Principal Physicist

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for a detailed job description for the role.

Main duties of the job

We are excited to offer a Principal Clinical Scientist post in the Radiation Protection Group. We are particularly looking for a diagnostic radiology Medical Physics Expert. The role is focussed on the MPE role but minor engagement in other work of the group, including ionising and non-ionising radiation protection and radioactive materials management can be expected.

Radiation Protection Group sits within the Medical Physics Department based Southampton General. Our role is to support the Trust and external clients in ionising and non-ionising radiation protection and diagnostic radiology physics. The group currently supports a wide range of medical and non-medical healthcare organisations across Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands. We work closely with Trust departments to help develop services using X-ray, radioactive materials, lasers and UV systems.

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Specific to this role is the suitability for agile working which is a mixture of on-site and remote working. In addition, we are open to discussing flexibility in the hours that you work. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

This Band 8A Principal Clinical Scientist role primarily supports the MPE aspects of the Group’s work: support for radiology including optimisation, dose auditing, overseeing equipment QA, developing new tests and supervising junior members of the team. You will also have the opportunity to do ionising radiation protection, optical radiation protection (including lasers and ultraviolet light, electromagnetic fields). You will do this at UHS sites in Southampton and client sites across Hampshire, Isle of Wight and channel islands. The distribution and focus of work will depend both on the needs of the service and the skills of the postholder. We routinely provide services to Radiology, Theatres, Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT, Radiopharmacy and Radiotherapy departments. We are a research active department and encourage staff to pursue their own research interests where these align with our department goals.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together
  
  

Skills and competencies

Essential criteria

• Communication
• Data analysis
• Microsoft Office skills
• Record keeping
• Problem solving
  
  

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist.
• Relevant MSc or equivalent
• Hold a valid certificate in either Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA), Medical Physics Expert (MPE), Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA) or Laser Protection Adviser (LPA)
• Proficient in the use of a PC, Keyboard
• Experience of operating x-ray and laser equipment
• Strong Interpersonal skills.
• Logical thinker with ability to set objectives.
• Ability to use initiative to resolve problems.
• Ability to use and develop software (including MS Office).
• Ability to work in an emotionally distressing clinical environment.
  
  

Desirable criteria

• PhD in a Physics related subject
• Experience of working with quality management systems.
• Presentation of scientific papers at professional meetings.
• Publication of scientific papers or other reports.