Radiotherapy Physicist

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Clinical Scientific

1. Produce routine and complex treatment plans for external beam radiotherapy. Use computerised planning systems to design and customise treatment plans. Take responsibility for the accurate production of individualised treatment plans and associated dosimetry calculations.
2. Advise clinical staff on the effects of various treatment plan options on patient dose distributions. Discuss and agree approaches with clinical staff to create optimum treatment plans and advise on aspects of the treatment and patient set-up, as required.
3. Check and approve routine and complex treatment plans, dose calculations and templates produced by other members of staff.
4. Re-plan patient treatments where required, following a treatment error or changes in patient shape. Use judgement to analyse and determine the most appropriate compensation method, under supervision of the MPE. Calculate the compensation required and subsequent patient dose.
5. Provide routine physics support to radio-isotope administration. Explain procedures to patients and liaise with other groups such as ward staff as required. Assist with resolving problems with the procedure, including those arising with the patient present.
6. Provide routine support for Physics dosimetry and quality control in radiotherapy, according to established protocols. Undertake dosimetry measurements to a high degree of accuracy with suitable equipment. Perform quality control and other measurements and procedures on highly complex, patient-critical equipment.
7. Assist in the revision of protocols and dosimetry techniques under the supervision of the Principal Physicist. Develop and revise working practices. Assist in maintaining accurate calibration of all dosimetry equipment and Radiotherapy treatment machines.

2. General

1. Provide support to Physics computing in Radiotherapy. Write software to the requirements of the department and adapt existing software packages as required. Monitor and resolve problems on computing systems in Radiotherapy and Radiotherapy Physics.
2. Participate in acceptance testing and commissioning of new equipment as appropriate.
3. Provide scientific and technical advice to radiotherapy consultants and other clinical staff regarding patient treatment.
4. Act as liaison contact for identified radiotherapy equipment. Oversee work carried out on this equipment and give physics advice and direction as required. Investigate and resolve complex problems on complex, patient-critical radiotherapy and associated equipment.
5. Act as an operator under the definitions of the IR(ME)R regulations in accordance with Trust Policies and Practices.

3. Managerial

1. Prioritise and manage own work to meet agreed outcomes.
2. Assist in maintaining accurate calibration of all dosimetry equipment and Radiotherapy treatment machines.
3. Keep careful records of all work performed and complete other appropriate records.
4. Supervise the professional work of other staff groups working in areas or on projects being managed by the post holder.

4. Teaching, training and research

1. Provide practical training to physicists, medics and radiographers in Treatment Planning, Dosimetry and QA and in Radioisotope Therapy.
2. Assist with training other staff, as required (e.g. radiation protection advice to nursing staff on wards with therapy nuclear medicine in-patients).
3. Supervise trainee clinical scientists on placement.
4. Assess and approve staff competencies within specified areas of work.
5. Present original work at meetings and conferences, and in publication. Present seminars and feedback on meetings.
6. Instigate and participate in Research and Development projects and clinical audit. Develop and improve equipment and techniques for radiation therapy.

5. Professional

1. Participate in an approved Continuing Professional Development scheme and maintain HCPC registration.
2. Keep abreast of the latest technical and scientific developments and their applications in medical and associated fields. Attend suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the Department.
3. Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, approved Codes of Practice and Local Safety Rules.

6. Miscellaneous

1. Ensure compliance with accredited Quality Systems in the areas of work for which the post holder carries responsibility. Participate in the development and routine operation of quality systems.
2. Carry out all duties in accordance with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act, relevant Statutory Regulations, Approved Codes of Conduct and Local Rules.
3. Work hours necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work. In practice, the appointee will occasionally be required to perform duties outside the normal working hours of the department.
4. When working in other departments, the postholder will liaise with local heads of department, medical consultants, superintendents, nursing sisters or their representatives as appropriate, adhering to local policies and practices. The post holder will always behave courteously and professionally and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by Medical Physics.
5. Perform other appropriate duties which may be required from time to time by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics.

Person specification

Education and Professional Qualifications

Essential criteria

• (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in a physical science or equivalent.
• Relevant Masters degree or equivalent.
• IPEM training exit certificate or equivalent experience.
• Registration as Clinical Scientist with HCPC or achievement within 12 months of appointment.

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience in the clinical environment with patients and clinical staff.
• Good knowledge of radiotherapy physics, radiotherapy techniques and clinical applications.
• Knowledge of appropriate legislation.
• Knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology.

Skills and aptitudes

Essential criteria

• Ability to communicate technical material to colleagues and other professionals.
• Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations.
• Ability to organise own workload.
• Exhibits independent approach to problem solving.
• Exhibits a keen interest in research and development.

Personal qualities and attributes

Essential criteria

• Ability to work as one of a team.
• Personal presentation acceptable to clinical staff and patients.
• Ability to show a sympathetic and caring attitude to patients of diverse cultures.

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