Trainee Clinical Scientist

Functions of the Radiotherapy Physics Service, encompassing both a routine provision and the development and implementation of advanced techniques, include: carrying out patient radiotherapy treatment planning, related dosimetry and checking; advising clinical and medical staff on the physics of radiotherapy; measuring patient received radiation doses and radiotherapy treatment equipment output; ensuring the safety of patients and staff in a hazardous environment which includes exposure to high levels of ionising radiation; ensuring equipment is operating safely and effectively through rigorous quality control, and investigating and resolving complex faults; the evaluation, selection, procurement, installation, acceptance testing and commissioning of linear accelerators and other major items of equipment; design and manufacture of patient specific shielding devices; manufacture of treatment shells and other patient accessories to aid the immobilisation of patients and the accurate delivery of radiotherapy; and management and development of computer systems, networks and software. The main role of this post is to undergo Pre-Registration supernumerary Route 2 training by provide support to all aspects of the work, and undertake specialist clinical and scientific activities, within the Radiotherapy Physics Services. The post holder will undertake a broad range of tasks progressively following training, contribute to improving the quality of Service and be required to provide technical and scientific guidance for staff of other Directorates on interpretation of routine results and the assessment of the suitability of options. The post will provide the holder with continuing opportunities to progress within the field of Radiotherapy Physics.

The post holder will at times be assigned to specific projects managed by a Principal/Consultant Clinical Scientist and will contribute to relevant research and development projects, prepare and present scientific reports. The post holder may be expected to routinely work a typical pattern of two weekends per month. Managerial and Organisational Prioritise and manage own training to meet agreed outcomes, maintaining a high standard of scientific achievement; supervise and check the work of Pre-Registration Clinical Scientists and Practitioners In collaboration with a Clinical Scientist, plan, organise and undertake projects related to radiotherapy physics; coordinate activities with other staff groups as required Liaise with, and provide specialist professional advice to Clinical Scientists, Clinical Technologists, Consultant Medical staff, Radiographers, healthcare professionals and other staff, and patients Liaise with manufacturers and suppliers as requested Organise scientific meetings including preparing a specification, evaluating tenders from possible venues, organising a programme, confirming the speakers, preparing delegate packs including abstracts, securing sponsorship, collecting fees from delegates and issuing receipts, creating spreadsheets for planning and monitoring income and expenditure, setting up and operating audio-visual equipment Continue personal development through further study, projects, participation in scientific meetings within and beyond the Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, and be registered for Continuous Professional Development with an appropriate body Record, document and report work as appropriate To be accountable for his/her own professional actions; although free to initiate action within broad clinical or professional policies, guidance from peers or external reference points would be required To take part in performance appraisal and personal development review; undertake all mandatory training as required Clinical, Scientific and Technical Be familiar with treatment planning techniques for external beam therapy and produce complex treatment plans; carry out associated dosimetry calculations, in accordance with clinical prescription and agreed procedures; analyse requirements and make judgements regarding treatment parameters and patient dose effects to produce the required dose distribution over the treatment volume, using computerised planning systems as appropriate Discuss and agree approaches with clinical staff to create optimum treatment plans and advise on aspects of the treatment and patient setup, as required Using specialist knowledge and experience, check and approve routine treatment plans, dose calculations, immobilisation devices, shielding and templates produced by other members of staff Re-plan patient treatments where required, following treatment error or changes in patient shape; calculate the compensation required and subsequent patient dose Carry out manual dose calculations Undertake specialist equipment testing and quality control, and adjustments if required under supervision, on highly-complex patient-critical equipment (e.g. linear accelerators, IGRT systems, dose measuring and calcul