Research Sonographer Leeds

The post holder will work as an integral member of the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (US) research team within the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), providing a high-quality, autonomous ultrasound service to support both research and clinical activity. The role involves the acquisition, interpretation and reporting of musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, communicating findings effectively to researchers and clinicians, and providing expert specialist advice on ultrasound imaging and its application within musculoskeletal research and patient care. The post holder will contribute to the delivery and day-to-day organisation of the Rheumatology Ultrasound Service, ensuring high standards of imaging practice and patient-centred care.

Main duties of the job:

• Provide a high-quality, autonomous musculoskeletal ultrasound service in support of the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) research portfolio and associated NHS clinical activity.
• Perform musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, acquiring high-quality diagnostic images in accordance with research study protocols, clinical requirements, professional standards and local procedures.
• Independently interpret ultrasound findings and produce clear, accurate and comprehensive diagnostic reports for research and clinical purposes, ensuring results are communicated appropriately and in a timely manner to clinicians, researchers and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Identify and escape urgent, unexpected or clinically significant findings, informing the relevant clinician immediately and ensuring appropriate action is taken.
• Act as a specialist source of expertise and advice in musculoskeletal ultrasound for clinicians, researchers and members of the Leeds BRC, supporting the effective use of imaging within research studies and patient care pathways.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team comprising clinical, academic and research staff from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and partner organisations.

About us:

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to delivering the highest quality and safest treatment and care to every patient, every time. Our vision is to provide the highest quality specialist and integrated care.

Job responsibilities:

• Support a broad portfolio of nationally and internationally recognised research studies, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and external partners.
• Manage a specialist caseload, operate advanced ultrasound imaging equipment, provide expert advice to clinicians and researchers, and develop specialist skills in emerging musculoskeletal imaging techniques.

Why you should join our Team:

Joining the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Research Team offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of musculoskeletal imaging, research and innovation. You will deliver a highly specialised ultrasound service that directly supports both world-leading research studies and high-quality patient care.

What you will bring to the role:

• Provide a high-quality, autonomous musculoskeletal ultrasound service supporting both innovative research studies and NHS clinical activity.
• Work within a nationally and internationally recognised musculoskeletal research programme, contributing to studies that have the potential to influence future patient care and clinical practice.
• Independently perform, interpret and report musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, delivering expert diagnostic imaging to researchers and clinicians.
• Act as a specialist source of advice and expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound, supporting both research delivery and patient care pathways.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and external partner organisations.
• Support the planning and day-to-day delivery of the Rheumatology Ultrasound Service, helping to ensure efficient and patient-centred services.
• Contribute to the delivery of research activity within the Leeds BRC Imaging Centre, ensuring imaging is performed to high research, regulatory and Good Clinical Practice standards.
• Participate in service development, quality improvement and audit activities to enhance ultrasound services and research capability.
• Support the education, training and development of healthcare professionals, researchers and students through the sharing of specialist knowledge and expertise.
• Develop advanced skills in emerging musculoskeletal imaging techniques, including elastography, 3D/4D ultrasound and other innovative imaging approaches.

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.

Sponsorship Eligibility: To comply with UK Government regulations on Skilled Worker sponsorship, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust is unable to provide sponsorship to applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria or the salary threshold concessions set out under the Skilled Worker visa route.