Job summary
Applications are invited for an advanced practitioner (therapy radiographer, clinical technologist, radiotherapy practitioner or dosimetrist) within the proton therapy physics team at The Christie. The applicant should have HCPC registration/be on the register of clinical technologists and experience of working in a radiotherapy physics departmentThe successful applicant will join a team of clinical scientists and practitioners involved with the delivery and development of the national proton beam therapy service which has been treating patients at The Christie since December 2018. The proton therapy team is required to support the development of new treatment sites, including clinical trials, whilst maintaining a treatment planning and dosimetry service for increasing patient numbers. All members of the team are encouraged to present new ideas to improve the service and will be supported to develop them by the whole team.Though previous proton experience is more than welcome we appreciate that as a relatively new service in the UK, applicants may not have much experience in this area. Training and development will be provided for those looking for a new challenge and to build on existing radiotherapy experience.

Main duties of the job
Practitioners in the proton therapy physics team are involved with all aspects of the service including treatment planning, machine QC and patient-specific verification. Practitioners also play a key role in the peer review process for every patient by presenting cases at multi-disciplinary meetings to ensure that all treatment plans are completed to the highest standard. Advanced practitioners play an important role in developing and supporting the team. Treatment planning is performed for both proton and photon treatments to be used in contingency scenarios. Everyone in the team is encouraged to undertake further development and education and time will be protected within the work schedule to enable this.The proton therapy physics team includes physicists, radiographers and technologists who all play an active role in supporting and developing the proton service. We work very closely with other clinical teams such as treatment and pre-treatment radiographers and clinical oncologists to deliver the routine service and to collaborate on project work leading to presentation and publication. The team's duties include early and late working, but flexible working and homeworking arrangements are supported to promote a healthy work-life balance for all team members.

About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

Details
Date posted: 08 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 4 years
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 413-107791-R&I-LM
Job locations: PBT Physics - E00624, Manchester, M20 4BX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• 1. General
  1.1. Ensure all work complies with current UK legislation for work with ionizing radiation (IRR 2017, IRMER 2017) and the Trusts ISO 9001-2015-compliant Quality Management System for the provision of radiotherapy.
  1.2. The post holder must be and must remain registered as a Therapy Radiographer with the health professions council or be on the register of clinical technologists and undertake regular continuing professional development.
  1.3. The post holder will be expected to perform Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) for other members of the Radiotherapy Physics team.
  1.4. The post holder will assist with recruitment of new members of the Radiotherapy Physics team where appropriate.
  1.5. The post is full-time. Hours are worked flexibly, in agreement with the line manager, to provide round the clock services where necessary to cover the normal range of clinical duties.
• 2. Clinical Treatment Planning
  2.1. Assess the suitability of patient imaging, immobilisation and localisation information in preparation for treatment planning.
  2.2. Produce highly complex radiotherapy treatment plans, based on the evaluation of anatomical and clinical information for both photons and protons.
  2.3. Critically analyse and independently check routine highly complex treatment plans for transfer to linear accelerators and proton gantries.
  2.4. Evaluate and approve pre-treatment verification details of final plans.
  2.5. Transfer patient data to imaging systems and treatment machines.
  2.6. Identify and report problems with clinical treatment planning systems
  2.7. Use professional judgement to solve treatment planning problems in collaboration with medical physics experts.
  2.8. Give expert advice to clinicians on problems arising in clinical treatment planning.
  2.9. Advise radiographers in the radiotherapy and proton therapy departments on issues relating to the implementation of treatment plans.
  2.10. Handle internal and external enquiries from other professional groups and patients.
  2.11. Communicate with patients (including paediatric patients) and relatives during preparation of specialist radiotherapy techniques and when problem solving in radiotherapy and proton therapy.
  2.12. Participate in managing the implementation of new processes and techniques including the generation of work instructions for inclusion in the quality system.
  2.13. Participate in clinical audit for the evaluation of service provision.
  2.14. Provide expert advice to other professional groups on both patient specific issues and on matters of clinical service provision, escalating issues where appropriate.
• 3. Dosimetry and Quality Control
  3.1. Perform routine patient specific treatment plan verification (including measurement and analysis) on the treatment machines and provide specialist training and advice in this discipline to Physicists and Dosimetrists.
  3.2. Participate in the clinical quality control programme for highly complex radiotherapy equipment, including proton gantries, imaging and dosimetry equipment to ensure all such equipment is fit for clinical use.
  3.3. Be involved in the commissioning process during the installation of equipment in the department. This work will include data collection working as part of a team with other staff groups and scheduling other Dosimetrists to perform tasks defined by the project leader.
• 4. Training and Education
  4.1. Co-ordinate and deliver specialist training to Radiographers, Dosimetrists, and students in appropriate areas of radiotherapy physics. Assist with the specialist training of clinical scientists and clinical oncologists in the use of the treatment planning systems and treatment planning techniques.
  4.2. Disseminate knowledge via lectures, tutorials, case studies and other appropriate methods; contribute to the departments CPD lectures.
  4.3. Mentor less experienced staff and undertake regular reviews of progress and training.
• 5. Management
  5.1. To deputise for more senior staff where appropriate.
  5.2. To supervise and roster the clinical duties of radiotherapy physics staff, assigning resources in the most appropriate way.
  5.3. The post holder will be expected to prioritise and manage their own work and that of others on a day-to-day basis enabling daily targets to be met as per service level agreements.
  5.4. Promote best practice and raise standards within a multi-disciplinary group.
  5.5. Lead by example and facilitate less experienced staff to develop their skills and experience.
  5.6. Identify problems, errors or near misses and follow up as appropriate, escalating to the team leaders and offering solutions or improvements.
  5.7. Participate in the development of the use of clinical IT systems for the benefit of the radiotherapy physics department and develop workflow efficiencies.
  5.8. Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour
• 6. Research and Development
  6.1. To be the radiotherapy advanced radiographer/dosimetrist lead in clinical disease orientated groups, providing expert advice and specialist support in at least one treatment site.
  6.2. Participate in projects for the review and development of clinical techniques, and for the support of clinical trials, in at least one treatment site.
  6.3. To interpret national and international guidelines concerning the planning of the treatment sites allocated and to implement protocols to keep practice in line with recommended practice.
  6.4. To work with other professionals to provide a co-ordinated service implementing new techniques and technologies to maximise efficiency and align priorities.

