Head of Clinical and Radiation Physics inTorquay inTorquay PUBLISHED 25 OCT 2024

Band 8d: £88,168 to £101,677 a year per annum  PERMANENT 
Services are established with clinical scientists, technologists and administrative staff providing a wide range of highly specialised and complex functions that include: diagnostic radiology physics, nuclear medicine physics, radiation safety and support for non-ionising radiation technologies.

We are looking to recruit a Consultant Clinical Scientist with significant experience in either Diagnostic Radiology, Radiation Safety or Nuclear Medicine Physics. The post holder must be an RPA2000 registered Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in their specialism and be able to advise the employing Trusts and their contracted customers. The ideal candidate must also be an RPA2000 Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) within their specialty, or be on a short timescale pathway to achieving this status. It is also essential that the applicant has wide experience of and can offer leadership within the areas of Radiation Physics outside their own specialty.

The Clinical and Radiation Physics team is part of the SEND (South, East and North Devon) Medical Physics network. Clinical and Radiation Physics services are based in both the Royal Devon University Hospital NHS FT (RDUH) in Exeter and the Torbay and South Devon NHS FT (TSD) in Torquay. Both departments provide Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Safety Services across the SEND geographic area to both NHS and non-NHS customers. This position is based within the TSD service for a nominal 60% of total time, with the remaining 40% at RDUH, Exeter. There is a requirement for very occasional on site working at the RDUH North Devon (Barnstaple) hospital.

To lead, manage and be responsible for clinical and radiation physics services and so provide a safe, effective and efficient service at acute hospital sites in Torbay, Exeter and Barnstable and to other clients through agreements to ensure that patient needs are at the centre of care.

Services are established with clinical scientists, technologists and administrative staff providing a wide range of highly specialised and complex functions that include: diagnostic radiology physics, nuclear medicine physics, radiation safety and support for non-ionising radiation technologies. This will include the provision of expert advice to medical and clinical staff; compliance with statutory obligations; quality assurance programmes; liaison with maintenance providers; evaluation, selection, procurement, installation, acceptance testing and commissioning of major equipment, and management and development of specialist computer systems, networks and software.

To lead on the development and implementation of a quality improvement (QI) and research programme for clinical and radiation physics.

To actively develop collaborative relationships with other individuals and organisations in pursuit of strategic objectives including active involvement in the development of networked clinical and scientific services.

To deputise for the Director of Medical Physics and take on specific senior departmental co-ordinating roles as required.

About us


Communication and Working Relationships

Healthcare scientists and trainees

Other clinical professions, incl. medical, allied health professionals, nursing, pharmacy

Specialist, technical and technical support staff, incl. infection control, recruitment, finance, estates, IM&T and procurement

Clinical and general managers

Senior managers, associate medical director(s), executive and non-executive directors

Patients, carers and volunteers

Peer group and the wider scientific community

External clients, partners and suppliers




Analytical/Judgemental Skills

Make judgements in highly complex situations involving the analysis and interpretation of highly complex clinical and scientific data

Analyse, communicate and manage the performance relating to clinical and radiation physics. Optimisation of radiation services for service providers

Provide advice on procuring, commissioning, accepting and routine quality assurance of highly complex clinical equipment including the assessment, interpretation and communication highly complex information


Planning/Organisational Skills

Produce and maintain a long-term strategic plan for clinical and radiation physics for all sites

Produce and maintain business continuity plans

Active involvement in the planning and implementation of networked clinical services for clinical and radiation physics across the peninsula and the wider South West region

Oversee the annual service and business planning process, producing plans as required, e.g., service and workforce plans, equipment procurement and replacement plans and budget setting

Oversee the day-to-day planning, organisation and allocation of work for clinical and radiation physics at both Trust

Responsible for prioritisation of own work and that of others

Adjusts plans and strategies in response to changing circumstances and organisational priorities

Support the commissioning of highly complex clinical equipment which may involve leading on projects

Manage and participate in project work, including audit, research and QI.

Plan, organise and run meetings


Physical Skills

Highly-developed physical skills are required, to carry out testing procedures and scientific measurements where a high degree of precision and accuracy is essential

Perform minute adjustments to medical equipment or instrumentation

Execute and coordinate equipment-based clinical measurements

Perform analysis of complex pieces of information and take prompt action as required to maintain safe and effective clinical operations

Advanced keyboard skills


Patient/Client Care

Accountable for the provision and delivery of safe and effective clinical and radiation physics services, managing Trust resources in an efficient and effective manner

Provide leadership, management, planning and development of clinical and radiation physics services and staff, including for the latter all human resource activities e.g. recruitment, appraisal, disciplinary matters and career development

Act as an MPE for own specialist field and support other areas as part of a networked system

This involves advising medical staff or other healthcare professionals on highly specialised clinical technologies and their application

Act as an Operator as defined under IRMER 17 as required

Ensure that there is adequate access to and appointment of specialist safety roles including Radiation Protection Advisor(s), Radioactive Waste Advisor(s), Medical Physics Expert(s), Laser Protection Advisor(s) and MRI Safety Officer(s)

Use and develop the ISO9000 quality management system (QMS), or equivalent governance controls, to ensure that services are provided to the appropriate standards and are subject to external scrutiny

Work with ionising and non-ionising radiation and other hazardous resources, taking all precautions minimise risk to oneself and others

Occasionally work and communicate with ill and anxious patients and carers


Policy/Service Development

Lead on policy and strategy development and implementation for clinical and radiation physics across both Trust, contributing to overall departmental and Trust plans

Lead on QI and service development for clinical and radiation physics across both sites, contributing to an overall departmental and Trust plans

Develop capabilities to use benchmarking and QI techniques to seek out and implement best practice

Embrace continuous improvement as described by QMS standards such as ISO9000

Be aware of and provide advice on relevant legal and statutory issues, international standards, and guidelines for best practice




Financial/Physical Resources

Budget holder for clinical and radiation physics budgets at both Trust

Responsible for initiating and managing service level agreements with other Trusts and organisations required for the delivery of clinical and radiation physics services

Responsible for the safe use of highly complex clinical and test and measurement equipment

Oversee the specification, commissioning, testing and verification of highly complex clinical and test and measurement equipment and direct involvement where required

Selection and requisition of specialist equipment and materials

Oversee and manage physical assets assigned to clinical and radiation physics


Human Resources

Line manager for staff in all clinical and radiation physics specialties across both Trusts, including recruitment, managing attendance and performance and supporting personal professional development

Co-ordinate staff cover across both Trust to sustain services and minimise clinical risk

Work autonomously; planning, prioritising and managing own work

Supervise staff under the post holders direction and sign off work and reports as required

Use coaching and mentoring techniques to support staff within and out with own specialty

Teach and train healthcare scientists, including, for example, apprenticeship programmes and programmes accredited through the National School for Healthcare Science (NSHCS)

Organise and deliver specialist teaching and training for other staff groups and clients

May need to have difficult conversations with staff and deal with sensitive and challenging behaviours and situations

Ensure that practices comply with Health and Safety legislation and other relevant regulations, including IRR17 and IRMER 2


Information Resources

Specify, procure, commission, use, test and manage computer systems and software including systems which are used to record and process data relating to own specialty

Configure and/or write software to process, analyse and report highly complex datasets

Effectively manage data availability, integrity and confidentiality

Use and develop the ISO9000 QMS, or equivalent governance controls, to effectively manage document control


Research and Development

Lead on the development and implementation of a QI and research programme for clinical and radiation physics

Secure funding to enable and progress QI and research activities

Lead on QI and service development for own specialty including initiating, undertaking and supervising research projects

Initiate and participate in clinical and service audit

Participate in, support and supervise clinical trials as required

Introduce and commission new processes, procedures, protocols and techniques

Specify, commission, test and verify highly complex clinical and test and measurement equipment

Present work at professional and scientific meetings and conferences and in peer reviewed literature, collaborating with colleagues within and out with the Trust

Responsible for own continuous professional development (CPD) and for maintaining professional registration and certification


Freedom to Act

The post holder is the lead physicist for clinical and radiation physics for both Trusts and therefore works with a high degree of autonomy

The post holder has freedom to work within a set of parameters to ensure patient, staff and public safety and will manage and develop work practices for clinical and radiation physics


Other Responsibilities

To take part in regular performance appraisal

To undertake any training required in order to maintain competency including mandatory training, e.g. Manual Handling

To contribute to and work within a safe working environment

The post holder is expected to comply with Trust Infection Control Policies and conduct him/herself at all times in such a manner as to minimise the risk of healthcare associated infection

As an employee of the Trust, it is a contractual duty that you abide by any relevant code of professional conduct and/or practice applicable to you. A breach of this requirement may result in action being taken against you (in accordance with the Trusts disciplinary policy) up to and including dismissal

We are looking to recruit a Consultant Clinical Scientist with significant experience in either Diagnostic Radiology, Radiation Safety or Nuclear Medicine Physics. The post holder must be an RPA2000 registered Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in their specialism and be able to advise the employing Trusts and their contracted customers. The ideal candidate must also be an RPA2000 Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) within their specialty, or be on a short timescale pathway to achieving this status. It is also essential that the applicant has wide experience of and can offer leadership within the areas of Radiation Physics outside their own specialty.

The Clinical and Radiation Physics team is part of the SEND (South, East and North Devon) Medical Physics network. Clinical and Radiation Physics services are based in both the Royal Devon University Hospital NHS FT (RDUH) in Exeter and the Torbay and South Devon NHS FT (TSD) in Torquay. Both departments provide Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Safety Services across the SEND geographic area to both NHS and non-NHS customers. This position is based within the TSD service for a nominal 60% of total time, with the remaining 40% at RDUH, Exeter. There is a requirement for very occasional on site working at the RDUH North Devon (Barnstaple) hospital.

To lead, manage and be responsible for clinical and radiation physics services and so provide a safe, effective and efficient service at acute hospital sites in Torbay, Exeter and Barnstable and to other clients through agreements to ensure that patient needs are at the centre of care.

Services are established with clinical scientists, technologists and administrative staff providing a wide range of highly specialised and complex functions that include: diagnostic radiology physics, nuclear medicine physics, radiation safety and support for non-ionising radiation technologies. This will include the provision of expert advice to medical and clinical staff; compliance with statutory obligations; quality assurance programmes; liaison with maintenance providers; evaluation, selection, procurement, installation, acceptance testing and commissioning of major equipment, and management and development of specialist computer systems, networks and software.

To lead on the development and implementation of a quality improvement (QI) and research programme for clinical and radiation physics.

To actively develop collaborative relationships with other individuals and organisations in pursuit of strategic objectives including active involvement in the development of networked clinical and scientific services.

To deputise for the Director of Medical Physics and take on specific senior departmental co-ordinating roles as required.

About us


Communication and Working Relationships

Healthcare scientists and trainees

Other clinical professions, incl. medical, allied health professionals, nursing, pharmacy

Specialist, technical and technical support staff, incl. infection control, recruitment, finance, estates, IM&T and procurement

Clinical and general managers

Senior managers, associate medical director(s), executive and non-executive directors

Patients, carers and volunteers

Peer group and the wider scientific community

External clients, partners and suppliers




Analytical/Judgemental Skills

Make judgements in highly complex situations involving the analysis and interpretation of highly complex clinical and scientific data

Analyse, communicate and manage the performance relating to clinical and radiation physics. Optimisation of radiation services for service providers

Provide advice on procuring, commissioning, accepting and routine quality assurance of highly complex clinical equipment including the assessment, interpretation and communication highly complex information


Planning/Organisational Skills

Produce and maintain a long-term strategic plan for clinical and radiation physics for all sites

Produce and maintain business continuity plans

Active involvement in the planning and implementation of networked clinical services for clinical and radiation physics across the peninsula and the wider South West region

Oversee the annual service and business planning process, producing plans as required, e.g., service and workforce plans, equipment procurement and replacement plans and budget setting

Oversee the day-to-day planning, organisation and allocation of work for clinical and radiation physics at both Trust

Responsible for prioritisation of own work and that of others

Adjusts plans and strategies in response to changing circumstances and organisational priorities

Support the commissioning of highly complex clinical equipment which may involve leading on projects

Manage and participate in project work, including audit, research and QI.

