Clinical Scientist Radiotherapy (PB ESR)

Overview

Clinical Scientist Radiotherapy (PB ESR) role at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Head of Radiotherapy Physics. REPORTS TO: Principal Clinical Scientist. JOB SUMMARY: To provide Scientific Expertise and Clinical Technical Services for patients undergoing cancer treatment. When required by the Radiotherapy Physics Rota, to provide scientific expertise and clinical technical services in the provision of Treatment Planning, Dosimetry, Mould Room and Machine Quality Control in Radiotherapy. The post holder is required to plan own workload, organise own projects and prioritise requests. To adapt schedules several times a day in response to unpredictable urgent requests.

To discuss complex aspects of patient treatment with medical staff, scientists, technologists, radiographers and nurses. To scientifically interpret complex patient treatment related information from medical staff. To initiate and participate in research and development. To be accountable for the work of staff and students whose work they are supervising.

To discuss complex technical and scientific aspects of equipment and software performance with scientists, technologists and representatives of equipment manufacturers. The holder decides how to achieve defined results, with discretion to work within the parameters of professional guidelines and departmental procedures. Guidance may be provided by colleagues, or the Head of Radiotherapy Physics.

Main duties / responsibilities

1. To provide Scientific Expertise in all aspects of Radiotherapy Physics; Treatment Planning, Dose Measurement, Mould Room, Machine Quality Control and Commissioning of new equipment and techniques.
2. To develop expertise towards the achievement of State Registration and Medical Physics Expert status.
3. Treatment Planning: To produce a range of radiotherapy plans as required to support the clinical service; to check dose predictions and identify errors and whether the treatment plan achieves the clinical objectives as far as practicable; to check the calculation of treatment machine settings; to check that adequate records of outlining, treatment planning and calculations have been made.
4. Dosimetry: To undertake routine dose measurements including patient specific doses and machine calibration doses; to provide scientific advice for doses which fall outside tolerances and re-calibrate machines when necessary; to participate in calibration of the Department\’s dosimeters against the Regional Secondary Standard; to carry out quality control checks on dosimetry systems.
5. Mould Room: To advise on the design of non-routine fixation devices, blocking devices and build-up materials for patient treatment, in consultation with the Clinician.
6. Treatment machine quality control: To carry out quality control checks, calibration and equipment tests on highly complex radiotherapy equipment following agreed protocols; to ensure calibrations and tests which affect dose are carried out in line with procedures and safety tolerance levels; to supervise and advise technologists on QC checks after machine repair; to record machine performance data.
7. Duty Physicist: When required by the Rota, to act as the first response source of specialist scientific advice in all aspects of Radiotherapy Physics.
8. To propose and develop procedures to enhance the Radiotherapy Physics service and contribute to the Radiotherapy Quality System.
9. Computing: To develop knowledge in computing software, networks and image processing for radiotherapy; to develop radiotherapy physics computing by writing software to meet physics and clinical specifications.
10. Research and Development: To initiate, supervise and carry out R&D in Radiotherapy Physics; to obtain external funding where appropriate; to report results at national and international meetings and in refereed journals; to support setup and delivery of radiotherapy clinical trials under direction from the Radiotherapy Physics Strategy Lead.
11. Training: To regularly deliver training of small groups of staff and students in all aspects of Radiotherapy Physics within a defined programme.
12. To minimise financial costs by safe and effective use of high capital value equipment; to work unsocial hours as necessary for safe performance of duties; to participate in rotas to support weekend emergency on-call treatments and/or bank holidays; to keep abreast of current scientific and technical developments and maintain own CPD.
13. To undertake any other duties required by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics in accordance with the grade and nature of the post.

Competence & conduct

The post holder is responsible for actions within their competence. If there are doubts, consult the line manager. All employees required to be registered with a professional body must comply with their code of conduct and professional registration; others must comply with the Trust\’s codes of conduct.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Science

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