Principal Clinical Scientist

at  University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Radiology Physics provides clinical and non-clinical scientific and technical services in diagnostic radiology physics and the ionising radiation protection of patients, staff and the general public to the Trust and to client health care organisations throughout the region.
The post holder will provide expert scientific and technical advice, as a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and Medical Physics Expert (MPE), to ensure that NHS Trusts and other organisations can meet their statutory obligations.
The post holder will also be the lead expert in all aspects of the Radiology Physics equipment and quality control programme. They will design, maintain and manage a comprehensive independent commissioning, quality assurance and calibration programme for all ionising radiation equipment throughout the region. They will manage the technical staff of the Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Service.
The post holder will provide support for the research, optimisation and development of radiological techniques with the aim of improving patient management and patient and staff safety.
Management
Work closely with the Head of Radiology Physics in managing the activities of the Group and in planning services. Deputise for the Head of Radiology Physics.
Proactively participate in workforce development including selection, recruitment and retention of staff.
Act as line manager technical staff, conducting staff appraisals, initial grievances and handling day-to-day matters such a leave requests or sickness absence reviews
Scientific support to diagnostic radiology
To initiate, plan and introduce innovative techniques for the evaluation, commissioning and continuing quality control of diagnostic x-ray equipment (including x-ray, CT, fluoroscopy and mammography).
Provide leadership in specific areas of the group’s work, in providing in-depth expertise in these areas, planning group strategy and in developing new ways of working, and implementing these into the routine procedures of the Group.
Undertake, as necessary, critical examinations, commissioning tests and quality control measurements on a wide range of x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. Provide written reports and advice to Radiology Managers, radiographers, radiologists and others. Liaise with manufacturers’ representatives where necessary
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation’s core values.
Radiation protection
Provide expert scientific and technical advice in the areas of RPA and MPE support, and proactively to contribute to formulating departmental policy and management of the routine service.
Provide, on own authority, Radiation Protection Advice and Medical Physics Expertise to specified Trusts, private hospitals and other organisations, to ensure that they meet their statutory obligations. This involves dealing with a wide range of staff including senior Trust managers, radiology managers, consultant radiologists, and radiographers. The advice provided will cover such aspects as the design of x-ray facilities including the calculation of shielding requirements, optimisation of patient dose and clinical image quality, quality assurance of equipment and procedures, personal monitoring and measures for staff protection. Review and provide written reports to Radiation Protection Committees and employers on compliance with Regulations.
Research and Development
Undertake research and development in Radiology Physics and establish and maintain collaborative links with other hospitals, universities and industry.
Undertake research and development work (approximately 10% of workload) in the field of diagnostic X-ray aimed at both improving the Radiology Physics service and the optimisation of radiological techniques in the health service.
To draw the attention of the Head of Radiology Physics to research opportunities and when appropriate to generate applications for grants and research contracts.
To publish research in internationally recognised peer reviewed research journals and present at national /international meetings
Teaching and training
Regularly deliver training to groups of staff and students e.g. Radiation protection Courses, Non-medical referrers training, IPEM Training scheme
Assist in the training supervision and assessment of trainee physicists and technologists including acting as STP, PTP or IPEM Training scheme supervisor
For further details of the role please see the attached job description

Please refer the Job description for details