Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Management

1.1   Plans own varied workload to meet deadlines, prioritising and responding to new demands as they come in.

1.2   Contribute to the planning and development of the Group’s services.

1.3   Participate in the Quality Management System for the Group.  Ensures implementation of policies, proposes changes to practices for work area.

2.     Specialist areas

2.1   Take the lead in the development of services in one of the Group’s areas of activity: for example, patient dosimetry, optimisation of dose and image quality, digital imaging, computed tomography, interventional and cardiac imaging, mammography, bone densitometry, equipment calibrations and methodology.

2.2   The development of services will include, as appropriate, identifying and undertaking research and development projects, development of test methods, protocols and work instructions, providing scientific advice to users, planning and organising programmes of work, associated radiation protection requirements etc.

3.     Scientific support to diagnostic radiology

3.1   Provide scientific advice to departments of radiology, including advice on local quality control measurements and assistance in reviewing departments’ quality control results.

3.2   Undertake, as necessary, critical examinations, commissioning tests and quality control measurements on the full range of x-ray equipment, to ensure that it is safe to use on patients and is capable of providing the required clinical information. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects.  Provide written reports and advice to radiographers, radiologists and others. Liaise with manufacturers’ representatives where necessary.

4.     Radiation protection

4.1   Provide medical physics expert support to NHS and independent sector healthcare establishments, with specific emphasis on the optimisation of patient dose and image quality, and assist departments in resolving problems in these areas.

4.2   Provide radiation protection advice and support (including for non-ionising radiation) to specified Trusts and private hospitals, to help ensure that they meet their statutory obligations.

4.3   Assess and provide advice on doses and risks to patients in routine and research procedures.

5.     Research, teaching and training

5.1   Provide physics teaching for the Department’s teaching commitments, such as FRCR and radiation protection courses.

5.2   Assist in the training and supervision of trainee clinical scientists, healthcare practitioners and assistants etc.  Training delivery is based on need and not related to the role or banding of the learner. 

5.3   Undertake research and development work aimed at improving the service.

5.4   Present results of research and development work at appropriate meetings.

6.     Professional

6.1   Keep up to date with developments in the field of diagnostic radiology physics and radiation protection.

6.2   Undertake continuous professional development in accordance with professional and regulatory requirements. Maintain registration.

6.3   Comply with training identified by the Trust and manager.

6.4   Participate in outreach events as required by the Trust and group.

6.5  Frequent requirement for concentration for long periods (with interruptions).  Dealing with multiple workstreams simultaneously.