Medical Physics Technologist (Pet Imaging)

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic medical physics technologist to join our PET imaging team at Kings College London (KCL) & Guys and St Thomas (GSTT) PET Centre. The Centre is part of both King's College London's School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences (BMEIS) in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, and Guy's & St Thomas' National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust.

Main duties of the job

The purpose of this post is to provide technical support to the operation of the clinical and research PET scanning activities in the PET Imaging Centre, working as a member of a team of medical physicists.

Particular aspects of the role will include taking a day-to-day role in the UK PET Core Lab which provides quality control and data management for PET clinical research trials and providing radiation protection support to the department, including the cyclotron/radiochemistry facilities and scanning suites.

You should be highly motivated, able to multi-task, work well within a team, and be keen to learn. The position is in a friendly and supportive multi-disciplinary department, with opportunities for involvement in research projects.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.

About us

We run a clinical PET service in parallel with an extensive programme of clinical research. Facilities currently include 2 cyclotrons, radiochemistry labs, 3 PET-CT scanners and a PET-MR scanner. We have recently installed two state-of-the-art Siemens Quadra Total Body PET-CT scanners. This will be an exciting time to join our team with ample opportunity to contribute to an ambitious programme developing the clinical and research capabilities of the department.

Job responsibilities

• Carry out day-to-day data tasks for the UK PET Core Lab, including data transfer, analysis and collation of images.
• Communicate and liaise with PET centres across the country and with industry and academic partners conducting clinical trials.
• Carry out accreditation of new sites for the Core Lab, including acquiring and analysing phantom data and gather evidence to ensure harmonisation across the clinical trials network.
• Contribute to the routine medical physics activities in the PET Centre.
• Take on duties concerning radiation protection and the use of radioactive materials throughout the PET Centre including the cyclotron and radiochemistry facilities and the scanning areas of the department.
• Assist where appropriate in carrying out complex research studies involving processing of blood samples etc.
• Ensure compliance with the environment agency permit in generating radioactive waste records from radiation monitoring systems and reports under supervision of a clinical scientist.
• Manage record keeping of training and induction of new staff working within the scanning suites and laboratories and provide safety training directly where appropriate.
• Assist, where appropriate, with scanner, sample counter and dose calibrator QC, e.g., filling phantoms for scanner QC testing, carrying out regular QC on well counter etc.
• Ensure scanning equipment (including radiation monitoring devices) is safe for use through maintaining up to date records of equipment maintenance and service.
• Assist in drafting risk assessments as necessary for all new work undertaken by the department. Similarly for radiation project forms, local rules, systems of work, working procedures documents for use of radioactive materials, and best practical means documentation for disposal of radioactive substances etc.
• Undertake audits of working practice within the department under the supervision of a clinical scientist.
• Write clearly in systems of work that must be understood and followed by other members of staff.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team and liaise with medical, scientific and technical staff, radiographers, administrative and other staff groups from within and outside the PET centre as appropriate.
• Undertake other tasks and responsibilities appropriate to the position as necessary, including working flexible hours if required.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in a nuclear medicine or PET imaging department or similar setting
• Knowledge of nuclear medicine technology including sample counters and radiation monitoring equipment
• Ability to write and follow technical procedures and work instructions.
• Good working knowledge of the regulations and best practice for radiation safety in nuclear medicine clinical and laboratory settings
• Computing experience including manipulation and transfer of large datasets
• Clear spoken and written communication skills, with proficient computer use and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills

Desirable

• Experience working as a medical physicist or technologist in a PET imaging department
• Experience of supporting clinical imaging research studies including experience of data collation and management for these studies
• Experience of providing radiation safety support for PET cyclotron/radiochemistry facilities

Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum level 4 qualification, e.g., higher apprenticeship, HNC or other Level 4 award, plus work experience in relevant technical/scientific posts OR Considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific posts

Desirable

• Relevant degree
• HCPC or RCT registration

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.

Kings College London is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.