Plan, organise and run meetings


Physical Skills

Highly-developed physical skills are required, to carry out testing procedures and scientific measurements where a high degree of precision and accuracy is essential

Perform minute adjustments to medical equipment or instrumentation

Execute and coordinate equipment-based clinical measurements

Perform analysis of complex pieces of information and take prompt action as required to maintain safe and effective clinical operations

Advanced keyboard skills


Patient/Client Care

Accountable for the provision and delivery of safe and effective clinical and radiation physics services, managing Trust resources in an efficient and effective manner

Provide leadership, management, planning and development of clinical and radiation physics services and staff, including for the latter all human resource activities e.g. recruitment, appraisal, disciplinary matters and career development

Act as an MPE for own specialist field and support other areas as part of a networked system

This involves advising medical staff or other healthcare professionals on highly specialised clinical technologies and their application

Act as an Operator as defined under IRMER 17 as required

Ensure that there is adequate access to and appointment of specialist safety roles including Radiation Protection Advisor(s), Radioactive Waste Advisor(s), Medical Physics Expert(s), Laser Protection Advisor(s) and MRI Safety Officer(s)

Use and develop the ISO9000 quality management system (QMS), or equivalent governance controls, to ensure that services are provided to the appropriate standards and are subject to external scrutiny

Work with ionising and non-ionising radiation and other hazardous resources, taking all precautions minimise risk to oneself and others

Occasionally work and communicate with ill and anxious patients and carers


Policy/Service Development

Lead on policy and strategy development and implementation for clinical and radiation physics across both Trust, contributing to overall departmental and Trust plans

Lead on QI and service development for clinical and radiation physics across both sites, contributing to an overall departmental and Trust plans

Develop capabilities to use benchmarking and QI techniques to seek out and implement best practice

Embrace continuous improvement as described by QMS standards such as ISO9000

Be aware of and provide advice on relevant legal and statutory issues, international standards, and guidelines for best practice




Financial/Physical Resources

Budget holder for clinical and radiation physics budgets at both Trust

Responsible for initiating and managing service level agreements with other Trusts and organisations required for the delivery of clinical and radiation physics services

Responsible for the safe use of highly complex clinical and test and measurement equipment

Oversee the specification, commissioning, testing and verification of highly complex clinical and test and measurement equipment and direct involvement where required

Selection and requisition of specialist equipment and materials

Oversee and manage physical assets assigned to clinical and radiation physics


Human Resources

Line manager for staff in all clinical and radiation physics specialties across both Trusts, including recruitment, managing attendance and performance and supporting personal professional development

Co-ordinate staff cover across both Trust to sustain services and minimise clinical risk

Work autonomously; planning, prioritising and managing own work

Supervise staff under the post holders direction and sign off work and reports as required

Use coaching and mentoring techniques to support staff within and out with own specialty

Teach and train healthcare scientists, including, for example, apprenticeship programmes and programmes accredited through the National School for Healthcare Science (NSHCS)

Organise and deliver specialist teaching and training for other staff groups and clients

May need to have difficult conversations with staff and deal with sensitive and challenging behaviours and situations

Ensure that practices comply with Health and Safety legislation and other relevant regulations, including IRR17 and IRMER 2


Information Resources

Specify, procure, commission, use, test and manage computer systems and software including systems which are used to record and process data relating to own specialty

Configure and/or write software to process, analyse and report highly complex datasets

Effectively manage data availability, integrity and confidentiality

Use and develop the ISO9000 QMS, or equivalent governance controls, to effectively manage document control


Research and Development

Lead on the development and implementation of a QI and research programme for clinical and radiation physics

Secure funding to enable and progress QI and research activities

Lead on QI and service development for own specialty including initiating, undertaking and supervising research projects

Initiate and participate in clinical and service audit

Participate in, support and supervise clinical trials as required

Introduce and commission new processes, procedures, protocols and techniques

Specify, commission, test and verify highly complex clinical and test and measurement equipment

Present work at professional and scientific meetings and conferences and in peer reviewed literature, collaborating with colleagues within and out with the Trust

Responsible for own continuous professional development (CPD) and for maintaining professional registration and certification


Freedom to Act

The post holder is the lead physicist for clinical and radiation physics for both Trusts and therefore works with a high degree of autonomy

The post holder has freedom to work within a set of parameters to ensure patient, staff and public safety and will manage and develop work practices for clinical and radiation physics


Other Responsibilities

To take part in regular performance appraisal

To undertake any training required in order to maintain competency including mandatory training, e.g. Manual Handling

To contribute to and work within a safe working environment

The post holder is expected to comply with Trust Infection Control Policies and conduct him/herself at all times in such a manner as to minimise the risk of healthcare associated infection

As an employee of the Trust, it is a contractual duty that you abide by any relevant code of professional conduct and/or practice applicable to you. A breach of this requirement may result in action being taken against you (in accordance with the Trusts disciplinary policy) up to and including dismissal



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