Radiotherapy Research Physicist

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

We are looking for an enthusiastic research physicist, mathematician or computer scientist to join a team of physicists, engineers and dosimetrists/technologists for an initial fixed-term 2-year research post. This position is supported by an EPSRC program grant, MaThRad (Mathematical Theory of Radiation Transport), and presents an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of innovative research in the field of radiation therapy.

You hold, or are close to completing, a PhD in Physics, mathematics or computer science with evidence of research dissemination and radiotherapy physics experience.

You will have a practical and theoretical understanding of radiotherapy physics. Experience with Proton Beam radiotherapy would be an advantage but is not essential.

Main duties of the job

The main role of this post is to:

• Provide support for the development and implementation of state-of-the-art automated planning techniques at UCLH.
• Be based within the radiotherapy physics department at UCLH and participate in scientific research activities in radiation oncology physics.
• Collaboratively design and rigorously test tools for automated planning and the objective assessment of clinical plans, with a strong emphasis on transparency and the ultimate potential for clinical application.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians.
• Participate in knowledge dissemination through presentations and publications.
• Work closely with other researchers at the National Physical Laboratory and Universities of Warwick, Bath and of Cambridge and other collaborators including industrial partners.
• Aid non-clinical researchers and actively engage in research retreats, fostering collaborations with academic and industrial partners

About us

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

• University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

At UCLH, we have a real 'One Team' ethos, and our values - safety, kindness, teamwork and improving, are central to the way we work. This is supported by our staff, who voted us as the #1 NHS Acute Trust to work for in the whole of England.

Job responsibilities

The Main duties of the postholder are:

• Carry out research projects mostly focused on automated planning and adaptive radiotherapy. This will involve collaborations with other staff both in UCLH and elsewhere.
• To ensure that the Trust complies with all safety legislation in the remit of the radiotherapy physics department.
• To participate in the development of automated planning workflows or other research and development, and to communicate the results of such research and development, as appropriate, by publication or at scientific meetings.
• To assist with the data collection and analysis to support the implementation of novel techniques in the clinic.
• Teaching, and training. This includes providing guidance and training for students and staff temporarily or permanently attached to the medical physics department.
• Prioritise and manage own work.
• Working to and maintaining the relevant section of an ISO9000 (2000) Quality System.
• Keep careful records of work performed and complete other appropriate records.
• The post holder will be required to have a good knowledge of one or more programming language and be able to develop software to support the research aims.
• Keep abreast of the latest scientific and technical developments and their applications in medical and associated fields and attend suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the department.
• The postholder will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to the research Lead at UCLH and relevant Senior Physicists.
• Personal initiative and a keen sense of responsibility with a high degree of accuracy are expected.

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Person Specification Knowledge and Qualifications

• Good First Degree in a Physical Science or equivalent
• Training and/or experience in a relevant Physics or Mathematics discipline to postgraduate diploma level
• Knowledge of relevant programming language (e.g. Python, MATLAB, etc.)
• Advanced computer skills, especially in database and presentation applications
• Knowledge of radiotherapy techniques and clinical applications
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
• PhD in Physics or Mathematics or other relevant discipline
• Knowledge of radiotherapy PBT techniques and clinical applications
• Understanding of patient and staff risks arising from treatment planning computer system errors, equipment failure, treatment errors and incorrect dosimetry

Experience

• Experience in analysing and interpreting complex data produced from research projects
• Experience of conducting literature reviews
• Experience of conducting research
• Experience with software development
• Relevant experience in Treatment Planning
• Experience working in clinical Environment with clinical staff
• Experience of presenting at national or international conferences
• Experience of research within a Clinical healthcare setting

Skills and Abilities

• Problem solving skills and ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances
• Willingness to attend courses and keep abreast of developments in the service
• Evidence of initiative and collaborations
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work independently

Communication

• Ability to communicate complex information to audiences with varying backgrounds and knowledge

Personal and People Development

• Experience of training junior Staff including (e.g. doctors, physicists, and/or radiographers)
• Evidence of Continuing personal development (CPD)
• Ability to supervise and teach junior staff
• Demonstrates accountability for actions
• Proactive in developing self and others

Specific Requirements

• Willingness to work flexibly to achieve the desired project outcomes

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 College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£42,471 to £50,364 a yearPer annum inclusive of HCAS

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