Job summary
Due to an expanding team and increased opportunities to advance Healthcare Science Practitioner roles, we are seeking an individual with highly specialist knowledge, management and service development skills to contribute to the leadership of our x-ray equipment and radiation facility evaluation team. The successful applicant will join a team of ~30 scientists, technologists and administrators providing equipment quality assurance and scientific support to NHS radiology departments in the North West of England.
Good communication and proactive team working is essential. A current driving licence is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role.
We welcome external applicants and would encourage you to get in touch if you would like to informally discuss your suitability for the post.
Interviews will be in person, in Manchester to allow for practical assessment.
Main duties of the job
You will assess the safety and performance of X-ray imaging equipment, provide technical support, radiation protection and patient dosimetry advice to users of ionising radiations, in order to optimise the use of X-rays in diagnostic imaging and comply with regulatory requirements.
The group operates within an ISO9001:2015 quality management system. You will work with other Lead Specialist Healthcare Science Practitioners and service leads in the team to manage and ensure the quality of the groups technical services, including equipment testing and the radiation safety service, in line with legislative requirements and national guidelines. You will take a lead, manage and develop the clinical technologists within the team and contribute to or lead the training/competence of staff involved in the work. As a lead, you will be expected to have breadth and depth of experience in testing imaging equipment and problem solving skills to allow you to provide real time solutions to technical and logistical issues day-to-day.
You will be expected to undertake service developments and implement improved ways of working in close collaboration with scientific leads. The post holder must be willing to progress their knowledge, experience and skills as required to meet the level of the role and evolving team needs, through continued professional development.
You will line manage staff.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
SPECIFIC DUTIES/JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1 Equipment performance testing and radiation protection surveys1.1 Be responsible for aspects of the organisation, delivery and quality of equipment testing & radiation safety service, in line with national recommendations. 1.2 Contribute to the booking/allocation of surveys if necessary, ensuring good liaison with appropriate staff in external departments. This may include oversight of internal staff with booking responsibilities where delegated (as is currently the case).1.3 Undertake equipment performance and radiation protection surveys (with greater involvement in more complex testing and training surveys), alone or with a colleague, following clearly defined operating procedures in line with our ISO9001:2015 quality management system. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of dosemeters & test objects. This includes: Critical exams Commissioning new equipment Routine quality control on existing installations. Investigation of faults on existing installations. Calibration of patient dose measuring equipment. Checking the radiation protection of the installation.1.4 Analyse the results of equipment performance measurements and draw conclusions based on national guidelines and own experience.1.5 Write electronic reports (for the Radiation Protection Adviser / Medical Physics Expert and radiology staff), detailing the findings and recommending any action required in line with group Key Performance Indicator expectations.1.6 Maintain accurate records using Excel and Access, e.g. results from testing, details of equipment.1.7 Contribute as necessary to ensuring resources are in place to meet the survey booking demand (calibrated dosemeters, test tools, staff etc). 1.8 Operation and review of databases used to plan and record survey work including ensuring the equipment inventory data accuracy. 1.9 Provide advice on and demonstrate level A QC testing, review results and report findings.1.10 The safe use of expensive and highly complex imaging equipment and associated test instruments
2 Research and Development2.1 Keep abreast of current developments in the field that may be applicable to how we deliver our equipment and radiation protection service.2.2 Work closely with our Clinical Scientists to undertake and manage service developments and projects. This can be operational and/or scientific/technical.2.3 Promote original work in collaboration with scientific colleagues e.g. presentations, poster presentations, journals.
3 Management3.1 Day to day management for Practitioners within the team, including appraisals and any associated disciplinary (should it arise).3.2 Work closely with senior managers to ensure satisfactory service provision at all times.3.3 Participate and lead where appropriate in recruitment of technical staff.3.4 Take (joint) responsibility for the career development of Practitioners.3.5 Identify efficiency savings within the service and act to ensure change is managed effectively in close collaboration with senior managers. 3.6 Set high expectations and coach staff to meet them.3.7 Supervise less experienced Clinical Scientists (including STP trainees), Practitioners and any other staff seconded to the group who are assigned survey/technical tasks. 3.8 Be a point of contact for day-to-day survey related logistical or technical issues to provide real time solutions.3.9 Prioritise work and adjust routine work as necessary.3.10 Support contract development, as required.3.11 Investigate options for key purchases to meet group needs and draft a case for the section lead to approve.3.12 Deputise as necessary in preparing for (seeking input on content and delivery) and chairing the group survey meeting. 3.13 Take a share of duty management day to day (8am start time on a rota).
