Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Principal Clinical Scientist and Medical Physics Expert (MPE) to join our dynamic Radiotherapy Physics team. This pivotal role ensures the highest standards of patient safety and compliance with statutory requirements, while driving innovation and service development within our department.
As a Principal Clinical Scientist, you will provide expert leadership, oversee complex clinical activities, and contribute to strategic planning that supports our organisational goal of delivering world‑class cancer care.
Your work will directly impact treatment quality and patient outcomes, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
You will report to the Head of Radiotherapy Physics and collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, and technical staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
What You’ll Do
The successful candidate will work across our two sites – Southampton General Hospital and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital – providing medical physics expert level support to the service.
Roles and responsibilities include:
* Working as an integrated team member in the provision of the clinical service, collaborating with the QA, treatment planning, and scientific computing teams.
* Contributing to active development projects, such as the progression of automated planning solutions, implementation of new dosimetry systems, development of software solutions (scripting and coding) for independent plan checking, and workflow solutions to deliver accurate and efficient adaptive radiotherapy.
* Leading project areas aligned with your expertise and interests.
What We’re Looking For
We seek a candidate who has the knowledge and expertise to lead and drive forward development projects while also contributing to clinical service support.
The position is suitable for someone who has sufficient post‑registration experience in Radiotherapy Physics to be appointed as an MPE. If not yet on the MPE list, applicants would be appointed at Band 7 but are actively supported to achieve accreditation as a Medical Physics Expert before appointment at Band 8A.
Successful applicants should be ready within a maximum of one year to complete certification as an MPE (see https://www.rpa2000.org.uk/mpe-recognition-scheme/). Applicants should outline relevant experience towards this certification in the application and this will be discussed at interview.
Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Essential criteria
* BSc in Physics
* MSc Medical Physics
* Formal training to attain State Registration as Clinical Scientist (Radiotherapy Physics)
* Relevant experience to allow appointment at a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in accordance with IRMER 2017
* Chartered scientist or equivalent.
* Highly specialist knowledge related to therapeutic application of ionising radiation and radiation safety.
* Evidence of presentation and teaching ability.
* Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and disease processes.
* Author of reports and/or publications.
* Experience of project management.
* Able to travel to satellite and other centres.
Desirable criteria
* PhD demonstrating research training
Trust Values
* Patients First
* Always Improving
* Working Together
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements, including a mix of onsite and home working.
* Supportive and inclusive work environment committed to anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory principles.
* Opportunities for professional development, conference attendance, and research projects.
* Comprehensive set of clinical services covering a wide range of radiotherapy modalities.
About the Team
The Radiotherapy Department at Southampton is equipped with six Elekta Versa HD linacs, including imaging and imaging support facilities, and additional equipment at the Basingstoke site. The department supports intra‑operative radiotherapy services and uses advanced treatment planning systems, currently transitioning from Pinnacle to Raystation. We provide comprehensive brachytherapy and superficial unit services, and have an accredited training department for Modernising Scientific Careers STP and HSST programmes, as well as IPEM training for Clinical Technologists and route 2 for Clinical Scientists.
Location
University Hospital Southampton is located on the south coast of England with convenient rail links to London and a nearby international airport.
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