Job summary
Applications for this post are invited from experienced Clinical Scientists with an appetite to address the challenges of service growth and improvement, underpinned by strong experience of radiation protection in diagnostic nuclear medicine and molecular radiotherapy.

As a member of the Radiology Physics Group the post holder will manage the provision of high-quality radiation safety services to users of radioactive substances in healthcare. Services delivered include the statutory roles of Radiation Protection Adviser, and Radioactive Waste Adviser and a range of scientific and technical support services. Services are provided by an integrated team of clinical scientists and clinical technologists.

For candidates not yet holding accreditation as a Radiation Protection Adviser and/or Radioactive Waste Adviser, appointment at band 8A would be considered with support being provided to the individual to achieve accreditation.

We require applicants who can rise to the challenge of managing operational delivery of routine and ad hoc, complex multisite/multi-customer services.

Please also note this vacancy is banded dependent upon applicants experience relevant to this post. The banding of the successful applicant/s will start at Band 8a unless applicants meet the necessary threshold of skills and experience required to start on Band 8b.

Main duties of the job

• Fulfil the role of RPA and RWA for the Trust and for NHS and private healthcare providers and educational establishments in the region under service level agreements.
• Operational management of a range of RPA/RWA scientific and technical support services, including an environmental TLD service, an instrument test and examination service, sealed source leak test services.
• Participate in radiation safety governance and provide compelling advice to radiation safety committees in the Trust and NHS Trusts in the region.
• Undertake complex calculations for:
  • the specification of radiation shielding
  • employees and members of the public exposed in hospital buildings.
  • members of the public exposed to hospital discharges.
  • radiation incidents and accidents
  • exposure to radon
• To advise on Trust plans for responding to major incidents involving radiation.
• To assist in the nationwide NAIR scheme as a first responder.
• Where appropriate, to liaise with external regulatory bodies (HSE, EA, ONR, CTSA etc) and assist in inspections.
• Take a lead and provide management support to the Section Head for service provision contracts, the costing of services, the oversight of budget, staffing and equipment and the development of business plans.
• Provide line management to a small team of scientific staff.

About us
You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its employees. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

Job responsibilities
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.

Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential

• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Honours degree in Physical Science at 1st or 2(ii) level or equivalent
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Postgraduate degree in Medical Physics or relevant subject area
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a clinical scientist

Desirable

• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Accredited as RPA and/or RWA by RPA2000
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) PhD or equivalent level of knowledge/expertise in Radiological Physics / Imaging

Experience
Essential

• (Band 8a & Band 8b) The direct provision of radiation safety advice and scientific services to users of radioactive substances. Significant evidence of scientific activity and proven ability in radiation protection.
• (Band 8b) Evidence of highly developed specialist training and practical experience in the provision of advice and services for the safe use of radioactive substances in healthcare: -diagnostic nuclear medicine -molecular radiotherapy -laboratories -Accredited by RPA 2000 as RPA and RWA.
• (Band 8a) Evidence of highly developed specialist training and practical experience in the provision of advice and services for the safe use of radioactive substances in healthcare: -diagnostic nuclear medicine -molecular radiotherapy -laboratories -Accredited by RPA 2000 as RPA and/or RWA, or able to demonstrate evidence of experience sufficient to apply for accreditation in a short timeframe.
• (Band 8b) Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of the applicable legislation, standards and guidelines relevant to radioactive substance radiation safety.
• (Band 8a) Significant theoretical and practical knowledge of the applicable legislation, standards and guidelines relevant to radioactive substance radiation safety.
• (Band 8b) A significant understanding of radiation safety governance and demonstrable ability in conveying complex messages to Trust management. -Ability to performan complex analysis. -Plan complex activities in relation to radiation protection provision and governance. -Manage staff workload / plans to deliver a wide range of scientific services.
• (Band 8a) Understanding of radiation safety governance and demonstrable ability in conveying complex messages to Trust management. -Ability to performan complex analysis. -Plan complex activities in relation to radiation protection provision and governance. -Manage staff workload / plans to deliver a wide range of scientific services.
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Evidence of scientific activity and ability to work in a busy radiation protection service. across many sites Manage staff Schedule workloads)
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Ability to act as an effective RPA and RWA. -Communicate complex scientific and legislative information to Chief Executives, Sentior Trust Managers, Clinical Staff and colleagues
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Experience in research resulting in presentation of results via written scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and oral presentation at approved scientific meetings

Desirable

• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Ability to convey complex messages to Trust management.
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Experience in implementation of quality standards and development of standard operating procedures and protocols. -Perform complex scientific measurements using a range of complex scientific instrumentation. -Analyse, interpret and report outcomes.
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Experience in staff training and teaching on formal courses
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Evidence of delivery of radiation protection training to general Trust staff up to delivery of post-graduate level lextures/training.
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Competence in scientific computing and IT relevant to the post
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Experience in the audit of radiation safety services
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Experience of staff management
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Experience of managing the provision of radiation safety services.
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Experience of translational research and service development

Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• (Band 8a & 8b) Able to communicate complex facts and details to a wide range of professional groups both verbally and in writing
• (Band 8a & 8b) Ability to analyse complex data and from this, present conclusions in a manner appropriate to the intended audience
• (Band 8a & 8b) High standard of numeracy, literacy and technical understanding
• (Band 8a & 8b) Ability to concentrate on complex data, while managing frequent interruptions by other staff / colleagues.
• (Band 8a & 8b) Can perform services risk assessments, identify risk mitigations and necessary
• (Band 8a & 8b) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Can advise on and effectively use PPE in areas of radiation exposure/contamination

Desirable

• (Band 8a & 8b) Experience of service management
• (Band 8a & 8b) Evidence of training in management practices
• (Band 8a & 8b) Experience of research and development relevant to the services delivered
• (Band 8a & 8b) Experience of service improvement and relevant methodologies
• (Band 8b) Experience of managing budgets and reporting to Finance managers.

Personal Qualities
Essential

• (Band 8a & Band 8B) Flexible attitude to working hours. Ability to deal with competing priorities and to organise self and team members to deliver outputs to multiple deadlines. X Application Form / Interview
• (Band 8a & Band 8b) Car driver / Owner or access to alternative and willingness to travel to other sites

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.

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).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).