Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To participate in the provision of routine physics support to brachytherapy treatments.  In particular:

Prostate Seed Implants

Perform and check routine planning and dose calculations for each patient.
Perform and check weekly source calibration measurements.
Prepare sterile radioactive sources for implant.
Attend theatre sessions for real time planning.
Ensure that all radioactive sources are accounted for and secure. Monitor all areas for radiation following a theatre session.
Perform and check post treatment planning analysis.
Maintain patient brachytherapy records.

High Dose Rate (HDR)

Prepare standard plans and treatment time charts for HDR gynaecological, oesophageal or rectal treatments.
Prepare and check non-standard HDR treatment plans.
Perform and check source calibration and quality assurance on new HDR sources.

To liaise with clinical oncologists, urologists, theatre staff, physicists, radiographers, engineers and technical staff to ensure efficient running of the service.

To assist in development work within the Prostate Seed and HDR Programmes and help train students and new or visiting staff in procedures.

To participate in External Beam Treatment Planning including:

To produce individualised treatment plans for patients requiring radiotherapy (using protocols), optimising the plans based on machine limitations, tolerance doses to organs and clinical oncologist requirements.

Liaise with planning staff, superintendent radiographers and clinical oncologists as appropriate where deviations from protocols occur

Checking of treatment plans.

Quality assurance of treatment plans and the manual checking of doses and monitor units.

Assisting in the introduction of new planning techniques, including the training of radiographers.

Preparation of IMRT/VMAT plans and associated verification measurements.

Patient planning for clinical trials.

Project-based work to advance treatment techniques, validate new methods or provide complex IT based solutions to enhance efficiency.  

Preparation of non-routine plans and electron beam plans, if required.

To participate in Radiation Dosimetry, Quality Assurance and Calibrations as follows:

Calibration of ionisation chambers

Preparation and checking of data that will be used for routine radiation output measurements

Strontium-90 constancy checks of dosimeter performance

Monitoring of quality assurance checks performed on radiotherapy treatment units, CT scanners and other ancillary equipment to ensure performance is maintained and corrective action is taken when necessary.

Perform quality assurance tests on any of the radiotherapy machines and equipment in the Cancer Centre including linear accelerators, kV unit, contact radiotherapy unit, CT scanner and treatment planning systems.

Calibration of in-vivo dosimetry (IVD) systems and review/analysis of IVD measurements during a patient’s treatment.

Participate in interdepartmental audits.

Assist in commissioning of new radiotherapy treatment units and ancillary equipment.

To comply with Trust and department policies and procedures, ensuring that all activities are carried out within a quality framework and that they meet regulatory requirements, professional standards and recommended guidelines.  To actively participate in the formation and review of protocols and procedures to ensure that there are clear systems of work.

To exercise responsibilities in accordance with ionising radiation legislation.

To multitask, work under pressure to deadlines, manage and prioritise workload and be available immediately for scientific and clinical issues.

To undertake any other duties as requested by your line manager in consultation with the post holder.

3.1.1       To prioritise and manage own work to meet agreed outcomes and deadlines. To multitask, work under pressure to deadlines, prioritise work and be available immediately for clinical issues if required. 

3.1.2       To ensure high quality, accuracy and clarity of documentation presented in an unambiguous way to ensure error free interpretation. To keep careful records of all work performed.

 To work effectively and proactively with a multidisciplinary team, liaising with physicists, radiographers, technicians, clinical oncologists, clerical and ancillary staff and patients, as required by the post, ensuring good working relationships and a coherent, seamless service, including across two sites.

To contribute to research and development in radiotherapy physics through the ongoing development programme leading to opportunities to publish or present at national and international meetings.

To be involved in clinical trials participating in implementation planning studies and following clinical trial protocols in respect of the patient planning requirements

To participate in the implementation and development of new software or techniques.  

To keep up to date with best practice in radiotherapy planning locally and nationally and contribute to the implementation of evidence-based clinical practice.

To present results of development work and literature.

To report on scientific meetings and seminars.

3.1.1       To participate in the training of STP trainees in radiotherapy physics and radiographers in particular areas of expertise.  To plan and organise the work of trainees to meet required competencies.

 To participate in the provision of practical demonstrations to other students and visitors having practical training within the Cancer Centre