Non-ionising Radiation Scientist in Leicester

The Leicester Radiation Safety Service (LRSS) aims to ensure the safety of all patients, visitors and staff who come into contact with sources of both Ionising and Non‑Ionising radiation. A wide range of safety and quality assurance activities, including training courses, are provided by physicists and technical staff, related to lasers, MRI, UV phototherapy and ultrasound. Staff also advise on the application of relevant legislation and develop processes and procedures for applying best practice methods and regulatory compliance.

This post holder provides scientific support for Non‑Ionising Radiation. The post holder may not have specialist knowledge in all areas of Non‑Ionising radiation, but will have specialist knowledge preferably in MRI, or at least in lasers, UV, or ultrasound within the hospital environment. The post holder will apply a broad range of scientific skills, knowledge and experience and will liaise closely with scientific, medical, technical, nursing and other staff, to ensure the delivery of safe services using Non‑Ionising radiation. The post holder will liaise with staff in a large number of departments across the Trust, will visit external organisations, and will work to develop research interests in their area of specialism.

Main duties of the job:

• Assist in implementing legislation associated with all forms of Non‑Ionising radiation across the Trust including Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 and Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010.
• The post holder is required to be up to date with current legal requirements, will analyse current practice against these requirements and make recommendations regarding alterations to practice and procedures.
• Assist in providing advice and support from queries by telephone, email and other means in line with the department's procedures and processes.
• Develop expertise within Non‑Ionising radiation and potentially ionising radiation.
• Take a lead for one or more areas of service provision with the support of senior staff.

Job responsibilities:

• Assist in planning the protection required for new installations, under the supervision of the appropriate adviser.
• Be involved, as and when necessary, in research within Non‑Ionising radiation.
• Take part in regular audit of The Medical Physics Quality Management System.
• Undertake clinical audit as agreed and directed by the appropriate safety specialist.
• Undertake R&D in collaboration with clinical staff and other researchers, in accordance with the priorities of the directorate.
• Advise and assist clinicians in setting up clinical trial protocols.
• Ensure R&D projects and clinical trials are performed safely and legally, and comply with the diverse range of legislation relating to the production and use of radioactive materials.

Person Specification:

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs. All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high-quality care and interactions with others.
• Training & Qualifications: Good Honours Degree in Physics or equivalent. MSc in Medical Physics or relevant qualification or experience. Registered as a Clinical Scientist specialising in INIR, or is able to complete training for registration within 1 year.
• Experience: Good knowledge of Physics principles. Basic knowledge of Non‑Ionising radiation legislation in healthcare and biomedical research. Working understanding of relevant legislation, national standards. Basic knowledge of the techniques employed when using Non-Ionising radiation within the hospital environment. Basic knowledge for the measurement of Non-Ionising radiation sources. Practical experience with use of equipment, to assess safety and performance of Non-Ionising radiation devices. Knowledge of wider clinical issues and their implications for Non-Ionising radiation. Understanding patient and staff risks arising from equipment failure. Able to use Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc. to set up documents and spreadsheets and extract information. Able to set up and manage the acquisition and structure of information. Some experience in interpreting different situations and carrying out risk assessments in areas with Non‑Ionising radiation hazards. Basic experience in the use of specialist testing equipment employed to measure the safety and performance of equipment generating Non-Ionising radiation. Experience working in hospital environments, in the following areas would be highly desirable: MRI, Lasers, UV, Ultrasound. Experience with image processing software, data analysis, programming skills, particularly using Python or Matlab.
• Communication and relationship skills: Present complex scientific and technical concepts and results to national or international scientific audiences. Effectively communicate complex technical information to diverse hospital staff groups. Able to maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders. Able to communicate with patients/public, applicable to specialist area. Teach scientific concepts to physics students and other trainees.
• Analytical and Judgement skills: Understanding of a range of work procedures and practices, which require a base level of theoretical knowledge. An understanding of risk assessment and control measures required to protect patient and staff from Non-Ionising Radiation exposures. Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations.
• Planning and organisation skills: Prioritise and manage own work. Exercise initiative when dealing with issues within own specialist area of competence. Effectively work as a team member.
• Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours: Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours.
• Skills: Manual dexterity: ability to make accurate measurements using sophisticated testing equipment. Able to lift medium weight testing instrument cases, sometimes upstairs. Able to concentrate frequently and for prolonged periods when subject to unpredictable working patterns.
• Other requirements specific to the role: Able to cope with occasional exposure to distressing circumstances. Understanding of hazards posed by, and precautions needed with: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Artificial Optical Radiation, Ionising radiation, Infected material, Electrical hazards.

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.