Job overview
This is an internal opportunity to apply for the role of "The Head of Nuclear Medicine Physics" The successful applicant will be responsible for leading the clinical scientific, strategic, regulatory, and developmental aspects of nuclear medicine physics services across the Trust.
In addition, serves as Deputy Head of both the Medical Physics Department and the Radiation Safety Service.
This involves budgetary oversight, senior managerial support and overseeing the development of the Radiation Safety Service dosimetry database and other computer systems.
Main duties of the job
This is a high-level leadership position requiring expert scientific knowledge, operational excellence, team management, financial oversight, and a demonstrable ability to influence multi-disciplinary clinical services.
Ensures the safe, compliant, and effective use of radioactive materials and associated imaging technologies for patient diagnosis and treatment across University Hospitals Sussex (UHSx) sites and its clients.
This is a pivotal role in shaping Trust-wide radiation safety culture, strategy, and service development.
Working with Radiology Management and other relevant stakeholders, the post holder will lead and drive policy and service development for all aspects of Nuclear Medicine Physics, while also contributing to broader service improvements and the long-term strategy within Medical Physics and the Imaging Department.
Appointment as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in Nuclear Medicine is essential with additional critical roles as a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA) upon suitable qualification.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Lead on the strategic planning, development, and day-to-day delivery of the Nuclear Medicine Physics service across UHSx and its customers.
·Develop long-term service strategies aligned to NHS and Trust priorities (e.g. GIRFT, Radiotherapy Modernisation, Integrated Imaging Strategies).
·Collaborate with Divisional Directors, Clinical Directors, and Senior Managers in designing and implementing new nuclear medicine services or service redesigns (e.g. PET-CT expansion, radionuclide therapy implementation).
·Responsible for the specification, design, coding, validation and maintenance of bespoke departmental databases supporting statutory compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017, Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 and HSE RADS requirements.
·Responsible for full development and ongoing delivery and maintenance of Radioactive Source and Waste Management system and the Radiation Safety Services Dosimetry system.
·Leads the provision of high-standard, detailed, and highly specialist Medical Physics Expert (MPE) services in Nuclear Medicine to the Trust and its customers. This encompasses advice on radiation exposures in diagnostic and therapeutic Nuclear Medicine and legislation pertinent to patient medical exposures.
·Lead the specification, tender adjudication, and installation of new Nuclear Medicine Imaging equipment for the Trust and its customers.
·Lead, organise and perform acceptance and commissioning tests on new installations, including devising appropriate tests for leading-edge equipment and subsequent QC testing.
·Provide radiation protection recommendations for new and modified areas using radioactive sources.
·Actively participate in the on-call rota for radiation emergencies.
·Provide expert advice and assistance in the event of emergencies involving radiation, both within the Hospital and to outside agencies such as the Police (through the NAIR scheme), other emergency services, and Local Authorities. Advise the Trust during a declared emergency involving ionising radiation, such as a CBRN incident.
·Establish, Co-ordinate and perform research/development projects in nuclear medicine physics in conjunction with appropriate departments.
·Identify and implement areas of research/development that will benefit UHSx and its patients.
See the Job Description for full details.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Good (1st or 2nd class) degree in a Physical Science or equivalent
2. MSc in Medical Physics or equivalent qualification or experience
Desirable criteria
3. PhD in relevant or similar subject
Professional Registration
Essential criteria
4. Registration with HCPC as a Clinical Scientist in Medical Physics
5. Certification to act as an MPE in the field of Nuclear Medicine Physics
Desirable criteria
6. Certificate of Competence to act as an RPA and/or RWA from RPA2000
UK Driving Licence
Essential criteria
7. Full UK Driving Licence
Experience
Essential criteria
8. Practical experience of all aspects of Nuclear Medicine equipment commissioning and performance testing
9. Detailed knowledge of current UK legislation and guidance relating to the use of radioactive substances in healthcare
10. Experience of using Microsoft Office applications and other advanced mathematical computer systems for data storage and analysis
11. Experience of managing a team of Clinical Scientists in healthcare
Desirable criteria
12. Experience of other areas of Medical Physics outside of Nuclear Medicine
13. Experience of training Clinical scientists and other staff
14. Experience of software development and testing, particularly database development
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
15. Experience of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equality issues
16. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications