Clinical Scientist, Radiotherapy Physics

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Undertake routine and complex treatment planning for external beam radiotherapy.

Carry out associated dosimetry calculations, in accordance with clinical prescription and agreed procedures.

Analyse requirements and make complex judgements regarding treatment parameters and patient dose effects to produce the required dose distribution over the treatment volume, using computerised planning systems as appropriate.

Advise clinical staff on the effects of various treatment plan options on patient dose distributions.

Discuss and agree approaches with clinical staff to create optimum treatment plans and advise on aspects of the treatment and patient set-up, as required.

Assist with the provision of routine physics support to brachytherapy treatments. Carry out dose calculations and prepare patient dose distributions.

Assist with providing routine support for physics dosimetry and quality control in radiotherapy, according to established protocols.

Undertake dosimetry measurements to a high degree of accuracy with suitable equipment.

Perform quality control and other measurements and procedures on highly complex, expensive (>£1 million) patient-critical equipment.

Perform and advise on dosimetry measurements on patients.

Provide complex advice to clinical staff and support developments in in-vivo dosimetry and mega voltage imaging.

Assist in the maintenance, application and development of treatment planning computer systems.

Provide scientific and technical advice to radiotherapy consultants and other staff regarding the treatment of patients.

Maintain HCPC registration.

Participate in the "on-call/bleep" Duty Physicist rota.

Please see job description/person specification for full details on the role.

Person specification

Training & Qualifications

Essential criteria

• A first or second class honours degree in Physics or relevant subject
• A postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) or equivalent
• State Registration as a Clinical Scientist or expecting to achieve State Registration within the next 12 months

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of attendance at conferences or training courses intended to extend the breadth and depth of knowledge

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience in all areas of Radiotherapy Physics
• Participated in service development

Desirable criteria

• Treatment Planning experience and personal interest
• Involvement with quality system Clinical / quality audit Completed research /development projects

Communication and relationship skills

Essential criteria

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Professional integrity
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Sensitive and considerate to other members of the team.
• Positive attitude to multidisciplinary working

Desirable criteria

• Quality system methodology
• Teaching and training skills

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential criteria

• Understanding of all relevant areas of radiotherapy physics
• Understanding of current radiation legislation, codes of practice and external recommendations in radiotherapy.
• Knowledge of current scientific and technological developments in radiotherapy

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of specific areas of current radiotherapy research
• Knowledge of clinical oncology

Skills

Essential criteria

• Understanding of specific areas of current radiotherapy research. Knowledge of clinical oncology

Planning and organisation skills

Essential criteria

• Positive attitude to safety and quality culture
• Self motivated
• Efficient time management

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential criteria

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs
• All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential criteria

• Smart, casual, neat appearance
• Physically able to use VDUs and undertake radiation measurements.

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

Additional Information

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID 19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.

The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid Vaccination Status

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.

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