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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Scientific support to diagnostic radiology

1.1.  Provide a wide range of scientific advice to departments of radiology/cardiology and other users of X-ray equipment, including matters such as patient dosimetry optimisation of radiation dose and image quality, and resolution of problems in these areas.

1.2.  Take the lead for specific areas of the group’s work (e.g. fluoroscopy, digital radiography, dental etc.) providing in-depth expertise in these areas, driving the group strategy and its implementation e.g. x-ray equipment testing methods.

1.3.  Undertake critical examinations, commissioning tests and quality control measurements on a wide range of x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects.  Provide written reports and advice to radiographic, clinical and management teams including outside Radiology. Liaise with manufacturers’ representatives where necessary.

1.4.  Provide specialist technical advice to Radiology Managers and others for the procurement of high capital value complex clinical equipment.

1.5.  MPE (imaging) experience in radiotherapy will be an advantage and offers the group opportunities.  Dependant on group need, it may be that this post holder is expected to learn this support during employment.

2.    Radiation protection

2.1.  Provide Radiation Protection Advice to specified Trusts, private hospitals and other health service concerns, to ensure that they meet their statutory obligations under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017. This involves dealing with a wide range of staff including senior Trust managers, Radiology managers, Consultant Radiologists, and radiographers. The advice provided will cover such aspects as the design of x-ray facilities including the calculation of shielding requirements, personal monitoring, measures for staff protection and reviewing and providing written reports to Trust Radiation Protection Committees and employers on compliance with the Regulations.

2.2.  Provide, on own authority, Medical Physics Expert advice to specified Trusts, private hospitals and other health service concerns, as required by the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017. This includes the provision of advice on local quality assurance programmes, and measurements and advice to optimise patient dose and image quality.

2.3.  Contribute to formulating CMPE departmental policy on radiation protection.

2.4.  RPA experience in radiotherapy will be an advantage and offers the group opportunities.  Dependant on group need, it may be that this post holder is expected to learn this support during employment.

3.    Research and Development

3.1.  Provide a lead within the section for research and service development in an area of the group’s work (e.g. fluoroscopy, patient dosimetry) and establish and maintain collaborative links with other Hospitals, Universities and Industry for this area.

3.2.  Undertake research and service development work aimed at both improving the CMPE service and the optimisation of radiological techniques in the health service.

3.3.  To publish research in internationally recognised peer reviewed research journals and present at national /international meetings.

4.    Teaching and training

4.1.  Involvement in and management of aspects of the Department’s teaching commitments, including FRCR, MSC schemes or equivalence, and local and regional radiation protection courses.

4.2.  Assist in the training and supervision of scientists and technologists and trainees, including acting as supervisor for trainees during their placements within the group.  Applicants with appropriate experience at the right level will contribute to HSST supervisor roles.

5.    Professional

5.1.  Keep up to date with developments in the field of diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection.

5.2.  Be involved in relevant national activities and initiatives, including the development of national guidance and playing an active role in national professional organisations.

5.3.  Maintain state registration as a Clinical Scientist, recognition as Medical Physics Expert and an up-to-date certificate of competence as Radiation Protection Adviser.

6.    Management

6.1.  Assist the Group Leader in managing the activities of the Group and in planning services.

6.2.  Participate in workforce development including selection, recruitment and retention of staff.

6.3.  Participate in the ISO9001 Quality System for the Group.

6.4.  Act as day to day manager for physicists and technicians as allocated by the Group Leader and conduct staff appraisals.

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 post-holder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the Director.