Job overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic physicist to join the Radiotherapy Physics group at the Sutton branch of the Royal Marsden Hospital for a fixed term for 7 months until 30 September 2026 (at 0.9 FTE). This post will be actively engaged in research functions and also fulfil clinical roles to allow others time for research. It is therefore suitable for someone with a research background who would like to be more involved in clinical work or a clinical physicist interested in research.
The Radiotherapy Department in Sutton has 5 Elekta linacs, an Elekta Unity MR-Linac, a Cyberknife S7 and two Accuray Radixact units. Treatment planning is performed using the RayStation treatment planning system. We have established workflows for adaptive radiotherapy (both online and plan of the day), 4DCT, and breathhold techniques.
The radiotherapy physics group consists of 40 physicists, dosimetrists and engineers and forms a substantial part of the Royal Marsden/Institute of Cancer Research Joint Department of Physics, through which we have many active research collaborations, most notably on the MR-linac which was the first in the UK to treat patients.
Main duties of the job
1. The post holder will provide specialist support to all aspects of the clinical, scientific and technical
Radiotherapy Physics Service to Radiotherapy.
2. The post holder will undertake research projects during dedicated time and to disseminate results
and assist with the translation of research work into the clinic where appropriate.
3. The post holder has clinical and scientific responsibilities for day-to-day essential complex
treatment planning and checking and performing Quality Assurance and dosimetry and analysing
results.
4. Work closely with the Principal Physicist in all areas.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
5. Undertake research activities associated with the adaptive and advanced Radiotherapy pathways, aligned with departmental development plans.
6. Produce complex treatment plans. Carry out associated dosimetry calculations and verification measurements, in accordance with clinical prescription and agreed procedures. Analyse requirements and make complex judgements regarding treatment parameters and patient dose effects to produce the required dose distribution over the treatment volume, using computerised planning systems as appropriate.
7. Participate in the commissioning of new radiotherapy treatment equipment, including the preparation and checking of complex beam data for treatment planning systems.
8. Undertake both routine and complex dosimetry measurements, following procedures and/or guidelines as appropriate. Perform quality control, dosimetry and other measurements and procedures on highly complex, patient-critical treatment machines.
9. Participate in the day-to-day, complex commissioning activities on new equipment installations, carefully analysing and checking measured data.
10. Supervise the professional work of junior radiotherapy physics, trainees and dosimetrist staff working in areas or on projects being managed by the post holder.
11. Provide practical training to physicists, medical and radiographer staff on aspects of Radiotherapy Physics, including clinical governance, ethics, audit and ISO systems.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
12. Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in a relevant subject
13. MSc in radiation Physics (or equivalent)
14. PhD in relevant subject or equivalent specialised scientific knowledge
Desirable criteria
15. IPEM Diploma or equivalent in Medical Physics or Medical Engineering.
Registration
Essential criteria
16. Working towards achieving or HCPC Registered as a Clinical Scientist
Scientific/Technical/Specialist
Essential criteria
17. Basic knowledge across the range of working procedures and practices in radiotherapy physics, building on theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
18. Practical experience in clinical radiotherapy treatment planning and in the use of dosimetry equipment in radiotherapy.
19. Specialist training on and practical experience with a range of radiotherapy treatment & simulation/scanning equipment, including clinical applications.
20. Demonstrable experience in radiotherapy physics research, ideally covering all aspects from conception to clinical implementation
IT
Essential criteria
21. Able to use Excel, Word, etc. to set up documents and spreadsheets, extract information
22. Experience in programming (e.g. in one or more of Python, C++, JAVA, R, MATLAB)
Desirable criteria
23. Able to set up and manage the acquisition, structure and networking of information, including image transfer formats
Communication
Essential criteria
24. Able to communicate highly complex information at postgraduate level to other professional groups
25. Proven track record of presenting scientific papers at national and international conferences and write up scientific material for publication
Communication
Essential criteria
26. Able to train groups of other professional staff
27. Able to deliver teaching and training on highly complex subjects
28. Good negotiation skills
29. Able to deal with complex and unpredictable situations
Working Environment
Essential criteria
30. Understanding of hazards posed by, and precautions needed with: Ionising radiation, lasers, electrical hazards
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.