Clinical Scientist - Nuclear Medicine physics

Clinical and Scientific

Liaise with the other Physicists in the Trust (including those in Radiotherapy physics and Imaging Physics) and the Head of Nuclear Medicine to develop and maintain common procedures to ensure that the work in Nuclear Medicine meets the requirements of the Ionising Radiations Regulations (IRR17), Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IRMER17) and other relevant legislation concerning Health & Safety and radiation protection. Develop policies and write procedures for changed working practices, as required.

Ensure effective systems are in place for keeping an inventory of all radioactive material under the control of the Department.

Participate in the commissioning, calibration, radiation safety, accuracy and quality control of nuclear medicine equipment used in the imaging or treatment of patients, in accordance with quality assurance procedures and protocols.

Assist with diagnostic imaging investigations and checks, radioisotope measurement and other measurements carried out on behalf of nuclear medicine.

Be responsible for the safe use and correct functioning of expensive and highly complex test and imaging equipment during measurements and clinical use by self and others.

Assist with therapeutic procedures involving radioactive materials

Assist with in-vivo and in-vitro radioisotope investigations in Nuclear Medicine.

Help resolve problems with Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Quality Assurance equipment, investigate causes and suggest remedial action.

Assist with risk assessments as directed.

Assist in responding to radioisotope problems in imaging and non-imaging, and in unsealed source therapy.

Conduct measurements and checks on equipment used for radioisotope measurement techniques in the treatment of patients or in the monitoring thereof.

Assist with Radiation Protection Services as required by the Head of Nuclear medicine, RWA or RPA.

Assist with the ordering, record keeping and disposal of radioisotopes used in the Trust and elsewhere, ensuring that limits within licences are not breached.

Managerial

Prioritise own work in accordance with Departmental and Trust priorities and external demands.  Achieve expected results by using own initiative and following general principles, standards and guidelines.  Manage complex projects involving changes to equipment and practices.

To keep careful records of all work performed and complete other appropriate records.

Teaching and Training

Teach and train staff, students and others as required on all aspects of complex equipment use, including instrumentation and nuclear medicine physics.

Participate in the training and supervision of healthcare scientists working in nuclear medicine physics.

Participate in training for medical, paramedical and other NHS staff on a range of subjects relevant to the work of the Department.

Provide scientific training (talks, written material etc.) in Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Protection to technical staff within Nuclear Medicine and other Trust staff.

Research & Development

To keep abreast of current developments in the relevant areas of nuclear medicine.

Undertake research and development in collaboration with clinical staff and other researchers, in accordance with the agreed priorities of the department.

To identify appropriate new techniques in optimisation of diagnostic procedures and to ensure that these are carried through to a successful conclusion.

Present papers at national and international scientific meetings.

Identify appropriate areas for development projects and to propose these to senior staff.

Assist with the assessment and evaluation of new equipment before purchase and subsequent clinical use.

Write research based reports, create spreadsheets and databases to assist in the analysis of measured data.

Participate in audit and research and development work and present results at meetings and/or publish work in appropriate journals/publications.

Professional

Must have experience in nuclear medicine and have achieved registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council, or be close to doing so.

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 personal development and to further the work of the department.

Attend and deliver suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the department. To contribute presentations to the Department’s CPD seminar programme.

Maintain state registration and an agreed programme of CPD.

Work towards completion of a portfolio for registration as a Medical Physics Expert.

To ensure that all aspects of the work are provided in accordance with a quality framework, and conform to relevant legislation, national protocols and Trust policies.

Miscellaneous

Implement and ensure compliance with an accredited Quality System in the areas of work for which he/she carries responsibility.  Participate in the development and routine operation of quality systems.

Work hours necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work. In practice it will occasionally be required to perform duties outside the normal working hours of the Department.

When working in other departments, liaise with local heads of department, medical consultants, superintendents, nursing sisters or their representatives as appropriate, adhering to local policies and practices.  Must behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by Medical Physics. 

Assist at NAIR (National Arrangements for Incidents involving Radiation) incidents and other emergencies. 

When working in other departments, the postholder will liaise with local heads of department, medical consultants, superintendents and nursing staff, adhering to local policies and practices.  The postholder will behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided.

Perform other appropriate duties which may be requested from time to time by the Head of NM Physics, commensurate with the grade.