Head of Radiation Protection/Lead Clinical Scientist
| Posting date: | 19 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £64,455.00 to £74,896.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £64455.00 - £74896.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 29 March 2026 |
| Location: | 317 Trustwide, DH1 5TW |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C9317-26-0217 |
Summary
The Nuclear Medicine Service at CDDFT comprises approximately 20 staff, including clinical scientists, clinical technologists and assistant practitioners. There is a gamma camera and DXA scanner at each of the two sites where the service is provided, at University Hospital North Durham (UHND) and at Darlington Memorial Hospital (DMH). A new state-of-the-art radiopharmacy at UHND is due to open in 2026 and will support services at both sites. Around 9000 diagnostic and therapy procedures are performed each year for the specialties within CDDFT including paediatrics, oncology, cardiology and neurology. The Unit works closely with the nuclear medicine service at University Hospitals Hartlepool. The team also plays a role in the teaching and assessment for the National School of Healthcare Science Scientific Training Programme associated MSc course in Medical Physics at Newcastle University, as one of only three accredited teaching centres in England. For appointment at Band 8b the successful applicant will hold certification as a Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) and Medical Physics Expert (MPE). Applicants who have MPE certification but are working towards RPA certification will be considered and would be initially appointed at Band 8a, with progression to Band 8b once all essential criteria are met (including certification as an RPA). We will provide professional development opportunities to enable career development. Contract clause after appointment: 7. Special Conditions of EmploymentIf you do not meet all the essential requirements of the post, including certification as an RPA, we will consider appointment at Band 8a, with progression to Band 8b once all essential criteria are met.It is expected that you will meet all essential criteria within 3 years of your start date. Failure to achieve your objectives within the set timeframe may result in a review of your employment. Band 8b Provides professional leadership within the Nuclear Medicine, Radiopharmacy and Bone Densitometry Services at the University Hospital of North Durham and Darlington Memorial Hospital sites, working Unit wide as required to meet the exigencies of the service. Acts as the Durham, Darlington and Hartlepool (DDH) Unit Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) for nuclear medicine services. Leads on compliance with radiation protection legislation, including training and assurance processes to maintain and demonstrate ongoing compliance. Provides oversight of equipment quality assurance to ensure safe, compliant, and reliable clinical operation. Maintains and develops high standards of service provision throughout their area of responsibility. Develops implements and monitors clinical and organisational strategies within areas of expertise. Initiates, develops and delivers research and development activities for healthcare advancement. Contributes to service and staff development throughout Northern Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering and the Northern Training Consortium. Band 8a Performs a range of advanced healthcare science activities. Participates in the teaching and training commitments of the Service. Maintains and develops high standards of service provision throughout their area of responsibility. Contributes to the development, implementation and monitoring of clinical and organisational strategies within area of expertise. Initiates, in collaboration with the line manager, the development and delivery of research and development activities for healthcare advancement.