Note: This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service. Since from time to time these needs may change it is necessary to recognise that the postholder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the Director.

Job responsibilities

• 1. General
  1.1. Ensure all work complies with current UK legislation for work with ionizing radiation (IRR 2017, IRMER 2017) and the Trusts ISO 9001-2015-compliant Quality Management System for the provision of radiotherapy.
  1.2. The post holder must be and must remain registered as a Therapy Radiographer with the health professions council or be on the register of clinical technologists and undertake regular continuing professional development.
  1.3. The post holder will be expected to perform Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) for other members of the Radiotherapy Physics team.
  1.4. The post holder will assist with recruitment of new members of the Radiotherapy Physics team where appropriate.
  1.5. The post is full-time. Hours are worked flexibly, in agreement with the line manager, to provide round the clock services where necessary to cover the normal range of clinical duties.
• 2. Clinical Treatment Planning
  2.1. Assess the suitability of patient imaging, immobilisation and localisation information in preparation for treatment planning.
  2.2. Produce highly complex radiotherapy treatment plans, based on the evaluation of anatomical and clinical information for both photons and protons.
  2.3. Critically analyse and independently check routine highly complex treatment plans for transfer to linear accelerators and proton gantries.
  2.4. Evaluate and approve pre-treatment verification details of final plans.
  2.5. Transfer patient data to imaging systems and treatment machines.
  2.6. Identify and report problems with clinical treatment planning systems
  2.7. Use professional judgement to solve treatment planning problems in collaboration with medical physics experts.
  2.8. Give expert advice to clinicians on problems arising in clinical treatment planning.
  2.9. Advise radiographers in the radiotherapy and proton therapy departments on issues relating to the implementation of treatment plans.
  2.10. Handle internal and external enquiries from other professional groups and patients.
  2.11. Communicate with patients (including paediatric patients) and relatives during preparation of specialist radiotherapy techniques and when problem solving in radiotherapy and proton therapy.
  2.12. Participate in managing the implementation of new processes and techniques including the generation of work instructions for inclusion in the quality system.
  2.13. Participate in clinical audit for the evaluation of service provision.
  2.14. Provide expert advice to other professional groups on both patient specific issues and on matters of clinical service provision, escalating issues where appropriate.
• 3. Dosimetry and Quality Control
  3.1. Perform routine patient specific treatment plan verification (including measurement and analysis) on the treatment machines and provide specialist training and advice in this discipline to Physicists and Dosimetrists.
  3.2. Participate in the clinical quality control programme for highly complex radiotherapy equipment, including proton gantries, imaging and dosimetry equipment to ensure all such equipment is fit for clinical use.
  3.3. Be involved in the commissioning process during the installation of equipment in the department. This work will include data collection working as part of a team with other staff groups and scheduling other Dosimetrists to perform tasks defined by the project leader.
• 4. Training and Education
  4.1. Co-ordinate and deliver specialist training to Radiographers, Dosimetrists, and students in appropriate areas of radiotherapy physics. Assist with the specialist training of clinical scientists and clinical oncologists in the use of the treatment planning systems and treatment planning techniques.
  4.2. Disseminate knowledge via lectures, tutorials, case studies and other appropriate methods; contribute to the departments CPD lectures.
  4.3. Mentor less experienced staff and undertake regular reviews of progress and training.
• 5. Management
  5.1. To deputise for more senior staff where appropriate.
  5.2. To supervise and roster the clinical duties of radiotherapy physics staff, assigning resources in the most appropriate way.
  5.3. The post holder will be expected to prioritise and manage their own work and that of others on a day-to-day basis enabling daily targets to be met as per service level agreements.
  5.4. Promote best practice and raise standards within a multi-disciplinary group.
  5.5. Lead by example and facilitate less experienced staff to develop their skills and experience.
  5.6. Identify problems, errors or near misses and follow up as appropriate, escalating to the team leaders and offering solutions or improvements.
  5.7. Participate in the development of the use of clinical IT systems for the benefit of the radiotherapy physics department and develop workflow efficiencies.
  5.8. Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour
• 6. Research and Development
  6.1. To be the radiotherapy advanced radiographer/dosimetrist lead in clinical disease orientated groups, providing expert advice and specialist support in at least one treatment site.
  6.2. Participate in projects for the review and development of clinical techniques, and for the support of clinical trials, in at least one treatment site.
  6.3. To interpret national and international guidelines concerning the planning of the treatment sites allocated and to implement protocols to keep practice in line with recommended practice.
  6.4. To work with other professionals to provide a co-ordinated service implementing new techniques and technologies to maximise efficiency and align priorities.

