Job summary
We are seeking a Clinical Scientist with expert level knowledge & experience to join our growing team of ~30 scientists, technologists and administrators. We deliver scientific support to clinical radiology departments in the North West of England.
The post holder will:
- Manage and take the lead in developing scientific support / radiation protection services to diagnostic radiology departments in the region.
- Provide advice as a Radiation Protection Adviser (potentially also as a Laser Protection Adviser) and act as Medical Physics Expert, to ensure that NHS Trusts and other organisations can meet their statutory obligations.
- Provide support for the optimisation and development of radiological techniques with the aim of improving patient management and patient and staff safety.
- Take a major role in the management of DRRPS.
- Leadership roles within the group will be allocated based on applicant skills and group need. This may require the post holder to develop new knowledge/skills/experience.
- Candidates with experience delivering MPE (imaging) and RPA support to radiotherapy would be welcomed as the group grows support to The Christie radiotherapy centres.
- We would also welcome those with significant mammography, CT or fluoroscopy experience.
Main duties of the job
As a subject expert in your own right, you will play a major role in the CMPE RPA Body (recognised by the Health and Safety Executive under the requirements of IRR17), providing radiation protection advice to diagnostic and interventional radiology/cardiology departments and dental practitioners. You will be the primary radiation protection contact for specified organisations.
In addition, as Medical Physics Expert you will provide support for the optimisation of diagnostic and interventional radiology, developing and maintaining a close working relationship with the radiographic and clinical teams in these organisations.
A detailed knowledge of the regulations and imaging equipment is essential to support these activities. Maintaining RPA and MPE skill set will be expected.
You will be expected to provide in-depth expertise, and develop and implement improved ways of working. You will initiate and undertake projects in line with the group priorities. Applicants should be patient focused and flexible to change where quality can be improved.
Line management and contributing to group management is also a key part of the role. Teaching is a regular part of the role.
A current Full UK driving licence is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role.
Those who do not meet the full person spec may be appointed at a lower band with a development plan. Those with neither RPA nor MPE, will not be invited to interview. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
About us
We are the Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Section of the Imaging Physics and Radiation Protection Group within CMPE, based at The Christie in Manchester.
The group is active in research and development, currently working on projects including fluoroscopy skin dose and QA of cone beam CT. Professional activities are supported with recent involvement in the IPEM Medical and Dental Guidance Notes, FGDP Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners and EFOMP/EURADOS working parties on patient dosimetry.
Manchester is a hub for sport, music and culture as well as a friendly, vibrant city. The Christie is located 4 miles to the south of the City, in close proximity to Didsbury and Chorlton where there are many independent shops, restaurants and bars. There are a number of National Parks nearby and, for travelling further afield, Manchester International Airport (with flights to over 200 destinations) is minutes away while London is only 2 hours by train.
Due to the large regional service in the North West and formation of Imaging Networks, although the post is based at The Christie in Manchester, there may be scope to be based at another NHS Trust within the Greater Manchester or Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Systems. This might appeal to those who prefer living in the open countryside over city/suburb living.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Management
1.1. Work closely with the group leader in managing the activities of the group and in planning services.
1.2. Work in collaboration with the group leader in the setting and fulfilment of group objectives in line with Trust objectives and those of the Imaging Networks as appropriate.
1.3. Proactively participate in workforce development including appraisals, grievances, selection, recruitment and retention of staff.
1.4. Participate in and comply with the Quality Management System for the Group, likely providing leadership for a major component of the system and be an active member of the Management Review Committee. Undertake quality improvement.
1.5. Responsible for the quality of the service relevant to leadership role including data entry, analysis tools, records maintained (scientific, quality, management, advice etc) including the minutes of meetings, production of management reports e.g. KPIs from data available. Ensure appropriate use of IT packages used within service.
1.6. Act as line manager for Healthcare Scientists, Practitioners and administrators as allocated by the group leader, conducting staff appraisals and handling day-to-day matters such a leave requests or sickness absence reviews.
1.7. Be responsible for decisions on the purchase of equipment used in the provision of the radiation protection service.
1.8. Identify and maintain risks on the register as appropriate to leadership role and senior management position. Promote risk management within the team. Undertake incident investigation as required and promote learning.
1.9. Take part in duty manager rota in line with group needs.
1.10. Be familiar with contingency plans and proactively prepare to put in action.
1.11. Proactively provide supervision and support to the team, encouraging their progression as appropriate.
Scientific support to diagnostic radiology
2.1. Provide leadership in specific areas of the groups work, in providing in-depth expertise in these areas, planning group strategy and in developing new ways of working, and implementing these into the routine procedures of the Group. Work closely with the group leader and other leads within the team to ensure continuity of quality and service provision at role boundaries.
2.2. Provide Medical Physics Expert advice to specified Trusts and other customers, in line with the requirements of the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017. Contribute to development of group policy.
2.3. Provide a wide range of scientific advice to departments of radiology and other users of X-ray equipment, including matters such as equipment specification, optimisation of radiation dose and image quality, and resolution of problems in these areas. Use expertise to support customers who wish to gain accreditation of their services.
2.4. Undertake, as necessary, critical examinations and commissioning quality control measurements on x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. Provide written reports and advice to radiology managers, radiographers, radiologists.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good honours degree in appropriate physical science
- Higher degree (MSc or equivalent)
- HCPC registration as Clinical Scientist
- RPA certificate of competence
- Recognition as Medical Physics Expert
Desirable
- Corporate membership of IPEM or other equivalent professional body
- Management qualification PhD or equivalent research experience
- LPA certification
Experience
Essential
- Expert provision of scientific support in diagnostic radiology and radiation protection, including acting as an RPA and MPE
- In depth experience of testing x-ray equipment
- Policy development within the field
- Independent, self-motivated working.
- Identifying, planning and undertaking research or service development work
- Management of scientific staff
Desirable
- Research grant applications
- Supervision of project teams
- Leading on areas of work within a Medical Physics Department
- Project management/quality improvement
Skills
Essential
- Good computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access)
- Clear and articulate communicator
- Good interpersonal skills
- Scientific report writing
- Ability to produce good publications in scientific journals and conference presentations
- Effective collaboration with other organisations and staff groups.
- Ability to lead a team
- Performance of staff reviews and appraisals
- Ability to position intricate tests tools with precision, routinely Resilient
Desirable
- Advanced computer applications such as image analysis and processing
- Digital data management skills
- Technology uptake skills Programming skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Expert knowledge of radiological physics and radiation protection and UK regulatory framework
- In depth knowledge of X-ray equipment
- Basic understanding of HR policies and procedures
- Appropriate health and safety legislation
Desirable
- Working knowledge of quality management systems
- Optical radiation protection
Values
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisation's values and behaviours including respect towards others at all times.
- Patient focused
- Quality and governance focused
Other
Essential
- Valid full UK driving licence for manual car (or access to own automatic car)
- Willing to work flexibly in line with service needs (see notes below)
- Physically able to lift heavy equipment (up to 15 kg)
- Enthusiasm and commitment
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.
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 .
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 .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website .
Employer details
Employer name
The Christie NHS FT
Address
CMPE Diagnostic Radiology Physics Serv - D00003
Manchester
M20 4BX