Job summary The Radiology Physics section within the Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering has close working relationships with colleagues in Nuclear Medicine, Kent and Medway Communication and Assistive Technology (KM CAT) service and Medical Devices Governance Team (MDGT). The department has links with local universities. We are a diverse, vibrant and dynamic department, well-integrated into the Trust and with representation and support at Care Group level. We provide scientific, technical and regulatory support to X-ray, ultrasound and laser facilities across the Trust and to the NHSBSP in East Kent. Recent staff surveys have demonstrated that staff in our department feel valued, listened to and supported in their work. There is a fair, inclusive and positive culture within the team. The current team comprises 10 members of staff, including clinical scientists, clinical technologists, a medical physics radiographer and technical administrator. Training and development are actively encouraged and supported, with opportunities for career development and progression. Main duties of the job The post holder will work with other team members in the provision of a comprehensive Radiology Physics service, acting as Medical Physics Expert (MPE) under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 [IR(ME)R 2017]. They will work at a senior level and with a high degree of autonomy, providing advice to facilitate regulatory compliance. About us We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day. Date posted 24 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 344-9779DCB Job locations Kent and Canterbury Hospital Ethelbert Road Canterbury CT1 3NG Job description Job responsibilities Clinical and Scientific 1. To interpret the legislative requirements for ionising and non-ionising radiation safety in order to advise and support managers, service leads and all staff with establishing and maintaining compliance. Legislation includes (but is not limited to) Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 2. To act as Medical Physics Expert, (MPE) for diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology under IR(ME)R17 and in accordance with relevant Trust policies, including: Liaising with multi-professional teams to facilitate the introduction of new equipment and services. Producing technical specifications and evaluating tender responses. Carrying out acceptance testing, commissioning and, where appropriate critical examination on behalf of the supplier, of complex diagnostic imaging equipment. Establishing, overseeing and reviewing suitable Quality Assurance programmes for this equipment. Carrying out scientific quality control and performance assessments on a wide range of diagnostic X-ray and ultrasound imaging systems, including, computed tomography, interventional and cardiac, mammography and dental imaging. Advising on the optimisation of image quality and radiation dose for diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology procedures in order to ensure maximum clinical benefit with minimum risk to patients and staff. Advising on the establishment of local dose reference levels Investigation of incidents involving accidental or unintended exposures, including risk assessments and advice regarding requirements for notifications. Review and approval of research exposures for clinical trials involving diagnostic radiology. 3. To assist the Radiation Protection Adviser(s) to EKHUFT under IRR17 and in accordance with relevant Trust policies, including: Design of new or modified radiological facilities including shielding requirements, engineering controls, warning devices, design features and safety features. Radiation risk assessments. Classification of workers. Designation of controlled and supervised areas and appropriate systems of work. Contingency planning. Investigation of incidents, including risk assessments and advice regarding requirements for external notifications The regular calibration of radiation monitoring equipment used for monitoring levels of ionising radiation. Performance of radiation protection measurements, surveys and environmental monitoring. 4. To provide advice on the safe use of lasers in a clinical setting including compliance with national and international standards, safe systems of work and room design and in accordance with Trust policies and practices. 5. To provide advice on the safe use of ultrasound in a clinical setting, including screening programmes, advising on compliance with national and international standards and in accordance with Trust policies and practices. 6. To review compliance with ionising and non-ionising radiation safety legislation through a programme of inspection and audit and advise managers accordingly. 7. To participate in local and Trust radiation safety and governance meetings, (including Trust Radiation Advisory Committee and Trust Radiation Modalities Group). 8. To contribute to Trust-wide policies relating to radiation safety and governance. 9. To provide training and supervision for NSHCS STP trainees and those following IPEM Route 2 to registration. 10. To act as an internal auditor for the Departments Quality System. 11. To support Research and Development projects and supervise staff working on such projects including the evaluation of new techniques or emerging technologies 12. To undertake own Research and Development, promoting original work through scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at national and international scientific meetings 13. To teach other groups of professionals, (e.g. non-medical referrers, practitioners, operators, RPSs) about issues relating to radiation safety. 14. To prepare written reports on results of equipment and instrument testing, effectively communicating results of complex tests to users. 15. To develop and maintain computerised records, scientific spreadsheets, databases and inventories used by the section; assisting in their validation and full documentation as required by the departments Quality System. 16. To respond to emergencies involving radiation, including under the NAIR Scheme. Managerial 1. To act as a senior team member, assisting in management of the provision of a comprehensive Radiology Physics service. 2. To plan, prioritise and manage own workload. 