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Job Overview
Due to retirement of the postholder, an exciting opportunity has arisen to lead, manage and develop the services and staff of the Radiation Physics Section of the North Wales Medical Physics Department. The section supports both ionising and non‑ionising radiation activities of the health boards of North Wales, primarily Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB). It provides specialist scientific advice and support for overall radiation safety, as well as to staff undertaking clinical services in diagnostic and interventional radiology and cardiology departments, and to users of non‑ionising radiations across the whole of North Wales.
Main Duties
* Direct and manage the highly specialist scientific, technical and clinical services provided by the Radiation Physics Section across North Wales, including strategic development and operation with a high degree of autonomy.
* Advises on the scientific aspects of radiation equipment – design of facilities, procurement, commissioning, quality control of highly complex equipment – and ensures safe, optimised use of radiation and future developments.
* Provides specialist scientific knowledge and support to staff undertaking services in radiation safety, diagnostic radiology physics, and non‑ionising radiation physics.
* Speak Welsh is desirable; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Managerial and Organisational Responsibilities
* Engage with the Head of Medical Physics and other section heads via monthly meetings, producing performance reports for escalation.
* Manage section staff – workload, work allocation, appraisals, professional development, absence matters, workforce planning, recruitment.
* Manage the section budget: authorise expenditure for equipment, maintenance and repairs, and identify potential income generation.
* Provide strategic planning for the scientific and technical aspects of the service.
* Assist the Head of Medical Physics in managing the wider Medical Physics service, supporting revision of Service Level Agreements, income generation, quality management arrangements and risk management.
Radiation Safety
* Act as Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) to the Health Board per The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), Regulation 14, providing independent advice to senior managers.
* Liaise with statutory inspectors and provide guidance to senior managers following inspection recommendations.
* Plan and coordinate radiation safety support (ionising and non‑ionising) provided by Medical Physics, including training of staff.
* Take a leading role on Health Board Radiation Protection Committees, submitting agenda items, papers, annual summaries and reports.
* Provide critical scientific judgement on radiation incidents and advise accordingly.
* Oversee Radiation Risk Assessments (IRR17, Regulation 8) for new and modified radiation activities, including design, shielding and radiation protection advice.
* Advise Project Managers on radiation protection requirements for new or modified radiology rooms, carrying out high‑complexity risk assessments.
Ionising Radiation Physics
* Support medical and other staff using ionising radiation equipment, providing scientific advice on all imaging equipment (CT, radiography, fluoroscopy, X‑ray, etc.).
* Provide specialist input into business planning for procurement of major capital items (>£1M). Advise on selection, purchase, room design, installation, commissioning and statutory safety compliance.
* Lead as Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in diagnostic radiology per The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R).
* Provide expert advice for clinical research applications, determining relevant radiation dose and risk levels for participants.
* Support Radiology Image Optimisation Teams per national guidance and regulators.
Non‑Ionising Radiation Physics
* Support staff in departments where sources of non‑ionising radiation are used (lasers, UV, MRI, ultrasound).
* Provide specialist knowledge for procurement of capital items – selection, purchase, room design, installation, commissioning, calibration and safety compliance.
Policy and Service Development
* Maintain section involvement with a relevant quality system – organise management review meetings, internal audits, customer satisfaction reviews.
* Develop and implement operating procedures within the service.
* Advise senior managers on health board policies and procedures regarding use of ionising and non‑ionising radiations.
* Advise on procedures relating to medical exposures and local safety rules for staff and others.
Teaching and Training
* Supervise trainee clinical scientists and technologists on national training schemes; act as North Wales training supervisor for Clinical Scientists in radiation protection.
* Develop and deliver postgraduate lectures and assessment processes in Medical Radiation Physics.
* Organise and deliver specialist training to medical, scientific, radiographic and technical staff on ionising and non‑ionising radiation use and other regulatory areas.
Research and Development
* Lead research and development in radiation protection, ionising and non‑ionising physics aligned with clinical and statutory objectives.
* Lead strategic developments in the Radiation Physics service in response to changing practices, technology and national guidelines; liaise nationally with senior radiation professionals and participate in committees.
* Initiate and supervise research projects for trainee clinical scientists.
* Be a member of the Radiation Protection Specialist Standing Advisory Group of the Medical Physics and Bioengineering Sub‑Committee of the Welsh Scientific Advisory Committee.
* Provide advice on ionising and non‑ionising radiation safety issues to committees governing research and development in the Health Board.
Professional
* Maintain professional competence and state registration through continuous study and CPD.
* Maintain certification as a Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) under IRR17, Regulation 14.
* Undertake CPD and participate in the health board’s personal development and review system.
Person Specification – Qualifications
* MSc in medical physics or equivalent subject.
* PhD or equivalent level of knowledge.
* HCPC registration as a clinical scientist in a relevant field.
* Certification as a Medical Physics Expert in diagnostic radiology.
* Certification as a Radiation Protection Adviser (or ability to gain within 12 months).
* Registration as a Consultant Clinical Scientist, i.e. on Higher Specialist Scientist Register, or equivalent level of knowledge and experience.
Desirable Qualifications
* Leadership and management qualification.
* Corporate membership of IPEM or other equivalent professional body.
Experience – Essential Criteria
* Considerable and broad ranging experience as a Medical Physics Expert in diagnostic radiology physics.
* Specialist knowledge across physical procedures and practices in radiation safety, non‑ionising radiation and diagnostic radiology physics.
* Advanced knowledge of clinical procedures and practices in radiology and their implications for radiation physics practice.
* High level of understanding of patient and staff risks arising from equipment failure and procedural errors.
* Experience of leadership and management of teams.
Desirable Experience
* Experience with quality management systems (e.g. ISO 9001).
* Knowledge of non‑ionising imaging techniques.
Skills and Attributes – Essential Criteria
* Strong scientific and compassionate leadership and management skills.
* Good team player.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, written and verbal, including reporting and presentation.
* Able to manage a diverse range of highly complex activities at one time, meeting deadlines, e.g., introducing new clinical services, developing policy documents, overseeing procurement projects, managing a team.
* Fully competent in standard IT application packages.
Desirable Skills
* Welsh Language Skills are desirable.
Other
* Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner, transporting heavy test equipment.
* Ability to work flexibly to support the service.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Education and Training
Industries
Hospitals and Health Care
Location
Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
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