About this role
Job summary
We are offering an exciting opportunity for Specialist Clinical Scientist (Medical Physics Expert, MPE) to join our team in a forward thinking radiotherapy physics department at the Velindre Cancer Service based in Velindre Hospital, Whitchurch, Cardiff.
The post holder, in conjunction with other Medical Physics Experts (MPEs) and senior staff within the Radiotherapy Department, is responsible for ensuring the safe delivery of radiotherapy. They will act as Medical Physics Expert under the IR(ME)R 2017 legislation across all areas of radiotherapy, taking the lead in areas in which they have specific expertise e.g. treatment planning, dosimetry, imaging physics, RTTQA or computing. They will lead the implementation and commissioning of new technologies and techniques, provide specialist advice at MPE level to multidisciplinary teams and provide advice on the most complex patient treatment plans, radiobiology and dosimetric issues and provide expert support for clinical trials and research.
Applicants who have not yet achieved MPE certification may be considered for appointment at Annex 21 @ 75% of the top of the fully qualified Band. See the Annexe 21 document for more details.
Main duties of the job
Provide highly complex scientific and technical advice on imaging, treatment planning and dosimetric issues to radiotherapy consultants and other clinical staff regarding patient external beam radiotherapy treatments.
- Liaise with manufacturers and colleagues at other centres as necessary on issues related to radiotherapy treatments, imaging and image optimisation.
- Discuss with clinical staff and patients issues associated with Radiotherapy
Treatment set up, radiobiological, dosimetric and other issues describing complex scientific information and its implications on the patient's treatment.
- Present and disseminate clinical results through oral or poster presentations at local, national and international meetings and conferences and where appropriate prepare papers for publication in scientific journals.
- Teach the principles of Radiotherapy Physics to all disciplines in classroom and workplace settings.
- In accordance with IR(ME)R(2017), ensure all operators of relevant radiotherapy equipment have received sufficient training and achieved the required level of competency.
- Discuss the status of the quality system with internal and external auditors including justification of process changes, resolution of non-conformances and the reporting of reportable incidents according to IR(ME)R 2017
About us
At Velindre University NHS Trust, we are proud to deliver specialist services across Wales through the Velindre Cancer Centre and Welsh Blood Service, supported by our corporate teams and partnerships with NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and Health Technology Wales.
As we look to the future, we are preparing for the opening of the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) in Spring 2027--an exciting milestone that will transform cancer care for our population. Located within easy reach of the vibrant city of Cardiff and the stunning Brecon Beacons, we offer a unique working environment that combines innovation, collaboration and an excellent quality of life.
Since our formation in 1994, our dedicated workforce has remained committed to delivering the principles of prudent healthcare across a wide range of roles. We continue to play a vital role in our communities and have ambitious plans to further improve the services we provide.
Everything we do is underpinned by our Trust values. We are caring, respectful, and accountable in how we work with patients, donors, partners and each other--ensuring we deliver the highest standards of care while continuously striving to improve.
If you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference, embraces innovation, and offers rewarding career opportunities in an inspiring setting, Velindre University NHS Trust is the place for you.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First degree in physics or related discipline
- MSc or equivalent in medical physics
- Registration as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC
- RPA2000 Certificate of Competence to act as an MPE demonstrating knowledge significantly beyond Clinical Registration and MPE, or close to achieving it
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles of Radiation Physics significantly beyond the level
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles of radiotherapy treatment devices.
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles of all imaging modalities used in Radiotherapy of an MSc in the field.
- Thorough understanding of the legislation as applied to the use of radiation in hospitals
- An understanding of the limitations & pitfalls of radiation dosimetry, calculation and computation, including electrons.
- An understanding of Quality Assurance schemes and principles in RT
- Knowledge of Data Protection; Health & Safety principles and practice.
- A good overview of the place of physics and RT in cancer therapy.
Desirable
- PhD in Medical Physics or similar.
- Publication record in radiotherapy physics or related subject.
- Advanced Mathematics skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of data analysis, aggregation of uncertainties, and statistics
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles of physics research methods.
- Knowledge and understanding of the radiobiological basis of RT and its use for
- Knowledge and understanding of cancer induction by radiation- principles and facts
- A good knowledge of anatomy
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience in Radiotherapy to MPE level
- Specialist experience in the operation of radiotherapy equipment and treatment planning systems and associated QA.
- Experience of taking a supervisory role
Desirable
- Specialist experience to MPE level across all of treatment planning, dosimetry and brachytherapy
- Involvement with radiation legislation
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Able to communicate difficult scientific issues to scientists and non-scientists with good verbal, written and audio-visual production & presentation skills.
- Advanced computer analysis, data manipulation and its display
- Able to demonstrate effective implementation of positive change in service development
- Able to demonstrate the successful clinical implementation of new treatment techniques and / or equipment
- Good negotiator in advising of practice changes
- Teaching skills
Desirable
- Ability to speak Welsh to level 1
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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
Velindre Cancer Centre
Address
Velindre University NHS Trust
Velindre Hospital
Cardiff
CF14 2TL
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://velindre.nhs.wales/velindrecc/ (Opens in a new tab)