Lead Clinical Scientist (Ionising Radiation)

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 26 May 2024

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) are delighted to announce our new partnership with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) to deliver Diagnostic Medical Physics services across the county of Somerset. As a key part of this, we're excited to be recruiting for a Lead Clinical Scientist for Ionising Radiation to join our Trust and help us to deliver this innovative collaboration.

This post is based in Somerset and will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the local service alongside the Lead Clinical Scientist for Non-Ionising Radiation and leading our team of Clinical Scientists and Technologists. In this role, you'll be supported by the Head of Medical Physics, employed by OUH and specifically dedicated to Somerset, and a wider team of partnership colleagues providing comprehensive leadership and guidance.

This role would suit an accredited RPA and MPE with experience working within the NHS environment. If you are looking for your first leadership position, this could be the opportunity for you as we are pleased to offer comprehensive leadership development support to help you in your new role.

If you are currently an MPE working towards becoming an RPA, we are able to offer an 8a development role into 8b, with supervision from within the partnership, please do contact us to discuss opportunities.

Main duties of the job

As part of our transformation, we're also building a network approach with Regional NHS Trusts to deliver our Medical Physics services. This means there will be plenty of opportunities for colleagues to undertake teaching, professional development, research, and work in Tertiary centres on complex equipment. We also have ambitions to build a training programme to develop Clinical Scientist talent within the South West in collaboration with our Regional and Oxford partners, it is a very exciting time to join us!

If you'd like to be a part of this innovative way of working, and you're looking for a new challenge- please do get in touch. We'd be delighted to hear from you to discuss opportunities and informal phone calls and visits are more than welcome!

Somerset is a wonderful county and if you are looking to relocate we have a competitive financial package available for this role and we can offer advice and support in your moving journey.

This role will require you to travel across the county of Somerset to deliver the Medical Physics Service therefore a UK driving license and access to your own vehicle is essential. We are supportive of flexible working arrangements including a hybrid model of working.

About us

As an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development.

You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts.

We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.

Somerset offers the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!

Date posted

21 March 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£58,972 to £68,525 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

184-LP6162522

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Parkfield Drive

Taunton

TA1 5DA


Job description

Job responsibilities

This role is responsible for the Trust-wide compliance with legislation, codes of practice and other relevant guidance in relation to ionising radiations

  • To act as RPA and MPE for the Trust

Provides professional expertise in Medical Physics and Radiation Protection with focus on:

  • All aspects of day-to-day radiological safety services including audit and safety advice
  • Implementation of QA programme on all modalities of ionising diagnostic radiological equipment
  • Establishment of an ongoing QC programme, providing training where necessary
  • Management of calibration procedures and radiation dosimetry equipment quality assurance
  • Assisting with equipment specification and selection, acceptance testing and leading the commissioning of diagnostic radiology equipment
  • Leading research and development projects as assigned by the Head of Medical Physics
  • Leading training of clinical scientists and clinical technologists ensuring competency to act as defined by national regulations and guidance
  • Conducting formal teaching to postgraduate students (MSc level, FRCR) and internal courses
  • Providing expert scientific support to the personal dosimetry service and occupational staff doses

Please refer to the attached job description for further details on the role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This role is responsible for the Trust-wide compliance with legislation, codes of practice and other relevant guidance in relation to ionising radiations

  • To act as RPA and MPE for the Trust

Provides professional expertise in Medical Physics and Radiation Protection with focus on:

  • All aspects of day-to-day radiological safety services including audit and safety advice
  • Implementation of QA programme on all modalities of ionising diagnostic radiological equipment
  • Establishment of an ongoing QC programme, providing training where necessary
  • Management of calibration procedures and radiation dosimetry equipment quality assurance
  • Assisting with equipment specification and selection, acceptance testing and leading the commissioning of diagnostic radiology equipment
  • Leading research and development projects as assigned by the Head of Medical Physics
  • Leading training of clinical scientists and clinical technologists ensuring competency to act as defined by national regulations and guidance
  • Conducting formal teaching to postgraduate students (MSc level, FRCR) and internal courses
  • Providing expert scientific support to the personal dosimetry service and occupational staff doses

Please refer to the attached job description for further details on the role.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Honours degree in Physics, or equivalent
  • Relevant Higher Degree (e.g. MSc)
  • HCPC registration as a Healthcare Scientist
  • Accreditation as a Radiation Protection Adviser under RPA2000 (or working towards)
  • Registered with RPA 2000 as a Medical Physics Expert
  • Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in Radiation Physics, Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection
  • Extensive experience working as a state registered clinical scientist specialising in diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection
  • Able to prepare and deliver highly complex scientific teaching and training to colleagues, trainees, and professional staff
  • Experience of preparing for and undergoing external inspection (CQC, HSE, accreditation)
  • Experience of undertaking audit
  • Full UK Driving Licence with ability and willingness to travel

Desirable

  • PhD by research or equivalent
  • Accreditation as a Radioactive Waste Adviser under RPA2000 (or working towards)
Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Honours degree in Physics, or equivalent
  • Relevant Higher Degree (e.g. MSc)
  • HCPC registration as a Healthcare Scientist
  • Accreditation as a Radiation Protection Adviser under RPA2000 (or working towards)
  • Registered with RPA 2000 as a Medical Physics Expert
  • Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in Radiation Physics, Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection
  • Extensive experience working as a state registered clinical scientist specialising in diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection
  • Able to prepare and deliver highly complex scientific teaching and training to colleagues, trainees, and professional staff
  • Experience of preparing for and undergoing external inspection (CQC, HSE, accreditation)
  • Experience of undertaking audit
  • Full UK Driving Licence with ability and willingness to travel

Desirable

  • PhD by research or equivalent
  • Accreditation as a Radioactive Waste Adviser under RPA2000 (or working towards)

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Musgrove Park Hospital

Parkfield Drive

Taunton

TA1 5DA


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Musgrove Park Hospital

Parkfield Drive

Taunton

TA1 5DA


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Associate Director of Patient Care

Toni Hall

Toni.Hall@Somersetft.nhs.uk

07393008515

Date posted

21 March 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£58,972 to £68,525 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

184-LP6162522

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Parkfield Drive

Taunton

TA1 5DA


Supporting documents

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