Healthcare Scientist

We are seeking a clinical scientist to join our team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, working in the Radiotherapy Physics department. The team boasts a culture which is passionately committed to innovative, high-quality care.


The Beacon Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital provides a cutting-edge radiotherapy service for Taunton and the surrounding area, including an established SABR programme and SGRT. We operate a modern fleet of three Elekta Versa HD linear accelerators (installed 2019-20) with Align RT SGRT system, a Canon Aquilion LB CT simulator and an Xstrahl 200 superficial therapy unit.


The core purpose of the radiotherapy physics service is to:


Maintain, update and develop the highly complex radiation science infrastructure upon which The Beacon Centre radiotherapy service depends.
Produce and check treatment plans for patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Regularly perform quality assurance checks on all relevant radiotherapy planning and delivery equipment.
Contribute to and take a lead in the research and development activities of the Beacon Radiotherapy Service.

The post holder provides specialist clinical scientist services to patients of the Radiotherapy Department such that they receive safe, accurate and efficient radiotherapy treatments.


The post holder will perform quality assurance and calibration procedures on radiotherapy treatment and radiation dosimetry equipment. They will also participate in the work of the Treatment Planning Section and undertake development projects as assigned by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics and Lead Clinical Scientists. The post holder will have a role in governance and quality management for the Department.


The post holder is expected to fulfil the role of an Operator under the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2017 and is registered as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
With great educational opportunities, an abundance of open countryside, cultural festivals, local traditions, and throw in a cost of living that will see you afford a higher quality of life - Somerset has so much to offer you. It is a beautiful county which offers a diverse lifestyle to suit the needs for your work life balance.
The post holder will be working as a Clinical Scientist in Radiotherapy Physics. MSc or equivalent in radiotherapy physics [or equivalent field]
Knowledge and practical experience of all main areas of radiotherapy physics, particularly radiation physics, radiotherapy technology and radiation dosimetry
Good understanding of all aspects of patient progress through radiotherapy and the requirements of a radiotherapy physics service to ensure that it is performed in a safe and accurate manner
Production and checking of external beam radiotherapy treatment plans
Completion of machine specific QC checks
Completion of patient specific QC checks
Assisting in the commissioning new radiotherapy equipment
Problem solving in the context of a multi-disciplinary radiotherapy team
Working with Radiotherapy imaging equipment
Participation in training of other staff

Experience in use of Elekta linac and Mosaiq, Pinnacle3 TPS, Align RT SGRT and Sun Nuclear instrumentation


Evidence of a good standard of literacy/English language skills
Able to present scientific papers at national and international conferences
Negotiation skills and effective influencing skills: in general and when dealing with complex medical equipment and equipment interaction issues at operational level
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust