The closing date is 21 May 2026
Consultant Clinical Scientist – Head of Treatment Planning 8C
The Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC) has created a new Head of Treatment Planning 8C role and is seeking a highly experienced registered radiotherapy Medical Physics Expert to fill it. The successful candidate will be based primarily at the Freeman Hospital but will be expected to work occasionally at the Carlisle site.
Main duties of the job
You will be responsible for the scientific management, leadership and development of the radiotherapy treatment planning processes and systems at NCCC, including management of physicists and a large team of planning technologists. You must have proven significant experience of leading a service and be able to set clinical and organisational strategy and policies to maintain our strong treatment planning profile. You will be expected to already have a significant personal profile at a national and ideally international level.
Job responsibilities
* You will provide scientific and technical leadership in external beam planning and ensure resilience in the planning service.
* You will manage and lead the planning section, comprising 20 clinical technologists across both Newcastle and Carlisle sites and a group of clinical physicists.
* You will ensure that treatment planning is safe and accurate and meets current and developing national and international standards.
* You will liaise directly with senior clinical oncologists to develop and update clinical protocols.
* You will liaise with the clinical trials coordinator and Primary Investigators and ensure that trials QC and MPE input is appropriate and contribute to the design of trials led by NCCC.
* You will liaise with other Operational Delivery Network leads as appropriate to ensure high quality radiotherapy planning across the network.
* You will work with national teams to ensure that NCCC’s treatment planning meets the national standard of care.
* You will lead on radiation incidents where there is a planning element, to investigate, identify and implement lessons and ensure that audits demonstrate reduced likelihood of recurrence.
* You will lead on training and coaching for a range of needs, including MSc, STP, FRCR and in‑house professional development for the main professional groups in radiotherapy.
* You will develop and monitor strategies, procedures and practices, to ensure that quality of external beam treatment planning is maintained and information is stored and communicated appropriately.
* You will develop and deliver research activities across a range of specialist areas, supervising a range of scientific and technical staff as appropriate.
* You will line‑manage and mentor individuals and contribute to the management, development and training of other staff.
* You will be responsible for approving expenditure on planning related software and training.
Qualifications & Education
* Degree in an appropriate physical science.
* Appropriate post‑graduate degree at master’s level, or equivalent level of specialist knowledge.
* Advanced theoretical knowledge to Doctorate level or equivalent experience.
* Post holder must be a registered Medical Physics Expert specialising in radiotherapy physics.
* Fellowship of a professional body (e.g., Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM)).
* PhD in a relevant subject.
* ILM Level 3 in Leadership and Management or equivalent experience.
Knowledge & Experience
* In‑depth knowledge of all aspects of radiotherapy physics and treatment planning, enabling the post holder to advise and collaborate fully and effectively with oncologists and others.
* In‑depth knowledge and understanding of current legislation and regulations pertinent to the working area and the protection of staff, patients, and members of the public.
* In‑depth knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
* Experience of staff management, including recruitment, performance monitoring, appraisal, induction and mentoring.
* Experience of leading change management processes.
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
Skills & Abilities
* Able to work autonomously with minimum direction.
* Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
* Good IT and report‑writing and presentation skills, including the production of scientific papers, reports, and conference presentations.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and, as such, a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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