Job overview
We are seeking to appoint an experienced and motivated Clinical Scientist to be the Deputy Head of the Radiological Science section of the Medical Physics Department at University Hospitals Sussex.
For appointment at Band 8B we would expect you to have expert knowledge and experience of Diagnostic Radiology Physics and Radiation Protection, preferably having both RPA and MPE certificates from RPA2000.
Appointment at Band 8A would be possible for those without one of the required certificates with development into the Band 8B role expected.
A willingness and ability to travel would be essential and the use of your own car would be an advantage.
Main duties of the job
Support the Head of Radiological Science to provide and develop a wide range of radiation protection and diagnostic radiology physics services to University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and its customers*. Operate with a high degree of autonomy to ensure the effective delivery of services. Liaise with staff in a large number of departments working with x-rays.
Act as a Medical Physics Expert and Radiation Protections Adviser in the field of diagnostic radiology to UHSussex and its customers. Work at a senior level of professional expertise to assist in the implementation and audit of legislation and other relevant guidance in diagnostic radiology.
Manage the day to day working of the group and line manage Band 8A DR MPEs and Band 7 Clinical Scientists / Medical Physicists working in Radiological Science as required.
*The primary area of responsibility of this post will be UHSussex but you would be expected to provide cover for other Trusts and hospitals that are customers of UHSussex. Significant travel within Sussex and Kent is required
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
As an RPA, advise the relevant Trusts and hospitals, either directly to the CEO, through Radiation Safety Committees or Departmental Managers on the interpretation and implementation of scientific, technical and other policies, including legislation, related to ionising radiation. Attend Radiation Protection Committee (RPC) Meetings. Attend inspections by regulatory bodies such as the HSE, Care Quality Commission and Environment Agency to demonstrate compliance with legislation. lead on the production of Local Rules and other policy documents for x-ray use, particularly for new installations. Perform Radiation Safety Assessments and Radiation Risk Assessments.
As an MPE, perform high precision quality assurance, calibration, acceptance and commissioning tests (including critical examinations of new installations) on highly specialist and complex, patient-critical X-ray equipment, for appropriate areas of responsibility within UHSussex and its customers. This covers all types of x-ray equipment, including CT, fluoro and digital radiographic systems, for compliance with relevant legislation, standards and agreed good practice.
Take a leading role in the specification, tender adjudication and installation of new x-ray equipment. Give advice on x-ray dose optimisation, radiation protection and compliance with the regulations for areas given to you as your main area of responsibility, and in liaison with the MPE(s) who are leading on patient dosimetry and relevant optimisation groups.
Take a leading role in the IRMER aspects of research trials as the MPE for diagnostic radiology.
See full job description for further details
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Good (1st or 2nd class) degree in a Physical Science or equivalent.
2. MSc in Medical or Radiation Physics or equivalent qualification or experience.
3. IPEM Certificate of completion of post-qualification higher training or equivalent (e.g. Full membership of IPEM)
Desirable criteria
4. PhD in relevant or similar subject
Professional Registration
Essential criteria
5. State registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council.
6. On the RPA2000 list of MPEs in the Diagnostic Radiology field
Desirable criteria
7. Certificate of Competence to act as an RPA issued by RPA2000.
8. Certificate of Competence to act as an LPA or RWA issued by RPA2000
Driving Licence
Essential criteria
9. Full UK Driving Licence
Experience
Essential criteria
10. Practical experience with the full range of Diagnostic Radiology equipment commissioning and performance testing.
11. Detailed knowledge of radiation regulations in the UK and the physics of radiation interaction
12. Experience of using Microsoft Office applications and other advanced mathematical computer systems including programming
Desirable criteria
13. Experience of other imaging modalities - Nuc Med/MRI/Ultrasound
14. Experience of training Clinical scientists and other staff
15. Experience of software development and testing
ED&I and Skills
Essential criteria
16. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
17. 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