Clinical Scientist Radiology Physics

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job description and person specification attached

The post holder will: -

Operate with a high level of autonomy in providing specialised scientific, technical and regulatory expertise, often of a complex nature, to the Trust and other organisations. Work with the Radiology Physics Team Lead and Lead Clinical Scientist to provide a safe, efficient and effective service. Act as Medical Physics Expert (MPE) for Radiology as required by the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and in accordance with relevant Trust policiesincluding:o Liaising with multi-professional teams to facilitate the introduction of new equipment and services.o Producing technical specifications and evaluating tender responses.o Carrying out acceptance testing, commissioning and, where appropriate critical examination on behalf of the supplier, of complex diagnostic imaging equipment.o Establishing, overseeing and reviewing suitable Quality Assurance programmes for this equipment.o Carrying out scientific quality control and performance assessments on a wide range of diagnostic X-ray and ultrasound imaging systems, including, computed tomography, interventional and cardiac, mammography and dental imaging.o Advising on the optimisation of image quality and radiation dose for diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology procedures in order to ensure maximum clinical benefit with minimum risk to patients and staff.o Advising on the establishment of local dose reference levelso Investigating incidents involving accidental or unintended exposures, including providing risk assessments and advice regarding requirements for notifications.o Review and approval of research exposures for clinical trials involving diagnostic radiology. Assist the Radiation Protection Adviser(s) to EKHUFT under IRR17 and in accordance with relevant Trust policies. Work towards accreditation as Radiation Protection Adviser. Support the chair of the Trust Radiation Advisory Committee by implementing and auditing legislation and other relevant guidance in radiation protection. Contribute to Trust-wide policies relating to radiation safety and governance. Contribute to maintaining accreditation of the Quality Management System. Play a key role in the teaching, training and development of staff to achieve and maintain competence and work towards registrations and accreditations. Keep abreast of technical and scientific developments relating to imaging physics, radiation protection and associated fields. Initiate and participate in research and development.

Managerial

Plan and manage their own workload and projects; prioritising work appropriately, adapting in response to emerging urgent requests. Provide operational line management to identified staff as directed by the Head of Clinical Physics. Be accountable for the work of staff and students under their supervision. Advise on the training and development needs of staff and trainees, including trainee Clinical Scientists, and encourage individual career development. Undertake appraisals in accordance with Trust policy for those staff line-managed by the post-holder or as delegated by the Head of Clinical Physics. Develop and implement plans to manage changing workloads and patterns of work, ensuring that the commitments to service levels and quality assurance are maintained. Assist in the recruitment, selection and induction of staff and trainees. Report to the Head of Clinical Physics such matters for which the post-holder is responsible that might affect the provision of a safe and efficient service.

Communication

Have ability to produce detailed and accurate written reports. Communicate complex scientific and technical information clearly and accurately, whilst taking account of understanding of the target audience. Teach other groups of professionals, (e.g. non-medical referrers, practitioners, operators, RPSs) about issues relating to radiation safety and governance. Communicate effectively and persuasively. Demonstrate established negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations in particular managing staff. Promote the Radiology Physics section within the Trust. Develop and maintain strong professional links, both nationally and locally, appropriate to the specialist field.

Knowledge

Have knowledge and understanding of the nature, risks and clinical applications of ionising radiations. Have knowledge and understanding of the legislation, approved codes of practice and professional guidance applicable to the use of ionising radiation in medicine. Have knowledge and understanding of the risks to patients, staff and public arising from exposure to ionising radiation. Have specialist knowledge and experience of techniques used to measure the performance and safety of complex radiological imaging equipment, (especially diagnostic and interventional radiology and CT). Undertake planned professional development to maintain and develop advanced theoretical and practical knowledge related to the field of Radiology Physics and Radiation Protection Keep abreast of scientific and technological developments within Radiology Physics and Radiation Protection Understand the roles and responsibilities of other healthcare professionals Demonstrate experience of management Possess specialist knowledge of Quality Management and Risk Management Maintain a working knowledge of the principles of Clinical Governance and their application to professional practice.

Analytical and judgmental skills

Provide expert opinion and establish a way forward in situations where there are conflicting professional opinions Demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence-based practice Contribute to the development and improvement of services and processes. This is to include the design and use of monitoring mechanisms and audit and the resulting development of action plans. Reflect on and learn from practice and to facilitate this ability in others.

Planning and organisational skills

Manage and prioritise own workload, and that of identified staff or trainees. Take a delegated lead on the management of service developments and quality improvements.

Professional

Participate in a programme of continuing professional development (CPD). Apply specialist skills and knowledge in order to maintain professional competence and fitness to practice and to maintain up to date registration with the Health Professions Council (as a Clinical Scientist) and any other relevant professional body. Maintain and keep abreast of scientific and technological developments, and changes in standards and regulatory requirements related to all aspects of Radiology Physics, participating in further training as necessary.

Freedom to act

The post holder will need to manage their day-to-day responsibilities and act independently when situations arise that require decisions and actions. Accountable for own professional action and must recognise the boundaries of own professional competence, seeking advice as appropriate.

Miscellaneous

Developing and maintaining compliance with the ISO accredited Quality Systems (including writing and reviewing documentation and auditing processes) in the areas of work for which the post-holder carries responsibility.

Person Specification

Qualifications and training

• Honours degree in a relevant subject e.g. Physics
• MSc in a relevant subject e.g. Medical / Radiation Physics
• HCPC Registration as Clinical Scientist
• Corporate membership of IPEM, (or equivalent)
• MPE Certification

• Management Training
• RPA Accreditation

Skills and experience

• Sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to act as Medical Physics Expert under IR(ME)R 17 in the field of diagnostic and interventional radiology
• Specialist knowledge and experience of techniques used to measure the performance and safety of complex radiological imaging equipment, (especially diagnostic and interventional radiology and CT)
• Specialist knowledge and experience of patient dosimetry, image processing and analysis techniques
• Ability to produce detailed and accurate written reports
• Ability to use Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.
• Ability to work accurately and quickly, applying scientific methods to resolve complex problems
• Ability to demonstrate the following skills: oOrganisation and prioritisation oCommunication at all levels oManagement and leadership oDealing with conflict oProblem solving oTraining oHighly developed manual dexterity and the ability to make accurate, precise measurements using sophisticated testing equipment oAbility to concentrate on complex problems for prolonged periods when frequently subjected to unpredictable working patterns

• Record of Scientific publications in relevant peer reviewed journals
• Participation in national professional affairs
• Project management
• Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of other imaging modalities (Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, MRI etc)
• Experience advising on the safe use of lasers and other forms of optical radiation
• Experience working under a Quality Management System
• Sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to act as Radiation Protection Adviser under IRR 17

Governance

• Knowledge and understanding of regulations, approved codes of practice and professional guidance applicable to the use of ionising radiation in medicine
• Awareness of principles of clinical governance
• Understanding of management processes and systems, including quality and risk

Personal/professional attributes

• Upholds and models Trust values
• Good interpersonal skills, including negotiation
• Ability to motivate self and others
• Ability to work independently and flexibly, exercising own initiative when dealing with issues within area of competence
• Ability to work effectively and positively within a team

Other requirements

• Ability to lift medium/heavy test equipment occasionally, greater than 10kg
• Full UK driving licence, access to a vehicle for business use and willingness to travel across Kent

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kent and Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Road

Canterbury

CT1 3NG

https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/