We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Dosimetrist or Clinical Technologist to act as a Senior Dosimetrist (Team Leader). The group provides the clinical dose planning service at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care both in Newcastle and Carlisle. The post holder will be based at the Freeman Hospital.
The radiotherapy department benefits from state-of-the-art equipment which includes dedicated planning MRI scanner facilities, 3 Siemens CT scanners with 4D capability, access to a PET/CT facility, 2 Tomotherapy treatment units, 2 Varian TrueBeam STx linacs with stereotactic capability, 7 Varian TrueBeam linacs, a high doserate Flexitron afterloader and SXT.
The NCCC Dose Planning Section comprises of a large team of Dosimetrists/Clinical Technologists split between the two hospital sites. Since the introduction of Raystation treatment planning system into clinical use the section is responsible for VMAT planning for the majority of disease sites. The Centre is committed to delivering a high-quality service, maintaining the highest specification equipment and contributing to radiotherapy research and development.
The postholder will have the opportunity to lead developments within the section, providing supervision and training for other staff.
Main duties of the job
They will be expected to progress through a comprehensive in-house competency-based training programme in target volume definition for specific treatment sites. Whilst formal application specific training will be delivered, participation in post-graduate training is also encouraged.
The post holder would be expected to contribute to the development and training of other staff members, both within the dosimetry section and throughout NCCC. They should ensure that all the Dosimetrists within the assigned team follow agreed work procedures to ensure that safety critical work is completed in an accurate and timely way.
This will be achieved by acting as mentor for their team members to ensure development and the achievement of planning and voluming competencies. They will be encouraged to take responsibility for the organisation of aspects of the Dose Planning Induction Course and the Dose Planning competence-based training scheme undertaken by Dosimetrists.
They will also be expected to play an active role in the development of training courses within Dose Planning for other staff groups and tailoring the training to a level appropriate to the trainee's knowledge. Service improvement is a continuous process within radiotherapy and the post holder would be encouraged to contribute to this to the benefit of our patients.
The post holder may also be required to deputise for the Principal Dosimetrist at meetings and in their absence.
Job responsibilities
Responsible for the technical aspects of the radiotherapy dose planning service, at Freeman Hospital site.
* Provides professional technical leadership in an area of expertise locally.
* Maintains and develops high standards of service provision throughout their area of responsibility.
* Develops, implements and monitors clinical and organisational strategies within areas of expertise.
* Actively involved in research and development projects.
* Supervises and trains less experienced staff and trainees.
* Contributes to service and staff development.
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
* Significant and up to date knowledge of relevant areas of medical physics applied to treatment planning, radiotherapy physics, imaging and treatment.
Desirable
* Knowledge and understanding of current radiation legislation relevant to this role.
* Evidence of knowledge of clinical oncology Evidence of knowledge of current scientific and technological developments
* Knowledge of Quality Systems.
Skills
Essential
* Ability to work both independently and as a member of the team.
* Good communication skills with all staff groups
* Teaching and training skills
* Ability to communicate scientific advice to all staff groups.
* Efficient time management.
Desirable
* Good report writing and presentational skills Patient handling skills
Experience
Essential
* Significant current experience in treatment planning for radiotherapy for a wide range of disease sites employing advanced techniques.
Desirable
* Previous experience in SABR/SRS planning.
* Evidence of career progression demonstrating both breadth and depth of experience
* Evidence of completed research and development projects.
Qualifications
Essential
* Master's level knowledge and experience, an honours degree in a related subject such as clinical physiology radiotherapy oncology or an equivalent qualification.
* Registration with the HCPC or RCT.
Desirable
* Evidence of attendance at conferences or training courses intended to extend the breadth and depth of knowledge.
Employer details
Employer name
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Freeman Hospital
317 01 Freeman Hospital
NE7 7DN #J-18808-Ljbffr