Principal Clinical Scientist in Leeds

As part of the expansion of the Radiological Physics and Radiation Protection Service (RPRPS) based in newly refurbished accommodation at Leeds General Infirmary, we are looking for two additional experienced and enthusiastic Principal Clinical Scientists.

The post holders will act as a lead MPE/RPA for specified customers/areas of work as well as being involved in all other aspects of the sections work supporting the Trust and external customers. Candidates with less experience who are working towards gaining MPE/RPA status in Diagnostic Radiology are encouraged to apply as training and support will be available (subject to an amended job description and salary band). We operate a flexible working policy with the opportunity to work from home on a weekly basis.

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.

By the end of the year, it is expected that RPRPS will have approximately 28 staff. The section is part of the Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, one of the largest hospital trusts in the country. We provide scientific, technical and radiation protection advice and measurement services for ionising and non-ionising radiation across West & North Yorkshire.

The Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department is part of the Oncology CSU with approximately 250 staff. It is an established training centre for clinical scientists being accredited and having trained for all of the National School for Health Care Science Scientific Training Programme specialisms in Medical Physics. We also have accreditation to train imaging scientists under the Higher Scientific Specialist Training scheme and have a number of "route 2" trainees within our section.

We believe in developing our staff across all bands, mentoring them towards certification and ensuring any specialist qualifications are maintained. We also have links with Leeds University. With a large equipment base across our internal and external customers there is a lot of opportunity for standardisation and optimisation as well as acquiring experience in equipment from different manufacturers. We hold BSI ISO9001 accreditation and have the Ideagen Quality Management system to aid maintaining this.

What you will bring to the role:

• Act as the lead RPA/MPE for specified areas/customers as agreed by the Head of Section/Lead Clinical Scientist and provide expert advice to the Trust/clients on compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations and with the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations.
• Provide expert radiation safety and radiation shielding advice to the planning of new or modified radiation facilities and assess the adequacy of engineering controls and ionising radiation safety arrangements prior to a facility's introduction into clinical service.
• Provide expert advice on equipment specification and the installation design of new diagnostic x-ray facilities and equipment including playing a significant role in the optimisation of the radiation protection of patients and other individuals subject to exposures including the application and use of diagnostic reference levels.
• Provide specialist advice on and assist with radiation risk assessments, local rules and cooperation between employers documentation for a variety of complex situations.
• Assess the levels of ionising radiation using suitable instrumentation and use expert knowledge to be able to interpret the measurements in relation to the appropriate regulations.
• Provide expert advice and lead on the design and implementation of quality assurance programs for diagnostic x-ray equipment including acceptance testing.
• Assist in the investigation of accidental or unintended x-ray exposures to patients and advise the Trust and its customers on the requirements for the notification of incidents to the enforcement authorities and liaise with these authorities on behalf of the Trust and its customers.
• Participate in the training of operators, practitioners and other staff in relevant aspects of radiation protection and IR(ME)R compliance.
• Perform the necessary assessment of submissions for ethical approval of research studies both nationally and internally.
• Assess patient doses in a variety of complex situations. Use expert knowledge to determine relevant parameters, derive effective radiation doses and advise on radiation risks and appropriate courses of action and optimisation.

Our Trust values: The Leeds Way is working together to support each other and deliver the best possible care to patients. We are Responsible, Open and Honest, One Team, Kind.

Our purpose: Excellent, safe and sustainable care for every patient every time.

Our priorities: People, Improvement and Innovation, Partnerships, Outcomes.