Job summary
Medical Physics provides scientific and technical support to a wide range of clinical and laboratory services in the Trust and to many external clients. With a large staff of scientific and technical personnel, and good facilities, the Department provides advice and support in applying physical science and engineering to a wide range of techniques and facilities in health care.
Main duties of the job
You will be working in the Radiation Safety Section of the Medical Physics Department and primarily based at the Guy's Hospital site, although completing work assignments at any of the Trust locations and for a range of external contracts. The Radiation Safety team comprises of experienced scientists and technicians whose aim is to ensure the quality, safety and effectiveness of the use of radiation on patients in healthcare. A wide range of advice and support is offered for work including: X-rays, radioisotopes, lasers and microwaves. An important part of this work is to ensure that the Trust and external clients follow relevant legislation and guidelines.
About us
Guy's and St Thomas' is one of the largest hospital trusts in the country, with around 13,650 staff; an annual turnover of more than £ billion; and 2 million patient contacts a year. Our hospitals have a long and proud history, dating back almost 900 years, and have been at the forefront of medical progress and innovation since they were founded. We continue to build on these traditions and have a reputation for clinical, teaching and research provide a full range of hospital services for our local communities and we also provide specialist services for patients from further afield, including cancer, cardiac, kidney, women's and orthopaedic services, and we are home to the Evelina Children's Hospital. We have also merged with the Royal Brompton Hospital and Harefield Hospital at the start of 2021, making us an even larger NHS Trust offering an even more extensive range and depth of services. See an organisation we are committed to developing our services in ways that best suit the needs of our patients. This means that some staff groups will increasingly be asked to work a more flexible shift pattern so that we can offer services in the evenings or at weekends. We also have a positive approach to corporate social responsibility and are keen to engage our staff in an agenda that ranges from promoting environmental sustainability to the creation of local employment opportunities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be required to carry out X-ray status testing on a full range of X-ray imaging systems including CT scanners and mammography X-ray systems. Supporting the quality assurance and optimisation of diagnostic radiology systems. The post holder will be expected to participate in multidisciplinary optimisation working groups, setting up procedures for utilising a dose management systems, and be involved in giving advice on equipment purchasing decisions. The post holder will assist the MPEs in preparing dose reports for ethics submissions. The postholder will assist the MPEs and RPA's in their work and be encouraged to work towards these accreditations. Participation in research and development work will be expected, including presenting at meetings and publication in peer reviewed journals, and giving formal lectures. The post holder will also have an important role in being involved in new installation projects, and the ongoing radiology QA work of the group. While this is primarily a radiology focused role, the radiation safety team also provide scientific support to nuclear medicine and radiotherapy and giving laser safety advice to clients. There may be the opportunity for some work in these areas although the primary focus of this role will be on diagnostic radiology and St Thomas celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or studys at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership. Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. Equality of opportunity is our an organisation we are committed to developing our services in ways that best suit the needs of our patients. This means that some staff groups will increasingly be asked to work a more flexible shift pattern so that we can offer services in the evenings or at weekends.
Person Specification
Registrations
Essential
1. Current state registration as a Clinical Scientist in the UK
Qualifications
Essential
2. Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in relevant subject
3. Relevant MSc or higher degree
Knowledge and experience
Essential
4. Basic knowledge across a range of medical X-ray imaging system status testing
5. Experience of testing and optimising for patient use advanced X-ray imaging systems
6. Working knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and other guidelines IRR2017, IRMER2017, ISO9001, Medical and Dental Guidance Notes
7. Able to train groups of other professional staff
8. Able to deliver teaching and training on complex subjects
9. Experience of performing laser audits
10. Experience of performing patient dose audit
11. Experience of radioactive substance record keeping (on disposal, storage etc)
12. Experience of performing radioactive substances lab audits
Desirable
13. Knowledge of methods for quantitative and qualitative analysis of medical images