Principal Radiotherapy Physicist

We are looking for someone who can act as an MPE in our service. Taking responsibility for the associated documented protocols and procedures for aspects of HDR brachytherapy, planning and/or equipment QA.
As an MPE, the postholder will be expected to support the development of protocols and competency frameworks for a range of new techniques in the department. Recent new clinical techniques offered by the service include the use of bespoke in-house 3D surface moulds for HDR skin treatment, and the implementation of Valencia HDR applicators for small lesions. Bespoke moulded Silicon bolus is in routine use in the department for MV photon and electron treatments.
Depending on interests and experience, there are opportunities to undertake a range of specialist scientific and clinical duties to support all sections of Radiotherapy Physics. This will include significant involvement in the upcoming equipment replacement programme, with most treatment, imaging and QA equipment in the department due for replacement between 2025 and 2027., Be able to act as a Medical Physics Expert in all aspects of radiotherapy physics. With emphasis on providing expert advice to the multi-disciplinary team. They will be able to demonstrate significant expertise in advanced radiotherapy techniques.
Support the development of protocols and competency frameworks for new techniques.
To undertake definitive brachytherapy source strength confirmation/calibration and issue appropriate source data for clinical use. Complete all source custodian duties, including stock control, documentation, manual handling of sources, leakage testing and compliance with relevant legislation
Undertake a range of specialist scientific and clinical duties to support all sections of Radiotherapy Physics.
To be able to work effectively and efficiently as part of a radiotherapy multi-disciplinary team.
(Note that applicants not currently entitled as an MPE may be considered for the role if experience is otherwise appropriate. MPE certification would be expected within 12 months of appointment)

Working for our organisation
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals., To act as a Medical Physics Expert for all aspects of the radiotherapy service. Taking a lead role as a brachytherapy MPE.
To take a lead role in the development of the technical and scientific aspects of the service. As determined by departmental strategy and national and professional guidelines.
To ensure that scientific developments are performed in an accurate and timely manner.
To have responsibility for developing and updating appropriate written procedures and work instructions, in relation to new techniques.
To be aware of new techniques and recommend developments to the Head of RT Physics to help inform the departmental strategy.
To provide physics and technical advice to a multidisciplinary team of scientists, dosimetrists, therapy radiographers and clinicians.
Act as an Operator under the definitions of IR(ME)R in accordance with Trust Policies.
To investigate adverse or unexpected results and advise on corrective action to the Head/Deputy Head of Radiotherapy Physics and Head of Treatment Planning, as appropriate.
To participate in complex external beam treatment planning.
To be competent to check a range of treatment plan types, including specialist techniques. By checking a plan, to take on responsibility for it being both correct and appropriate.
Participate in aspects of purchasing new radiotherapy equipment, including preparation of specification, evaluation, giving advice, acceptance testing, and commissioning, as appropriate and as directed by the Head / Deputy Head of Radiotherapy Physics.
Research and Development Responsibilities
To assist with and support all clinical trials activity.
To lead on, or assist with, research and development projects within Radiotherapy Physics.
Contribute effectively to development of the Radiotherapy service, including management of certain projects from inception to completion.
To present scientific/technical work/papers at local, regional or national meetings.
Initiate and supervise work and research projects for graduate students, Pre-Registration Scientists and Clinical Technologists, as may from time-to-time be assigned by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics Services.
People/Management Excellence
To prioritise and manage their own work and time effectively. To suit circumstances, and the work and time of supporting staff both individually and in teams - as required to achieve routine and task-oriented objectives.
To communicate effectively with fellow professionals and patients, anticipating barriers to communication, and taking action to improve communication where necessary.
To create opportunities to enable everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice.
To assist in the provision of training courses and tutorials. This includes the preparation and giving of talks on specific topics relating to radiation physics to medical, scientific, technical, and nursing staff.
Supervise the work of Clinical Scientists, Trainees, Dosimetrists, and Medical Technical staff when they are performing work under the post holders direction.
Train other members of staff in planning techniques; and to be responsible for judgement of technical competency.
To participate in any Physics duty rota for which the post holder is competent and as requested by the Head/Deputy Head of Radiotherapy Physics.
Quality Assurance and Monitoring
To take responsibility for regular checks and reviews of quality control records (in treatment planning and machine QC) and to ensure that discrepancies are resolved.
To participate fully in maintaining the departmental ISO9001:2015 quality system by continual review of own procedures, writing and checking of relevant documents and work instructions, and carrying out audits within Radiotherapy, Radiotherapy Physics and ward areas.
To contribute to the commissioning of new radiotherapy equipment, as requested by the Head/Deputy Head of Radiotherapy Physics.
To take responsibility for departmental compliance to local radiotherapy protocols.
Professional Responsibilities
Participate in the IPEM or other agreed Continuing Personal Development (CPD) scheme.
To remain up to date regarding the latest scientific and technical developments and their applications within radiotherapy physics. This to be achieved by journal reading, internet research, and attending suitable seminars and training courses as part of CPD and in furthering the work of the department.
To ensure that all activities are carried out within the quality system framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and safety rules.
To maintain registration as HCPC Clinical Scientist and IRMER Medical Physics Expert.
To regularly prepare reports and presentations.
Other Information
The post holder may be required to carry out other relevant duties as required.
The post holder will adhere to the duties specified under the Staff Responsibilities of the NHS Constitution in their day to day work and behaviours.
The post holder will be expected to aspire to the Values of the Trust in their day to day work and behaviours in order to support the Trust in achieving its Vision.
The post holder will adhere to, at all times, any relevant Professional or NHS Code of Conducts, legislation and Assurance Frameworks.
The post holder will make themselves familiar with, and adhere to, at all times, the policies and procedures of the Trust, and their area of work.
The post holder will be expected to work to any personal, Corporate, Divisional, Directorate and Departmental objectives and standards in order to provide an acceptable level The of service.
The post holder will be expected to undertake training, including mandatory and role specific training, relevant to their role and ensure it is renewed as required.
At Northampton General Hospital we provide general acute services and hyper-acute stroke, vascular and renal services to people living in Northamptonshire. As well as this we are an accredited cancer centre and provide cancer services to a wider population of Northamptonshire and parts of Buckinghamshire.
We are proud to be the first hospital in the UK to have obtained Pathway to Excellence® designated accreditation from the American nurses credentialing centre (ANCC).
We celebrate staff achievements and value the importance of working as one big team. That's why we talk about Team NGH. It's all about working together to provide the best possible care for our patients and supporting each other to grow and develop our skills. We are driven to helping you to be the best you can be.
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Apply today and join the largest family in Northamptonshire.