Principal Clinical Scientist
The closing date is 23 August 2026

Job summary
Applications are invited for this post within the Radiotherapy Physics Section of the Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering at Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, one of the UK's largest radiotherapy centres.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and skilled Clinical Scientist to join our Treatment Planning Section, contributing to the delivery of high-quality, safe and effective radiotherapy services to our patients. The role offers the chance to work across treatment planning, supporting the full radiotherapy pathway from image acquisition and interpretation through to treatment plan optimisation.

You will work closely with colleagues across physics, radiography and clinical oncology, contributing to service delivery, quality assurance, and the ongoing development and introduction of new techniques and technologies. There will also be opportunities to get involved in research and innovation projects as the department continues to advance its imaging and treatment planning capabilities.

We are looking for someone with relevant experience and skills in treatment planning, a keen eye for detail, strong problem-solving ability, and good communication and teamwork skills. This is a great opportunity to develop your expertise further within a supportive and forward-thinking team

Main duties of the job
Leeds Cancer Centre is one of the largest radiotherapy centres in the UK, delivering over 7,800 new radiotherapy plans per annum. We are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including 12 Elekta linacs, 3 Philips CT-Simulators, 1 Philips MR-Simulator, VisionRT surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT), and the RayStation treatment planning system. Our service also includes a Flexitron HDR remote afterloading platform for advanced image-guided brachytherapy, an I-125 prostate brachytherapy service, and intracranial SRS delivered via Gamma Knife ICON.

The Radiotherapy Physics Section is currently undergoing an exciting period of transformation, with a strengthened leadership structure designed to support growth, innovation and long-term service sustainability. Our Treatment Planning is multidisciplinary groups delivering advanced radiotherapy planning services, working collaboratively across physics, radiography and oncology to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

This structure ensures strong alignment between strategy, research and clinical operations, meaning you'll be joining a team that is not only clinically excellent, but genuinely forward-looking, with real opportunities to shape the future of radiotherapy services.

Beyond the department, Leeds itself offers an exceptional quality of life. From a vibrant cultural, music and sporting scene to excellent transport links and easy access to the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and Peak District, it'

About us
The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to delivering the highest quality and safest treatment and care to every patient, every time.

Our vision is to provide the highest quality specialist and integrated care.

We will do this through delivery of our multi-year goals and strategic priorities, which you can read about on this page.

Central to it all is The Leeds Way our values and behaviours that are at the heart of everything we do.

Details
Date posted: 04 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 001738
Job locations: St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
For questions about this job, contact:
Name: Rebecca Lindsay
Position: Treatment Planning Lead
Email: rebecca.lindsay1@nhs.net
Shortlisting Date: 24/08/2026
Interview Date: 22/09/2026

What you will bring to the role
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Service Management

• Deputise for the section lead, taking responsibility for treatment planning services in their absence
• Supervise, mentor and assess the competency of junior scientists, trainees and technologists
• Manage relevant quality assurance data, treatment planning databases and records
• Ensure adequate equipment, resources and staff competencies are in place to deliver an efficient, safe service

Clinical & Technical Expertise

• Act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) under IR(ME)R 2017, providing expert advice on treatment planning, imaging, dosimetry and radiotherapy technology
• Perform acceptance testing, commissioning, calibration and quality assurance of treatment planning systems
• Support plan checking, technique development and clinical implementation of advanced techniques (e.g. IMRT/VMAT/SABR)
• Provide expert judgement on equipment suitability, fault resolution and fitness for clinical use

Research & Innovation

• Contribute to evaluation, research and development projects to advance treatment planning
• Support the introduction and clinical translation of new technologies, techniques and software
• Publish and present findings at national and international conferences
• Supervise research students, assistants and visiting fellows as required

Clinical Development

• Identify opportunities to improve treatment planning pathways, working within multidisciplinary teams
• Support the development and evaluation of new equipment, software and techniques to maximise patient benefit
• Develop and update clinical protocols, work instructions and procedures within area of expertise

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with clinical oncologists, radiographers, physicists and technologists to ensure services meet clinical, technical and quality standards
• Liaise with equipment manufacturers, external contractors and professional bodies, including national standards and guideline groups
• Communicate complex technical and clinical information clearly to a range of audiences, including non-specialist colleagues
• Participate in relevant departmental, CSU and national committees

Please see the attached job description for further information about this vacancy.

About Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
Our Trust values
The Leeds Way is working together to support each other and deliver the best possible care to patients.

We are….
Responsible Open and Honest One Team Kind

Our Trust priorities
Our purpose: Excellent, safe and sustainable care for every patient every time

Our priorities:
People Improvement and Innovation Partnerships Outcomes

Sponsorship Eligibility
To comply with UK Government regulations on Skilled Worker sponsorship, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust is unable to provide sponsorship to applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria or the salary threshold concessions set out under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please take this into consideration before submitting your application. Full guidance on these concessions, including details of who may qualify, can be found here.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• For the full Job description, please select Apply.

Experience
Essential

• For the full Job description, please select Apply.

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Leeds Teaching Hospitals
Address: St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to equal opportunities and the highest quality care.