Job summary
Our group provides high quality scientific and technical advisory services in the field of radiation protection and diagnostic radiology physics. We provide services to a number of radiation employers, primarily NHS Trusts and breast screening programmes.
A wide range of services are provided by scientific, technical and administrative staff. These include imaging equipment performance testing and optimisation, support for department's own QC procedures; assistance with radiation audits; teaching and training a variety of staff groups in radiation physics and associated legislation; patient dose monitoring; personal dosimetry for staff working with ionising radiation and risk assessments.
We're looking for a clinical scientist with experience in diagnostic radiology physics who can act as a Medical Physics Expert under IR(ME)R and either a Radiation Protection Adviser or Laser Protection Adviser (or be close to gaining accreditation as an RPA or LPA ). The candidate will work alongside the existing team to provide high-quality expert advice to a range of service users.
Main duties of the job
The main duties of the job are to:
Assist with the provision of scientific support and quality assurance for our service users
Act as MPE for x-ray imaging for this Trust and other clients
Act as RPA for x-ray imaging or LPA for laser users for NHS and private organisations, or work towards RPA/LPA accreditation
Jointly line manage clinical scientists and technologists within our team
Provide effective input into the work of the Trust, to support the achievement of our vision and values
About us
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Act as MPE for specific radiological specialties as required by IR(ME)R for a portfolio of clients.
Lead the provision of scientific support and quality assurance for the physical aspects of one or more modalities.
To provide specialist advice on specification and selection of a wide range of highly complex x-ray equipment to ensure patient safety and the optimisation of image quality and radiation dose.
To be responsible for the programme of dose audits for radiological installations including the breast screening programmes supported by this organisation.
Identify and liaise with manufacturers representatives and colleagues as necessary to resolve issues related to radiological physics.
Be appointed as RPA and/or LPA for a Trust or private organisation or work towards gaining accreditation as an RPA and/or LPA.
Participate in the provision of scientific support and performance testing of radiological equipment for this Trust and other clients.
Provide advice on compliance with ionising radiation legislation to our client base.
Undertake audits of compliance with radiation protection legislation with clients ensuring appropriate communications styles and methods. Clients being audited may be apprehensive about the audit and the outcomes.
To provide advice to the Trust and other clients around compliance with current guidance.
Managerial
Prioritise own work in accordance with department and Trust priorities and external demands
Achieve expected results by using own initiative and following general principles, standards and guidelines.
Respond in a timely manner to enquiries from service users ensuring a high-quality responsive service.
To jointly lead the physics input into the development and implementation of new clinical protocols.
Lead the development and implementation of new QA protocols.
Professional
Participate in appropriate continuing professional development programmes and maintain registration as a clinical scientist, MPE and RPA/LPA.
Keep abreast of the latest technology, scientific and legislative developments and their applications in medical and associated fields.
Where appropriate, present and disseminate clinical results at local, national meetings and conferences and where appropriate prepare papers for publication in scientific journals
Teaching and Training
To lead the training of healthcare scientists in imaging with ionising radiation and radiation safety.
Participate in the delivery of training to clinical staff groups as appropriate.
General
Services in diagnostic radiology and breast screening are provided to a large number of outside organisations and the post will include some travel. The post holder would be expected to hold a current driving licence, a pool car is available.
When working in other departments, the post holder will liaise with local heads of department, superintendents etc adhering to local policies and practices.
Reports of all work will be produced in a format agreed by the service and within acceptable timescale following measurements.
Person Specification
Educations, Training and Qualifications
Essential
1. BSc (Hons) Physics or equivalent
2. MSc in Radiation Physics or equivalent experience
3. Registered Clinical Scientist
4. Registered Medical Physics Expert (Diagnostic Radiology)
5. Current driving licence
Desirable
6. Registered Radiation Protection Advisor or Laser Protection Advisor
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
7. Extensive specialist knowledge in radiation and imaging physics as applied to medicine
8. Able to performance test a wide range of diagnostic x-ray equipment complexed equipment. Experience of developing performance testing procedures on equipment new to organisation
9. Experience in the areas of the use of ionising radiation in medical physics, medical imaging evaluation, radiation detection and measurement
Desirable
10. Knowledge of programming languages
11. Highly specialised knowledge of laser safety
Skills
Essential
12. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
13. Able to understand and operate a wide range of diagnostic imaging equipment
Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
14. Able to train specialist and non-specialist staff in complex highly specialist subject matter ( radiation physics, legislation etc)