Clinical Scientist (Radiotherapy Physics) Wolverhampton, England
Job description
We are seeking an enthusiastic, HCPC registered, experienced Radiotherapy Clinical Scientist at the purpose-built Deanesly Cancer Centre, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, West Midlands.
The department equipment includes 4 Elekta Versa HD linear accelerators with IGRT, VMAT, FFF and EPID dosimetry capability. The department has two wide bore 4D CT scanners with gating capabilities. Further treatment units include, Xstrahl orthovoltage and Flexitron HDR. Supporting software currently includes Pinnacle TPS, Mosaiq Record and Verify system, Prosoma Virtual Simulator, Oncentra Masterplan Brachytherapy TPS, IMSure QA Software and Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK verification system. ProsomaCore secondary MU check software is currently being commissioned.
The radiotherapy physics department consists of a dedicated and experienced, diverse team, working together to provide the highest standard of radiotherapy physics support. We have an excellent working relationship with the wider MDT locally as well as close collaboration amongst the radiotherapy centres within the region, headed by the West Midlands Cancer Alliance.
The post holder will provide the scientific support to radiotherapy physics specialising in treatment planning, brachytherapy, and support radiotherapy trials. The candidate will be encouraged and supported to achieve MPE status.
They will also undertake a range of other duties within the section including assisting in the development and introduction of new radiotherapy treatment techniques practices and the resolution of problems with complex radiotherapy treatment plans. They will liaise with a wide range of staff in Medical Physics and in Radiotherapy, and
with external equipment manufacturers and service suppliers. This is an outstanding opportunity to be involved with several new developments including SABR and brachytherapy.
The Post holder will rotate through radiotherapy treatment planning/ checking, dosimetry and quality assurance procedures covering all radiotherapy equipment. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a leading role in treatment planning and to consolidate other radiotherapy physics competencies and managerial responsibilities to further your
career.
The post holder will provide expert advice and support to the Consultant Clinical Oncologists for routine aspects of radiotherapy physics.
There may be a requirement to work some unsocial hours, as part of the work may need to be performed outside normal treatment hours.
The Department will apply flexible work hours by mutual agreement.
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the West Midlands providing primary, acute and community services and we are incredibly proud of the diversity of both our staff and the communities we serve. We are building a workforce that can help us to fulfil our values, improve quality of care for patients, and solve the health care problems of tomorrow. We’re passionate about the value that diversity of thinking and lived experience brings in enabling us to become a learning organization and leader in delivering compassionate care for our patients.
We are delighted that we have been rated as “Good” by CQC. We have achieved numerous awards; The Nursing Times Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff in 2020.
The Trust is a supportive working environment committed to creating flexible working arrangements that suit your needs and as such will consider all requests from applicants who wish to work flexibly
To be a critical member of the radiotherapy physics team working in harmony to support, on rotational basis, treatment planning, imaging, QA and dosimetry and other ongoing projects.
To be a leading member of the treatment planning section. Responsibilities will include external beam treatment planning, brachytherapy and associated ongoing development work to support the service need.
To produce, check and approve routine and complex treatment plans, dose calculations and other treatment related information.
To carry out cross-calibration procedures and quality assurance measurements on dosimetry equipment
To be responsible for implementation and commissioning of assigned radiotherapy equipment.
To lead on services, mutually agreed with the head of radiotherapy physics to fulfilment the requirements of radiotherapy physics.
To assist and support, national or local radiotherapy trials related activities.
To assist with system administration tasks on treatment planning computers, record and verify system, resolve
problems associated with the transfer of safety critical treatment data between systems, assist with software upgrades and pre use checks.
To participate in inter-departmental and other external audit programmes.
To participate in the training and development of junior staff and trainees in the radiotherapy physics section.
To evaluate and develop procedures as part of service development.
To review and take part in fusion and patient dosimetry rota system.
To support development and evaluate departmental quality management system
To ensure that the patient information transferred across the radiotherapy network is correct and complete.
To take part in a flexible duty rota to cover the working of an extended working day in radiotherapy and the completion of some quality assurance procedures outside normal working hours.
To carry out work in radiotherapy physics associated with developing techniques, including the commissioning and adaptation of radiotherapy treatment machines and systems, developing protocols for clinical use.
To participate in the equipment specifications and measurement of required treatment data for clinical use.
To ensure that all checking procedures, written records, etc which are required are completed promptly and properly.
To advise and assist clinical and other staff in the preparation and completion of radiotherapy procedures where expertise in Radiotherapy Physics is required.
To be aware of governance and risk management issues within the department and to contribute to their resolution.
To develop techniques to meet specific requirements which may be self-initiated, initiated by senior colleagues, or necessary for particular clinical needs.
To be fully aware of relevant scientific and technical developments and legislation in the field, attending or participating in such conferences, seminars, etc as may be appropriate and agreed.
To participate in evaluation and research in topics relevant to the work of the Sub-division and publication of relevant development work.
To use personal initiative in the completion of tasks associated with the Radiotherapy Physics service.
To be responsible for the supervision of junior staff working in their areas of responsibility, and to participate in staff appraisal arrangement and job description reviews as required.
To carry out appraisals and administrative procedures which may be appropriate as part of the service and line manage other junior staff.
To undertake other duties that may be appropriate in order to meet the needs of the service.
To complete CPD to the relevant required standard
This job description may be reviewed periodically in the light of developing work requirements. The physicist will be expected to contribute towards that review.
To comply with the Department and the Trust mandatory training requirements.
