Clinical Scientist

Job summary

Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is seeking to appoint an experienced HCPC registered Clinical Scientist specialising in nuclear medicine to join our friendly, dedicated team. We deliver nuclear medicine scientific support and radiation protection services to the Nuclear Medicine diagnostics service including radiopharmacy. Based at Torbay Hospital with the Clinical & Radiation Physics (CRP) team within Medical Physics.

The post holder will collaborate with CRP colleagues in Royal Devon University Healthcare to develop services & implement best practice across both departments.

The post offers an excellent opportunity to develop & broaden experience in all aspects of the service. Contributing to our QA programme, teaching and training developing clinical scientists and technologists & also encouraged to develop & implement image optimisation techniques in collaboration with clinical staff.

You will support our radiation protection activities in nuclear medicine covering IRR17, EPR16 and IRMER17 compliance. Applicants should have a good honours degree in physical sciences & MSc in medical physics or equivalent experience. Ideally have experience of working in some or all areas described above & will be a clinical scientist registered with HCPC, candidates close to completing registration will be considered.

Applications which do not meet the essential criteria may be considered for appointment at a lower band.

Main duties of the job

The Clinical & Radiation Physics service provides scientific and technical support to all users of ionising and non-ionising radiation within the Medical Physics SEND network (South, East and North Devon). This includes quality assurance and acceptance testing of radiological equipment and the provision of a radiation protection service. This service provides advice and develops processes and procedures to ensure the Trust's compliance with all relevant legislation.

About us

This role specifically supports the provision of nuclear medicine physics and radiation protection services to the Trust and others. The jobholder will also liaise with external customers.

Why Work With Us

Job description

Job responsibilities

Provide clinical technical services to maintain and enhance the medical physics services to both NHS and commercial customers concerned with the safe use of ionising and non-ionising radiation. This includes:

Undergoing advanced training in all areas of Nuclear Medicine Physics and Radiation Safety, to include non-ionising as required. Provide scientific support for all aspects of imaging with ionising radiations, making judgements involving complex facts & situations which require the analysis and interpretation of a range of options. Contribute to the specification and selection of radiological equipment. Perform acceptance and commissioning measurements on new radiological equipment and advise of suitability for clinical use. Undertake routine and non-routine quality control measurements to a high degree of accuracy on a broad spectrum of highly complex patient-critical equipment. Undertake complex analysis of images. Advise on safety and suitability of equipment for clinical use. Contribute to optimisation of medical exposures for patients undergoing diagnosis and treatment. Coordinate the programme of Dose Audit and in conjunction with the MPE advise on Diagnostic Reference Levels for medical exposures. Carry out complex dose calculations using computational methods to calculate dose and risk to patients. Contributing to research and development projects where assigned, including making a major contribution to the commissioning of new radiological equipment, software and techniques. Contribute to the investigation and analysis of untoward events and, in conjunction with the MPE determine if any such events are notifiable to CQC as a Significant Accidental or Unintended Exposure Undertake routine work in all areas of Clinical & Radiation Physics when required. Plan and organise straightforward tasks/activity programmes to meet service requirements. Contribute to the provision of scientific services in support of MRI, Ultrasound, UV and Lasers as requested by the Lead Physicist. Supervise and/or train staff/students/trainees within scope of practice.

Assist the lead physicist for Radiation Safety in the provision of services:

Design and specification of facilities for use with ionising and non-ionising radiations. Calculations of shielding required for new or modified facilities, including application of dose constraints. Perform radiation risk assessments. Development of procedures for safe working. Contribute to the optimisation of exposure of staff and public. Review of personal and environmental dosimetry measurements and contribute to investigations where Dose Investigation Levels have been exceeded. Performance of radiation safety audits. Provide radiation protection training. Person Specification

Qualifications and training

Essential

BSc in Physical Science MSc or higher degree in Medical Physics State Registration as a Clinical Scientist (specialising in Diagnostic Radiology Physics / Radiation Safety)

Desirable

IPEM full Membership

Knowledge and experience

Essential

Advanced IT skills including Excel, Word and PowerPoint Ability to communicate effectively with different staff groups - including clinical scientists, clinical technologists, radiographers, medical staff and clerical staff Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of ionising and non-ionising radiological equipment & testing methods Specialist theoretical knowledge and experience of relevant legislation, national standards and other guidelines Knowledge of nuclear medicine QC and dosimetry in Nuclear Medicine Physics, patient dosimetry techniques for Nuclear Medicine investigations Experience of working within a medical physics environment Able to accept high level of autonomy and act under own initiative, including knowing when to seek advice from senior colleagues Experience in surveillance of radiological equipment Able to solve complex problems using analytical skills and clinical judgement.

Desirable

Experience of working within a Quality Management System Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of non ionising radiological equipment & testing methods

Specific Skills

Essential

Good verbal and written communication skills, able to communicate complex information to many groups of staff at a range of levels and across professional boundaries Needs to be able to work with concentration and accuracy on complex technical issues where the work pattern is unpredictable, handling interruptions as they arise. Ability to make accurate measurements using sophisticated fine testing equipment, where accuracy is important While operating QA and test equipment (> 10kg / delicate & cumbersome), able to occasionally exert moderate physical effort for several short periods during a shift Able to deal with occasional exposure to unpleasant conditions.

Requirements due to work environment/conditions

Essential

The post holder must demonstrate a positive commitment to uphold diversity and equality policies approved by the Trust. Ability to travel to other locations as required

Desirable

Driving Licence

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