Principal Clinical Scientist (Nuclear Medicine)
Job summary
Aligned with the Total-Body-PET scanner soon to be installed at The Christie, a new position exists for a Principal Clinical Scientist to work in the Nuclear Medicine group.The successful candidate will become a member of a team of clinical scientists who provide the medical physics and radiation protection support to work with unsealed radioactive substances, primarily at The Christie.Candidates must have a good first degree in physics or a physical science, MSc. or equivalent in physics applied to medicine or a related subject and be a registered Clinical Scientist. They should have significant training and experience in both diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. They should have MPE certification and be able to demonstrate research experience in nuclear medicine imaging.
Main duties of the job
While the successful candidate will contribute to other aspects of the service, this role has a particular focus on PET-CT where significant experience is required.The working pattern will include some extended working days and weekends, and occasional off-site working at other Nuclear Medicine departments in the North-West for whom physics support is provided.Nuclear Medicine at The Christie also supports a number of Nuclear Medicine departments throughout the north-west of England and beyond, by supplying radioactive tracers and providing scientific advice on radiation safety and best practice.The Nuclear Medicine team at The Christie pride ourselves on a friendly, inclusive and collaborative approach to delivering the very best service to our patients, and driving forward improvements that will lead to better diagnosis and treatment.
About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, looking after more than 64,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 25% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.
We are the largest radiotherapy provider in the NHS with one in 20 treatments delivered at The Christie. We have up to 15 linear accelerators operating across our network of sites. We operate the largest chemotherapy unit in the UK on our main site and treatments are also provided at 13 other networked sites, and in patients homes. And as a specialist tertiary surgical centre, we focus on rare cancers, complex procedures, and multidisciplinary approaches to cancer surgery, specialising in colorectal, peritoneal, gynaecological, urological and plastic surgery.
We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We have been named by the UK's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), as one of the best hospitals providing opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research studies, with more than 800 studies open at any time, caring for over 3,000 patients.Clinical scientists within the group sit on a number of different national bodies and contribute to guidance in several different areas of nuclear medicine, including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, regulatory compliance, teaching and training.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1 Methodology and Instrumentation To characterise, evaluate and validate medical imaging equipment, and associated equipment using complex methods and systems in physics, engineering and mathematics.
1.1 Keeping up to date with the latest developments in the field of NM and PET and implementing those where appropriate in terms of policies and procedures.1.2 Develop an in-depth understanding of the set-up and optimisation of the configuration of the scanners and associated equipment.1.3 Critically review and evaluate and analyse complex quality assurance procedures and formal documentation to validate the use of the above equipment, extending the tests as and when necessary, in the context of formal validation procedures.1.4 Work with clinical technologists and others in developing and writing standard procedures for Nuclear Medicine and ensure that these are properly implemented.1.5 Ensure as part of the group that operations conform to legislative requirements covering the use of radioactive materials.1.6 Advising on diagnostic imaging and processing techniques, including practical assistance.1.7 Writing computer software for data analysis.1.8 Undertake imaging investigations on patients participating in research studies.1.9 Preparation of test objects, which may require prolonged concentration.
2 Research 2.1 Design and conduct experiments to characterise NM and PET scanning equipment and associated instrumentation to improve upon current and introduce new imaging techniques.2.2 Develop and validate new items of advanced instrumentation, devising new protocols and procedures and proposes change where necessary.2.3 Develop complex methodological procedures for new investigations on patients in clinical research trials.2.4 Carry out advanced and complex mathematical calculations for data and image analysis techniques.2.5 Carry out radiation dosimetry and risk assessments for patient studies in research trial proposals.2.6 Prepares applications to Local Research Ethics Committee(s) and internal Trust R&D management in order to maintain conformance with all aspects of clinical governance.2.7 Performs literature searches and summaries.
3 Training and Dissemination 3.1 To undertake teaching, lecturing and training in various aspects of NM and PET, to various staff groups, such as clinical and other scientist and technologists at both undergraduate and postgraduate level3.2 Provide specialist training in NM and PET methods and instrumentation to other members of staff, for both internal and external visiting groups.3.3 Present the results of the work by writing articles for publication in scientific journals and presenting lectures at national and international scientific conferences.3.4 Assist consultant radiologists and other clinicians in the reporting and interpretation of scan results.3.5 Develop methods for, and undertake, the processing and analysis of NM and PET research studies.
4 Professional Maintains scientific competence and State Registration as a Clinical Scientist, for which successful participation in a CPD scheme will be required. Maintain MPE status. Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- An honours degree in physics.
- State registration as Clinical Scientist
- MPE status.
- PhD in physics or related subject
Experience
- A track record in R&D in NM and/or PET methods.
- Specification and commissioning of new NM and/or PET imaging facilities.
- Radiation protection in NM and/or PET.
- Record of developing new imaging procedures and methods.
- Demonstration of capability for independent, self-motivated working.
- Specification and commissioning of NM and/or PET-CT imaging facilities.
- A good track record in PET research, indicated by publications.
- A track record in initiating and developing PET research projects.
Skills
- Operation and calibration of NM and/or PET equipment.
- Ability to work safely, quickly, meticulously and accurately with good manipulation skills for handling radioactive isotopes
- Familiarity with information technology and related clinical systems (PACS, etc.).
- Computer programming for NM and/or PET analysis.
- Ability to take on experimental work in a methodological and rigorous manner.
- Ability to programme in common language such as C or Python.
- Experience with specialist computer packages such as IDL or Matlab.
- Experience with Monte Carlo modelling especially as applied to NM and/or PET.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of the principles of operation of NM and PET equipment.
- Knowledge of a range of NM and PET diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Principles of radiation protection and regulatory framework.
- Demonstrated awareness and knowledge of important areas of development in NM and PET-CT.
- Knowledge of other medical imaging, diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, and their relationship and relative importance.
Values
- Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours
Other
- Personal skills for working directly with patients.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work within a team.
- A flexible and adaptable attitude to working in a constantly evolving environment.
- Competence in lecturing and presenting research work.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name
The Christie NHS FT
Address
CMPE Clinical Pet - D00037
Manchester
M20 4BX
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.christie.nhs.uk/