Band 8a Principal Clinical Scientist – Brachytherapy
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Clinical Scientist to provide highly specialist expertise in the field of Radiotherapy Physics -- particularly in Brachytherapy. The successful candidate will deputise for the Head of Brachytherapy Physics and play a key role in ensuring that services are effectively provided and that strategies for developments are agreed. You will be expected to be actively involved in routine work, research and development projects.
You will be registered as MPE with RPA 2000 or 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, Precision and Oncentra 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. We will imminently be introducing a per fraction MR guided HDR brachytherapy technique.
Main duties of the job
You will provide highly specialist expertise particularly in Brachytherapy. Your skills will include the use of dosimetric techniques in brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy and the ability to determine the clinical acceptability of results. You will ensure that all dosimetry equipment is correctly calibrated prior to use and organise and perform QC on HDR brachytherapy equipment. You will also provide specialist advice and support for the brachytherapy service including the introduction of new complex planning techniques. You will deputise for the Head of Brachytherapy Physics and help co-ordinate projects and development work. 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:
1. Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can;
2. 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 reach their true potential, achieve their ambitions and thrive in their work. This is more than words. We are taking action. Our commitment to an inclusive culture is embedded at all levels of the organisation where every voice is heard, driven by our diverse and active staff networks, and at Board level by the Fairness Taskforce led by our CEO. We nurture a culture which empowers staff to challenge discriminatory behaviours and to enable people to bring their 'whole self' to a kinder, more connected and bold place to work.
University Hospitals Birmingham is a Smoke-Free premises hospital.
Job responsibilities
*Please Note: For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*
Person Specification
Qualifications
* B.Sc Honours degree (1 or 2:1) in Physics or an equivalent subject
* IPEM Accredited MSc or equivalent and/or PhD in radiation physics
* Relevant PhD or advanced training equivalent to doctoral level and above
* State Registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council
* On MPE register, or in position to join register soon after appointment
Experience
* Extensive knowledge of Radiotherapy Physics with a significant track record of responsible and relevant work in the field.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and discipline specific proficiency for maintenance of HPC registration, supported through records of CPD and PDRS assessments, or equivalent evidence of career progression and continuing learning.
* Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of radiotherapy physics (including brachytherapy physics), radiation dosimetry, clinical radiobiology and radiation protection sufficient to act as Medical Physics Expert for brachytherapy, calibration and dosimetry.
* Understanding of patient and staff risks arising from radiotherapy physics practice so as 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 PDRS policies and procedures
* Good working knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional, e.g. IRR, IR(ME)R, ISO 9001, and other relevant professional and regulatory body reports and guidelines
* Working knowledge of international guidelines in radiation protection and radiation physics e.g. ICRP, ICRU, IAEA reports etc.
* The post holder must understand the hazards posed by, and precautions needed with ionising radiation, electrical hazards, lasers and relevant biological hazards, and take relevant precautions.
Additional Criteria
* Able to demonstrate excellent leadership and motivational skills
* Able to demonstrate enthusiasm and show commitment.
* Able to demonstrate high level of self-motivation.
* Able to demonstrate a high degree of initiative.
* In-depth practical experience with a wide range of radiotherapy and imaging equipment, radioactive sources and dosimetry procedures
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.
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
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