Principal Clinical Scientist (XR08)
| Posting date: | 27 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £55,690.00 to £62,682.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £55690.00 - £62682.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 March 2026 |
| Location: | Leeds, LS9 7TF |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | C9298-ONC-0624 |
Summary
Role Purpose The postholder fulfils the statutory role of Medical Physics Expert (MPE) under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R). The role provides highly specialised scientific, technical, and clinical expertise supporting safe, accurate, and innovative radiotherapy services across domains such as radiotherapy technology, treatment planning, imaging, brachytherapy, Gamma Knife, and research. Scientific & Clinical Duties Deliver expert medical physics support to radiotherapy services; act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE); provide advice on dosimetry, radiation protection, imaging, planning, and technology. Perform and oversee equipment installation, acceptance testing, commissioning, calibration, dosimetry, QA and QC. Assess equipment safety and clinical readiness, lead responses to technology failures, and support treatment planning, plan checking, and technique development (e.g. IMRT/VMAT/SABR). Leadership & Supervision Deputise for Section Heads or senior physicists. Supervise scientific and technical staff, assess trainee competency, identify training needs, and ensure adequate equipment and resources. Quality & Safety Manage Quality Assurance programmes and datasets. Maintain compliance with IR(ME)R, radiation safety legislation, and Local Rules. Conduct risk assessments and maintain equipment/data records. Clinical Service Development Identify opportunities for service improvement. Implement new techniques and technologies. Lead evaluation and clinical implementation of new equipment and software. Contribute to strategic planning. Teaching & Training Deliver teaching and training to physicists, radiographers, clinicians, and students. Contribute to academic programmes (e.g. MSc Medical Physics), FRCR training, and trainee supervision. Research & Innovation Lead and participate in research and development activities. Evaluate emerging technologies and techniques. Publish and present scientific work. Support clinical trials and supervise research staff/students. Professional Responsibilities Participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD), maintain professional registration, and remain current with advances in radiotherapy physics. Working Relationships Collaborate closely with clinical oncologists, radiographers, clinical scientists, technologists, engineers, and external NHS/academic/industry partners. Communicate complex technical information regularly. Special Working Conditions Regular handling of heavy QA equipment; prolonged concentration and VDU use; interaction with cancer patients; work with ionising radiation, radioactive sources, high-voltage systems, RF/laser systems, and lead materials. Occasional out-of-hours work and travel may be required. Values & Conduct Aligned with organisational values including patient-centred care, collaboration, fairness, accountability, and empowerment. Emphasis on safety, integrity, quality, confidentiality, and continuous improvement.