3. To take responsibility for the work of scientific and technical staff working under their supervision. 4. To contribute to maintaining accreditation of the Quality Management System. 5. To promote the Radiology Physics section within the Trust and to other service providers. Professional 1. To maintain evidence of Continuing Professional Development in order to maintain HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist. 2. To hold and maintain recognised certificate to act as MPE. 3. To keep abreast of the latest technical and scientific developments relating to radiation protection, imaging physics and associated fields. 4. To develop professional, scientific and technical skills across the range of activities being undertaken in the role. 5. To participate in clinical governance activities of the Trust. 6. To participate in national working parties to develop NHS-wide guidance documents as appropriate Job description Job responsibilities Clinical and Scientific 1. To interpret the legislative requirements for ionising and non-ionising radiation safety in order to advise and support managers, service leads and all staff with establishing and maintaining compliance. Legislation includes (but is not limited to) Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 2. To act as Medical Physics Expert, (MPE) for diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology under IR(ME)R17 and in accordance with relevant Trust policies, including: Liaising with multi-professional teams to facilitate the introduction of new equipment and services. Producing technical specifications and evaluating tender responses. Carrying out acceptance testing, commissioning and, where appropriate critical examination on behalf of the supplier, of complex diagnostic imaging equipment. Establishing, overseeing and reviewing suitable Quality Assurance programmes for this equipment. Carrying out scientific quality control and performance assessments on a wide range of diagnostic X-ray and ultrasound imaging systems, including, computed tomography, interventional and cardiac, mammography and dental imaging. Advising on the optimisation of image quality and radiation dose for diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology procedures in order to ensure maximum clinical benefit with minimum risk to patients and staff. Advising on the establishment of local dose reference levels Investigation of incidents involving accidental or unintended exposures, including risk assessments and advice regarding requirements for notifications. Review and approval of research exposures for clinical trials involving diagnostic radiology. 3. To assist the Radiation Protection Adviser(s) to EKHUFT under IRR17 and in accordance with relevant Trust policies, including: Design of new or modified radiological facilities including shielding requirements, engineering controls, warning devices, design features and safety features. Radiation risk assessments. Classification of workers. Designation of controlled and supervised areas and appropriate systems of work. Contingency planning. Investigation of incidents, including risk assessments and advice regarding requirements for external notifications The regular calibration of radiation monitoring equipment used for monitoring levels of ionising radiation. Performance of radiation protection measurements, surveys and environmental monitoring. 4. To provide advice on the safe use of lasers in a clinical setting including compliance with national and international standards, safe systems of work and room design and in accordance with Trust policies and practices. 5. To provide advice on the safe use of ultrasound in a clinical setting, including screening programmes, advising on compliance with national and international standards and in accordance with Trust policies and practices. 6. To review compliance with ionising and non-ionising radiation safety legislation through a programme of inspection and audit and advise managers accordingly. 7. To participate in local and Trust radiation safety and governance meetings, (including Trust Radiation Advisory Committee and Trust Radiation Modalities Group). 8. To contribute to Trust-wide policies relating to radiation safety and governance. 9. To provide training and supervision for NSHCS STP trainees and those following IPEM Route 2 to registration. 10. To act as an internal auditor for the Departments Quality System. 11. To support Research and Development projects and supervise staff working on such projects including the evaluation of new techniques or emerging technologies 12. To undertake own Research and Development, promoting original work through scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at national and international scientific meetings 13. To teach other groups of professionals, (e.g. non-medical referrers, practitioners, operators, RPSs) about issues relating to radiation safety. 14. To prepare written reports on results of equipment and instrument testing, effectively communicating results of complex tests to users. 15. To develop and maintain computerised records, scientific spreadsheets, databases and inventories used by the section; assisting in their validation and full documentation as required by the departments Quality System. 16. To respond to emergencies involving radiation, including under the NAIR Scheme. Managerial 1. To act as a senior team member, assisting in management of the provision of a comprehensive Radiology Physics service. 2. To plan, prioritise and manage own workload. 3. To take responsibility for the work of scientific and technical staff working under their supervision. 4. To contribute to maintaining accreditation of the Quality Management System. 5. To promote the Radiology Physics section within the Trust and to other service providers. Professional 1. To maintain evidence of Continuing Professional Development in order to maintain HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist. 2. To hold and maintain recognised certificate to act as MPE. 3. To keep abreast of the latest technical and scientific developments relating to radiation protection, imaging physics and associated fields. 4. To develop professional, scientific and technical skills across the range of activities being undertaken in the role. 5. To participate in clinical governance activities of the Trust. 