Job summary
Candidates are expected to possess: - Clinical Scientist registration

However, if all other essential criteria are met, the candidate will be considered for appointment via Annex 21. In such a case, the candidate will be required to achieve this requirement within three years of appointment.

Applicants appointed under Annex 21 arrangements will undertake a structured training programme and will receive 65% of the (top of) Band 8A salary in Year 1, 70% in Year 2 and 75% in Year 3. Progression to the full Band 8A post and salary will be subject to successful completion of the required competencies, qualifications and training requirements.

The MRI Physics Service is the dedicated MRI Physics service in Wales, providing specialist scientific support across Wales. We support MRI safety, quality assurance, research, innovation and clinical service development. We are seeking an enthusiastic Clinical Scientist specialising in Clinical Scientific Computing to join our growing team. This is a unique opportunity to help develop a dedicated MRI scientific computing service in Wales, working at the interface of healthcare science, AI, imaging informatics and advanced MRI technologies.

Main duties of the job
As a Principal Clinical Computer Scientist (MRI), you will provide expertise in MRI computing, AI, imaging informatics, and clinical software. Working within the MRI Physics Service, you will support MRI services across Wales through development of computational tools, quantitative MRI methods, image reconstruction pipelines, automation technologies and advanced data workflows, with focus areas depending on your expertise.

The role will support MRI services across multiple NHS Wales organisations and partner institutions, contributing to nationally coordinated service development and innovation.

You will lead projects, working closely with MRI physicists, radiographers, clinicians, Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW), Health Board digital services and academic collaborators.

The role offers a rare opportunity to combine clinical service delivery, research, software engineering and healthcare innovation. You will contribute to the translation of computational technologies from research into clinical practice and help shape the future of MRI computing and artificial intelligence within NHS Wales.

We have strong links with Swansea University and a wide network of NHS, academic and industry collaborators, providing excellent opportunities for research and innovation.

Opportunities exist to contribute to grant-funded research programmes, supervise students, publish scientific work and develop an academic portfolio alongside clinical responsibilities.

About us
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.

As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.

You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.

There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.

Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.

If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.

Date posted: 14 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £58,379 to £65,723 a year Per annum (Annex 21)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 130-HS042-1026
Job locations: Singleton Hospital, Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8QA, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for a detailed outline of the job requirements. This is available for you bilingually, in English and Welsh.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person Specification
Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential

• Honours degree and MSc in a relevant computing, scientific or engineering discipline.
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist.
• Advanced knowledge of Clinical Scientific Computing, MRI computing, imaging informatics, software development, digital safety and healthcare data standards.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, governance, quality systems, software lifecycle methodologies and scientific programming (including Python).
• Experience of MRI computing, scientific software development and digital innovation within healthcare or research environments.

Desirable

• Corporate membership of IPEM, BCS or equivalent professional body.
• Teaching qualification (e.g. FHEA).
• PhD or equivalent research experience.
• MRI scanner, pulse-sequence, MATLAB or advanced MRI algorithm development experience.
• Experience leading research projects, securing funding or contributing to national professional groups.

Experience
Essential

• Experience of MRI computing, imaging informatics and scientific software development within healthcare or research environments.
• Experience of developing and implementing computational methods, digital workflows and Python-based software solutions.
• Experience of applying information governance, cybersecurity and quality-management principles.
• Experience of research, service development and supervision of staff, trainees or students.

Desirable

• Experience leading research projects or securing grant funding.
• Experience developing advanced MRI algorithms, AI applications or pulse-sequence software.
• Experience of MATLAB, SQL or vendor development environments (e.g. IDEA/ICE, EPIC).
• Experience contributing to national or international professional groups.
• Experience of MRI scanner operation and QA data acquisition.

Aptitude and abilities
Essential

• Adhere to and can demonstrate SBU Values & Behaviours.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop innovative computational solutions and produce high-quality scientific documentation.
• Ability to work independently, supervise others and manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to MRI safety, information governance, cybersecurity.

Desirable

• Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Welsh.

Other
Essential

• Valid UK driving licence and Enhanced DBS clearance.
• Ability to travel between sites and work safely within MRI environments.
• Ability to use specialist equipment and undertake prolonged VDU work.

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.

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

Employer details
Employer name: Swansea Bay University Health Board
Address: Singleton Hospital, Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8QA, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/

For questions about the job, contact: Head of MRI Physics, Dr Jonathan Phillips, Jon.Phillips@wales.nhs.uk, 01792604256