Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Clinical Scientist to lead the brachytherapy section within Radiotherapy Physics and to deputise for the Head of Quality Control and Dosimetry at our Queen Elizabeth Hospital site. The successful candidate will be responsible for the physics aspects of brachytherapy, including implementation of a per-fraction MR-guided technique, development of our gynae brachytherapy service, as well as calibration and storage of sources and compliance with legislation. You will be registered as MPE with RPA 2000, or in exceptional circumstances instead possess considerable experience allowing imminent registration post-appointment.
The Radiotherapy Physics Service has 48 WTE scientific and technical staff working to help deliver approximately 60,000 radiotherapy patient fractions per year on six Elekta Versa linear accelerators with FFF capability, two TomoTherapy HD units, a Radixact unit, and a CyberKnife. The department has three wide-bore CT scanners, a dedicated HDR suite, a superficial x-ray unit and uses the RayStation and Precision planning systems. 4DCT, SABR and SGRT techniques are in routine use, as is a well-developed adaptive planning service. Current research and development interests include TBI on the TomoTherapy platform, small field dosimetry, geometric uncertainties, flash RT, and spatial fractionation.
Main Duties of the Job
You will manage the brachytherapy service, including establishing and overseeing the quality assurance, post upgrade checks and treatment planning procedures for all brachytherapy equipment. You will provide advice to and liaise with other members within the multi-disciplinary team to ensure effective and safe delivery of brachytherapy and provide specialist advice and support in clinical radiobiology issues related to brachytherapy treatments in particular. You will also provide support to physics dosimetry in radiotherapy and deputise for the Head of QC and Dosimetry as needed.
Due to the nature of the role the post holder will be required to regularly work evening shifts on at least one to two days per week (typically until 8pm). There will be occasions where flexible working is required, including weekend working.
About Us
We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this.
Our commitment to our staff is to create the best place for them to work, and we are dedicated to investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can; offering our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, to support their personal and career development objectives.
UHB is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated fairly and feel that they belong, by creating a kind and inclusive environment. This is about equity of opportunity; removing all barriers, including discrimination and ensuring each individual member of staff reaches their true potential, achieves their ambitions and thrives in their work.
Qualifications - Essential
* B.Sc Honours degree (1st or 2.1) in Physics or an appropriate relevant subject
* Relevant masters degree.
* Relevant PhD or equivalent level of expertise gained through development in role.
* Corporate membership of IPEM
* State Registration as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC.
* Registered as MPE with RPA 2000, or in exceptional circumstances instead possesses considerable experience allowing imminent registration post-appointment.
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
Experience - Essential
* Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of radiotherapy physics, radiation dosimetry, clinical radiobiology and radiation protection sufficient to act as Medical Physics Expert for Brachytherapy.
* Understanding of patient and staff risks arising from Radiotherapy Physics practice to be able to analyse highly complex situations and to provide highly specialist clinical and technical advice.
* Sound knowledge of scientific computing.
* Working knowledge of HR policies, PDRS policies and procedures.
* Good working knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and other guidelines.
* Working knowledge of international guidelines in radiation protection and radiation physics.
* Working knowledge of national initiatives within radiotherapy and medical physics, and how they affect the work of the Radiotherapy Physics Section.
* Extensive knowledge of radiotherapy Physics with responsible and relevant work in the field.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and discipline specific proficiency for maintenance of HCPC registration.
* In-depth practical experience with a wide range of radiotherapy equipment, radioactive sources and dosimetry procedures, particularly with respect to Brachytherapy.
Additional Criteria - Essential
* Effective communication skills both written and oral.
* Mathematically able with strong problem-solving skills.
* Scientifically able especially in the disciplines of radiation physics, brachytherapy, radiobiology and general medical physics.
* Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
* Able to manage workload effectively when the workload is unpredictable and clinically driven.
* Effective teaching skills at postgraduate level.
* Effective management skills sufficient to head the Brachytherapy section and deputise for the Head of Dosimetry and QA.
* Effective computer keyboard skills and knowledge of common software packages/data bases.
* Able to use complex treatment dose planning systems, particularly for brachytherapy work.
* Able to use and adapt the department's DICOM communication and database information system.
* Computer software development skills.
* Highly developed manual dexterity for precision measurements/repairs.
* Able to work flexibly which may include unsocial hours.
* Able to travel to all UHB sites and externally as required by the role.
Employer Details
Employer Name: University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TH
Employer's Website: https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm
#J-18808-Ljbffr