4 Health and Safety.4.1 Supervise all aspects of general Health and Safety relating to survey work. For example, the lone working policy, driving safely. Potentially lead on H&S across the group as part of senior responsibility of this post (not currently needed).4.2 Ensure that relevant risk assessments are reviewed in a timely fashion.4.3 Strong working knowledge of IRR and IRMER legislation and guidance.
5 Quality system5.1 Play an active role in the Groups ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.5.2 Undertake internal audits.5.3 Work closely with senior managers to ensure a satisfactory outcome of any service non-conformities/complaints, risks or opportunities.5.4 Work closely with modality leads to write, revise and review work instructions as necessary.5.5 Work closely with senior managers to develop group policies and procedures.5.6 Contribute to management statistics and calculate the relevant balanced score card for comparison against Key Performance Indicators as required (typically monthly) may be delegated as appropriate. 5.7 Ensure testing process, data and report quality and timeliness.
6 Training6.1 Deliver presentations and training as appropriate for the group and our customers.6.2 Ensure the training of Practitioners and Clinical Scientists, to undertake equipment performance evaluation, is planned, delivered, documented and reviewed, in collaboration with modality lead scientists (MPEs) where appropriate. 6.3 Training requirements are not necessarily grade specific and therefore the role extends to physicists and technicians at any grade. 6.4 Contribute to the Practitioner training scheme delivery, supervision and management. May be allocated the lead on this and may require taking on the IPEM training Supervisor/External Moderator role for the group (IPEM expect one person in the team to contribute to their training programme in order to be an accredited training centre. Includes a small contribution to mentoring/assessing other trainees in the UK) in work time.
7 Professional7.1 Hold and maintain registration as a Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Technologist) with AHCS or RCT. 7.2 Undertake continuous professional development in accordance with professional and regulatory requirements. Contribute to and promote the work of our professional bodies as appropriate.7.3 Keep up to date with developments in the field of X-ray equipment quality assurance.7.4 Develop oneself through self-directed learning (science and leadership) and through taking direction from line management.7.5 Undertake training identified by the Trust or line manager.7.6 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.7.7 You will be trained as a Radiation Protection Supervisor to supervise your own independent working and may be given the lead RPS role for the group to coordinate others and provide a report to The Christie Radiation Protection Committee annually.7.8 Work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and foster good customer relations.7.9 Demonstrates the agreed set of values and be accountable for own attitude and behaviour7.10 Frequent requirement for concentration for long periods (with interruptions). Dealing with multiple workstreams simultaneously.
Job description
Job responsibilities
SPECIFIC DUTIES/JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1 Equipment performance testing and radiation protection surveys1.1 Be responsible for aspects of the organisation, delivery and quality of equipment testing & radiation safety service, in line with national recommendations. 1.2 Contribute to the booking/allocation of surveys if necessary, ensuring good liaison with appropriate staff in external departments. This may include oversight of internal staff with booking responsibilities where delegated (as is currently the case).1.3 Undertake equipment performance and radiation protection surveys (with greater involvement in more complex testing and training surveys), alone or with a colleague, following clearly defined operating procedures in line with our ISO9001:2015 quality management system. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of dosemeters & test objects. This includes: Critical exams Commissioning new equipment Routine quality control on existing installations. Investigation of faults on existing installations. Calibration of patient dose measuring equipment. Checking the radiation protection of the installation.1.4 Analyse the results of equipment performance measurements and draw conclusions based on national guidelines and own experience.1.5 Write electronic reports (for the Radiation Protection Adviser / Medical Physics Expert and radiology staff), detailing the findings and recommending any action required in line with group Key Performance Indicator expectations.1.6 Maintain accurate records using Excel and Access, e.g. results from testing, details of equipment.1.7 Contribute as necessary to ensuring resources are in place to meet the survey booking demand (calibrated dosemeters, test tools, staff etc). 1.8 Operation and review of databases used to plan and record survey work including ensuring the equipment inventory data accuracy. 1.9 Provide advice on and demonstrate level A QC testing, review results and report findings.1.10 The safe use of expensive and highly complex imaging equipment and associated test instruments
2 Research and Development2.1 Keep abreast of current developments in the field that may be applicable to how we deliver our equipment and radiation protection service.2.2 Work closely with our Clinical Scientists to undertake and manage service developments and projects. This can be operational and/or scientific/technical.2.3 Promote original work in collaboration with scientific colleagues e.g. presentations, poster presentations, journals.
