiologists and dosimetrists leading in the development, optimisation and maintenance of MR imaging sequences.

To supervise, instruct and take part in pre-treatment imaging for radiotherapy planning of patients for radiotherapy/proton therapy and make decisions pertaining to patient care and treatment.

To supervise, instruct and take part in production of required immobilisation of patients for radiotherapy/proton therapy.

To supervise, instruct and take part in the cannulation of radiotherapy planning patients and administration of radiographic contrast.

Recognise normal anatomy and pathological appearances in order to make analytical judgement on imaging and treatment actions, acting as an expert in

MR imaging.

To assess the more complex patients with regards to their immediate & future planned pathway, seeking medical advice when necessary.

To be pro-active in the development and implementation of evidence based clinical practice in line with local and national initiatives, facilitating changes in service where necessary.

To act as an expert resource on pre-treatment imaging and planning equipment and software as well as oncology management systems. Providing support and advice as appropriate.

Be pro-active in the maintenance, improvement and development of their competence and those of the pre-treatment team.

To provide technical advice in the evaluation, procurement and introduction of new techniques, procedures and equipment.

To be responsible for the equipment in the work area, ensuring that fault reporting and handover procedures are followed, working closely with medical physics and technical services staff to ensure that repairs and routine servicing of equipment is carried out with minimal disruption to service provision.

To work closely with the other Superintendents and the Quality manager, to monitor the work across the service in order to maintain high quality service delivery and professional standards, helping to further develop and maintain the accredited Quality Management System.

Take a lead role in reviewing and writing work instructions and operating procedures.

Ensuring all errors in pre-treatment areas are reported in a timely manner in accordance with current departmental policy.

To continually assess and monitor risk in their practice and that of others, challenging others as appropriate.

In depth knowledge of MHRA Safety Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance, Imaging Equipment in Clinical Use (2021) and to act as an expert resource in interpretation of the guidance and legislation for MRI with regards standard operating procedures and error reporting.

Knowledge of UK radiation legislation IRR 1999 and IR(ME)R 2000 and to act as an expert resource in interpretation of the legislation with regards standard

operating procedures and error reporting.

Good knowledge of other relevant legislation, including Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Manual Handling Operations regulations 1992.

Participate in the extended shift system, bank holidays, weekend working and on call.

Supervisory and Managerial

To provide specialist advice to the Clinical Director radiotherapy and Clinical Service Lead and Principal radiographers on technical features and applications of MR.

Act as an advocate for The Christie at national forums and vendor meetings providing representation of PBT and PBT pre-treatment across the radiotherapy, radiology and wider medical professional network, presenting and a range of events and training courses.

To keep up to date with best practice and national guidance in MR imaging and MRRT locally and nationally and disseminate to the team.

To establish and maintain good communication links between multi-disciplinary team.

Promote opportunities for team development and individual role enhancement.

To provide leadership, supervision, advice and support for rotation staff working in PBT pre-treatment to ensure the highest standards of practice are maintained.

Professional responsibility and supervision of diagnostic radiographers working within PBT pre-treatment including annual personal development reviews.

To initiate preliminary discussion with patients, relatives, visitors and other professional disciplines in regards to complaints, failures and feedback.

Teaching and Training

To ensure all the training needs associated with new developments are recognised and to put into place the mechanisms to meet them.

To provide training, and expert advice on cannulation and administration of IV radiographic contrast and emergency drugs.

Use technical expertise to induct and train staff in pre-treatment areas, ensuring competencies are attained in a timely manner.

Be responsible for a portfolio of personal development reviews of junior staff.

Ensuring the team supervise and manage pre-registration student training in accordance with trust/university policy.

Ensuring all team members in designated area are capable and have requisite competencies and have up to date essential training.

Ensure all MR and MRRT training requirements with regards to guidance and legislation are met and maintained.

To ensure that opportunities for clinical audit and research and development are identified and that staff are encouraged to participate in relevant projects.

Responsibilities for human resources

To work closely with the other Superintendent and Principal Radiographers to ensure the most effective use of staffing resources across the department.

Active role in managing inadequate performance, including capability and poor professional standards for students or employees. Participating in investigation process and providing evidence.

To work closely with the Radiotherapy Manager, Principal Radiographers, Pretreatment and/or Treatment Delivery Superintendents to monitor the work across the service in order to maintain high quality service delivery and professional standards. Applying disciplinary and or capability policies where necessary.

Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff through chairing of appointment panels, completion of paperwork and liaison with Human Resources and Occupational Health departments to ensure successful employment of candidates.

Research

Lead, supervise and/or undertake an active role in research, development, improvement and implementation of new techniques and practices within the department assessing results and impacts.

Working alongside The Christie research and development team to ensure management and maintenance of all MR clinical trials and audits within PBT.

Work with relevant stakeholder to ensure safe and effective implementation of MR imaging studies within the PBT service.

Manage all relevant training in relation to research and development projects or clinical trials.

Maintaining links with The Christie research and development team, attending relevant meetings and training.

This job description is not exhaustive and will be reviewed periodically to take into account changes and developments in service requirements. Any changes will be discussed fully with the post holder.