Note: This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service. Since from time to time these needs may change it is necessary to recognise that the postholder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the Director.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• oDCR(T) or Degree in Therapy Radiography/degree in Clinical technology or equivalent
• oHCPC registered therapy radiographer/ register of clinical technologists
• oPost graduate education/experience at Master's level within area of expertise

Desirable

• oEvidence of completion of a comprehensive treatment planning course
• oAdvanced practitioner accreditation with the SoR/Full Membership of IPEM or other equivalent professional body
• oMSc in relevant subject

Experience
Essential

• oExtensive experience in treatment planning
• oExperience in teaching, training or supervision of other staff
• oExperience in performing machine and/or plan QA
• oExperience working with change and innovation

Desirable

• oManagement of staff within radiotherapy physics
• oExperience in modern and emerging clinical techniques
• oProton therapy experience

Skills
Essential

• oAble to work effectively and efficiently and maintain high standard of work
• oAble to prioritise and manage own and others workloads
• oAble to act as mentor, supervisor, trainer and assessor
• oMulti-disciplinary team working
• oAble to motivate staff
• oAbility to communicate complex information across professional boundaries. Able to concentrate and keep focused with constant interruptions
• oAble to manage difficult situations and interpersonal conflict
• oSound decision making skills in complex situations
• oComputer literate
• oAnalytical and reflective skills

Desirable

• oExperience of implementing change

Knowledge
Essential

• oUnderstands the risks associated with radiation and the optimisation of patients' treatments
• oThorough knowledge and understanding of specialist radiotherapy planning techniques including VMAT, IMRT and proton therapy
• oKnowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional guidelines (e.g. IRR 2017, IRMER 2017, Codes of Practice)
• oKnowledge of current professional issues
• oKnowledge and ability to ensure compliance with quality system
• oA comprehensive knowledge of treatment planning systems
• oSpecialist knowledge of treatment planning and radiation physics as applied to radiotherapy

Desirable

• oKnowledge of clinical systems and their administration

Values
Essential

• oAbility to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

Other
Essential

• oWilling to participate in shift rota including working unsocial hours
• oA willingness to undertake research and development

Desirable

• oEvidence of participation in research

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 contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Proton Therapy Treatment Planning Lead
Joe Wood
joe.wood4@nhs.net
07508255651