6. To participate in national working parties to develop NHS-wide guidance documents as appropriate Person Specification Qualifications and Training Essential Good honours degree in Physics or closely-related subject IPEM-accredited MSc in Medical Physics HCPC registration as Clinical Scientist Corporate membership of IPEM (or equivalent) MPE certification Desirable Management qualification RPA accreditation Skills and Experience Essential Specialist practical experience of medical imaging equipment quality assurance, (especially diagnostic and interventional radiology and ultrasound), patient dosimetry, image processing and analysis techniques Sufficient experience to act as Medical Physics Expert under IR(ME)R 17 in the field of diagnostic and interventional radiology In-depth understanding of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and other guidelines, relating to the use of ionising and non-ionising radiation in a healthcare setting Specialist understanding of risks to patients and staff arising from ionising radiation, and the precautions required Ability to supervise work of scientific and technical staff and trainees Ability to work quickly and accurately, applying scientific methods to resolve complex problems Manual dexterity to make accurate measurements using sophisticated test equipment Ability to produce detailed and accurate written reports Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to convey complex information effectively and accurately to non-specialists at all levels Ability to train groups of other professional staff Ability to identify areas for R&D focus Good fundamental computing skills Knowledge of Excel, Word, Access etc for the purpose of setting up spreadsheets and databases to carry out complex scientific analysis of measurement data Specialist knowledge of the techniques employed to measure the performance and safety of non-ionising equipment such as medical lasers, ultrasound and ultraviolet. Ability to lift medium / heavy test equipment, greater than 20kg Desirable Sufficient experience to act as Radiation Protection Adviser under IRR17 within the field of diagnostic and interventional radiology Project management Use of Quality Systems Use of diagnostic imaging PACS and RIS systems and networks Experience of supervising STP and /or Route 2 trainees Experience of presenting scientific papers at national and international conferences Theoretical and practical knowledge of other imaging modalities (NM, MRI etc) Governance Essential Report to Trust Radiation Advisory Committee Support the Medical Physics Governance Groups, (Quality & Risk and Finance & Performance Personal/Professional Attributes Essential Capacity to use initiative when working within areas of competence Ability to prioritise and manage own workload in a busy environment Ability to work independently and flexibly Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods, particularly when making extensive sets of measurements Highly motivated and able to influence and inspire others Commitment to Trust Values Person Specification Qualifications and Training Essential Good honours degree in Physics or closely-related subject IPEM-accredited MSc in Medical Physics HCPC registration as Clinical Scientist Corporate membership of IPEM (or equivalent) MPE certification Desirable Management qualification RPA accreditation Skills and Experience Essential Specialist practical experience of medical imaging equipment quality assurance, (especially diagnostic and interventional radiology and ultrasound), patient dosimetry, image processing and analysis techniques Sufficient experience to act as Medical Physics Expert under IR(ME)R 17 in the field of diagnostic and interventional radiology In-depth understanding of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and other guidelines, relating to the use of ionising and non-ionising radiation in a healthcare setting Specialist understanding of risks to patients and staff arising from ionising radiation, and the precautions required Ability to supervise work of scientific and technical staff and trainees Ability to work quickly and accurately, applying scientific methods to resolve complex problems Manual dexterity to make accurate measurements using sophisticated test equipment Ability to produce detailed and accurate written reports Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to convey complex information effectively and accurately to non-specialists at all levels Ability to train groups of other professional staff Ability to identify areas for R&D focus Good fundamental computing skills Knowledge of Excel, Word, Access etc for the purpose of setting up spreadsheets and databases to carry out complex scientific analysis of measurement data Specialist knowledge of the techniques employed to measure the performance and safety of non-ionising equipment such as medical lasers, ultrasound and ultraviolet. Ability to lift medium / heavy test equipment, greater than 20kg Desirable Sufficient experience to act as Radiation Protection Adviser under IRR17 within the field of diagnostic and interventional radiology Project management Use of Quality Systems Use of diagnostic imaging PACS and RIS systems and networks Experience of supervising STP and /or Route 2 trainees Experience of presenting scientific papers at national and international conferences Theoretical and practical knowledge of other imaging modalities (NM, MRI etc) Governance Essential Report to Trust Radiation Advisory Committee Support the Medical Physics Governance Groups, (Quality & Risk and Finance & Performance Personal/Professional Attributes Essential Capacity to use initiative when working within areas of competence Ability to prioritise and manage own workload in a busy environment Ability to work independently and flexibly Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods, particularly when making extensive sets of measurements Highly motivated and able to influence and inspire others Commitment to Trust Values 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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). Employer details Employer name East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust Address Kent and Canterbury Hospital Ethelbert Road Canterbury CT1 3NG Employer's website https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ (Opens in a new tab)