3 Management3.1 Day to day management for Practitioners within the team, including appraisals and any associated disciplinary (should it arise).3.2 Work closely with senior managers to ensure satisfactory service provision at all times.3.3 Participate and lead where appropriate in recruitment of technical staff.3.4 Take (joint) responsibility for the career development of Practitioners.3.5 Identify efficiency savings within the service and act to ensure change is managed effectively in close collaboration with senior managers. 3.6 Set high expectations and coach staff to meet them.3.7 Supervise less experienced Clinical Scientists (including STP trainees), Practitioners and any other staff seconded to the group who are assigned survey/technical tasks. 3.8 Be a point of contact for day-to-day survey related logistical or technical issues to provide real time solutions.3.9 Prioritise work and adjust routine work as necessary.3.10 Support contract development, as required.3.11 Investigate options for key purchases to meet group needs and draft a case for the section lead to approve.3.12 Deputise as necessary in preparing for (seeking input on content and delivery) and chairing the group survey meeting. 3.13 Take a share of duty management day to day (8am start time on a rota).
4 Health and Safety.4.1 Supervise all aspects of general Health and Safety relating to survey work. For example, the lone working policy, driving safely. Potentially lead on H&S across the group as part of senior responsibility of this post (not currently needed).4.2 Ensure that relevant risk assessments are reviewed in a timely fashion.4.3 Strong working knowledge of IRR and IRMER legislation and guidance.
5 Quality system5.1 Play an active role in the Groups ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.5.2 Undertake internal audits.5.3 Work closely with senior managers to ensure a satisfactory outcome of any service non-conformities/complaints, risks or opportunities.5.4 Work closely with modality leads to write, revise and review work instructions as necessary.5.5 Work closely with senior managers to develop group policies and procedures.5.6 Contribute to management statistics and calculate the relevant balanced score card for comparison against Key Performance Indicators as required (typically monthly) may be delegated as appropriate. 5.7 Ensure testing process, data and report quality and timeliness.
6 Training6.1 Deliver presentations and training as appropriate for the group and our customers.6.2 Ensure the training of Practitioners and Clinical Scientists, to undertake equipment performance evaluation, is planned, delivered, documented and reviewed, in collaboration with modality lead scientists (MPEs) where appropriate. 6.3 Training requirements are not necessarily grade specific and therefore the role extends to physicists and technicians at any grade. 6.4 Contribute to the Practitioner training scheme delivery, supervision and management. May be allocated the lead on this and may require taking on the IPEM training Supervisor/External Moderator role for the group (IPEM expect one person in the team to contribute to their training programme in order to be an accredited training centre. Includes a small contribution to mentoring/assessing other trainees in the UK) in work time.
7 Professional7.1 Hold and maintain registration as a Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Technologist) with AHCS or RCT. 7.2 Undertake continuous professional development in accordance with professional and regulatory requirements. Contribute to and promote the work of our professional bodies as appropriate.7.3 Keep up to date with developments in the field of X-ray equipment quality assurance.7.4 Develop oneself through self-directed learning (science and leadership) and through taking direction from line management.7.5 Undertake training identified by the Trust or line manager.7.6 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.7.7 You will be trained as a Radiation Protection Supervisor to supervise your own independent working and may be given the lead RPS role for the group to coordinate others and provide a report to The Christie Radiation Protection Committee annually.7.8 Work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and foster good customer relations.7.9 Demonstrates the agreed set of values and be accountable for own attitude and behaviour7.10 Frequent requirement for concentration for long periods (with interruptions). Dealing with multiple workstreams simultaneously.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in STEM subject or Diagnostic Radiography degree (or equivalent)
- Master's degree in medical physics, radiation protection or leadership/management OR equivalent 'highly specialist knowledge'.
