Job Summary
The post holder will be a member of a team of scientists providing comprehensive scientific support to the Nuclear Medicine service at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and external customers, including the Nottingham PET/CT Centre. They will be expected to have a high level of specialist clinical-scientific knowledge to enable them to support the delivery of safe and efficient services.
The role will involve contributions to all scientific aspects of the service including supporting a wide range of clinical procedures (diagnostic and molecular radiotherapy), radiopharmacy, performance and analysis of quality assurance tests, teaching and training, maintenance of the quality management system, and service development and research.
The post holder will undertake activities at both Nottingham City Hospital and Queen's Medical Centre (QMC), and will be required to travel to the sites of external customers.
An ideal candidate would hold HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist. We also welcome applications from STP trainees, but you must be within 15 months of completion, and you would be appointed on Annex 21 of Band 7 until completion of training.
Main Duties of the Job
Participating in the QA programme for equipment in the section. Performing radiopharmaceutical product release. Image analysis of Nuclear Medicine investigations in preparation for reporting. Quantitative analysis of patient investigations and reporting where appropriate. Providing scientific support to staff and patients in the nuclear medicine clinics. Supporting the delivery of the molecular radionuclide therapy service. Maintenance of the Nuclear Medicine quality management system. Involved in the training and development of staff within the Nuclear Medicine Section. Participating in research and service development.
Job Responsibilities
1. Clinical & Scientific
1.1. Be responsible for providing scientific support to the nuclear medicine clinics (including MRT) according to the duty physicist rota and as required at other times. The tasks will include:
a. processing and reporting complex clinical investigations
b. providing scientific support to clinic staff
c. resolving complex equipment related issues to ensure smooth delivery of service
d. supporting the radiopharmacy service as required
1.2. Communicate information regarding investigations to patients, and if appropriate their carers. In particular discuss the risks arising from ionising radiation and put these into a context that can be understood by patients or carers to provide reassurance.
1.3. Communicate with referring doctors regarding the investigations, including providing information on the investigation to aid their interpretation.
1.4. Work closely with radiologists, technologists and other staff to optimise patient investigations and image processing procedures.
1.5. To act as an operator under the definitions of the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 in accordance with Trust Policies and Practices.
1.6. To participate in the quality assurance (QA) programme within Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT, such as:
a. performing quality control checks on all imaging and non-imaging equipment
b. producing reports on the evaluation and performance of equipment
c. contributing to the investigation of complex problems on patient critical equipment
d. contributing to the development, commissioning and testing of new or updated clinical software
e. regular review of existing procedures in line with Quality Management System
1.7. Initiate and participate in research and development in the Nuclear Medicine Section and in other Trust and academic departments as agreed with the Head of Section.
1.8. Analyse and interpret the results from R & D studies for presentation at scientific meetings and publication in peer review journals.
1.9. Identify possible service developments and new areas of work so as to maximise the benefit of our service to patients and other customers.
2. Teaching, Training and Research
2.1. Involved in the delivery of training to clinical scientists and technologists on training schemes and others students.
2.2. To assist in the teaching of nuclear medicine outside the department including FRCR and IRMER.
2.3. Present original work at meetings and conferences and in publication. Present seminars and feedback on meetings.
2.4. Encourage, instigate and participate in research and innovation projects and audit.
3. Professional
3.1. Participate in Continuing Professional Development to maintain Health & Care Professional Council registration.
3.2. Keep abreast of the latest technical and scientific developments and their applications in medical and associated fields as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the section.
3.3. Ensure all activities are carried out within the ISO quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and Local Rules.
3.4. When working with other stakeholders, the post holder will liaise with a range of other professionals and must adhere to local policies and practices. The post holder will behave courteously and professionally at all times.
3.5. Working hours will be 7.5hrs per day Monday to Friday, but the post holder will be expected to work flexibly and occasionally outside the normal working hours of the section.
3.6. Prioritise and manage own workload and meet agreed objectives.
3.7. Perform other appropriate duties which may be required from time to time by the Head of Section.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
* Successful completion of STP or able to complete within 15 months, including relevant postgraduate qualification
Desirable
* HCPC registered Clinical Scientist
Experience
Essential
* Experience working with wide range of nuclear medicine investigations
* Experience performing QA of nuclear medicine equipment
Desirable
* Experience in molecular radionuclide therapy
* Experience in PET/CT
* Able to demonstrate research activity
Communication and Relationship Skills
Essential
* Able to communicate effectively with patients, their carers and clinical colleagues
* Able to present scientific papers at conference/meetings
* Able to discuss complex equipment performance issues with manufacturers and suppliers
* Able to work as part of a team
Analytical and Judgement Skills
Essential
* Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations, including equipment faults and patients
* Able to analyse and interpret complex data
* Able to review and critically appraise emerging scientific literature
Planning and Organisation Skills
Essential
* Able to prioritise and manage own work
Desirable
* Able to design and manage research and service development projects
Physical Skills
Essential
* Able to make accurate and precise equipment performance measurements
* Able to handle and manipulate radioactivity safely
Other Requirements Specific to the Role
Essential
* Able to work across both Nuclear Medicine departments at NUH (Nottingham City Hospital and Queen's Medical Centre) and periodically support external sites
* Understanding of relevant legislation, national standards, and professional guidelines
Desirable
* Holds UK Driving License
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