- Member of Register of Clinical Technologists / Registration as Healthcare Science Practitioner*.
Desirable
- Leadership or Management qualification
- Willingness to undertake masters level education if not already achieved
- Corporate membership of IPEM (may be needed in role)
Experience
Essential
- Highly specialised experience in the field of diagnostic radiology physics services including performing/reporting QA of multiple modalities (independently).
- Critical examination and commissioning of multiple modalities including complex modalities (CT, fluoro, mammography)
- Performing investigations into X-ray equipment performance issues
- Diagnostic radiology test development and implementation of new test methodology.
- Delivering technical training
- Quality systems and service improvements
- Supervision of technical staff
Desirable
- Management of technical staff
- Calibration of dosemeters
- Sharing of expert knowledge in the field (presentations, publications etc)
Skills
Essential
- High level of literacy, numeracy & attention to detail
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office, scientific software and word processing
- Ability to problem solve/fault find/investigate issues
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Presentation and teaching skills
- Ability to analyse complex scientific data and clearly communicate findings/recommendations
- Problem solving
- Organisation
Desirable
- Database skills
- Resource management
Knowledge
Essential
- Highly specialist knowledge of recommended standards for X-ray equipment
- Specialist knowledge of radiation instrumentation
- Specialist working knowledge of appropriate legislation and practical radiation
- Appropriate knowledge of radiation physics as applied to the testing of a wide range of diagnostic X-ray equipment
- Working knowledge of quality systems
- General health and safety requirements
Desirable
- Basic knowledge/awareness of emerging techniques/modalities in diagnostic radiology
- A basic understanding of employment rights and practices
Values
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisation's values and behaviours
- Patient focused
- Commitment to reflective practice and CPD
- Adherence to RCT code of conduct
- Enthusiasm, integrity and commitment
Other
Essential
- Valid FULL UK driving licence - essential, do not apply if you do not have one of these
- Willing to work flexibly in line with service needs (see notes below).
- Physically able to lift heavy measuring equipment (up to 15 kg)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in STEM subject or Diagnostic Radiography degree (or equivalent)
- Master's degree in medical physics, radiation protection or leadership/management OR equivalent 'highly specialist knowledge'.
- Member of Register of Clinical Technologists / Registration as Healthcare Science Practitioner*.
Desirable
- Leadership or Management qualification
- Willingness to undertake masters level education if not already achieved
- Corporate membership of IPEM (may be needed in role)
Experience
Essential
- Highly specialised experience in the field of diagnostic radiology physics services including performing/reporting QA of multiple modalities (independently).
- Critical examination and commissioning of multiple modalities including complex modalities (CT, fluoro, mammography)
- Performing investigations into X-ray equipment performance issues
- Diagnostic radiology test development and implementation of new test methodology.
- Delivering technical training
- Quality systems and service improvements
- Supervision of technical staff
Desirable
- Management of technical staff
- Calibration of dosemeters
- Sharing of expert knowledge in the field (presentations, publications etc)
Skills
Essential
- High level of literacy, numeracy & attention to detail
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office, scientific software and word processing
- Ability to problem solve/fault find/investigate issues
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Presentation and teaching skills
- Ability to analyse complex scientific data and clearly communicate findings/recommendations
- Problem solving
- Organisation
Desirable
- Database skills
- Resource management
Knowledge
Essential
- Highly specialist knowledge of recommended standards for X-ray equipment
- Specialist knowledge of radiation instrumentation
- Specialist working knowledge of appropriate legislation and practical radiation
- Appropriate knowledge of radiation physics as applied to the testing of a wide range of diagnostic X-ray equipment
- Working knowledge of quality systems
- General health and safety requirements
Desirable
- Basic knowledge/awareness of emerging techniques/modalities in diagnostic radiology
- A basic understanding of employment rights and practices
Values
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisation's values and behaviours
- Patient focused
- Commitment to reflective practice and CPD
- Adherence to RCT code of conduct
- Enthusiasm, integrity and commitment
Other
Essential
- Valid FULL UK driving licence - essential, do not apply if you do not have one of these
- Willing to work flexibly in line with service needs (see notes below).
- Physically able to lift heavy measuring equipment (up to 15 kg)
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).
