Job overview
We are seeking to appoint a motivated Clinical Scientist to lead the Optical Radiation and Ultrasound Physics 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 US Physics and have LPA Certification.
A willingness and ability to travel would be essential and the use of your own car would be an advantage. 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, and any role-specific criteria.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will act as the Head of Optical Radiation and Ultrasound Physics and lead Clinical Scientist for Ultrasound Imaging.
Provide and develop a wide range of Optical and US physics services to University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSx), and its customers.
Operate with a high degree of autonomy, whilst liaising with the Head of Medical Physics and Head of Magnetic Resonance Physics to ensure the effective delivery of the service.
Act as the Laser Protection Adviser 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 both Laser use and Ultrasound.
Line manage the Clinical Scientists/ Medical Physicists working in Optical and Ultrasound Physics as required.
*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. 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, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - 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
·Act as the appointed Laser Protection Adviser (LPA) and Ultrasound Quality Control Lead for the Trust.
·Lead on procurement specifications, acceptance testing, and commissioning of optical radiation and ultrasound devices Trust-wide.
·Conduct site-specific risk assessments for new installations, including controlled area design and signage requirements.
·Ensure Trust-wide compliance with CE/UKCA marking requirements, and National guidance related to lasers and ultrasound.
·Provide and maintain up-to-date equipment inventory and audit logs for optical radiation and ultrasound devices across all departments.
·Provide expert physics and safety assessments of all optical radiation and ultrasound equipment prior to clinical use.
·Lead and deliver specialist QC and physics services to University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust (UHSx) and other providers (as appropriate) for diagnostic ultrasound units.
·Conduct QC, acceptance and commissioning tests on expensive and highly complex ultrasound equipment unassisted.
·Lead and develop a user quality control programme, including training other professionals outside of Medical Physics to undertake routine testing.
·Lead physics-based teaching and training to promote more effective use of clinical ultrasound, for groups of other health care professionals (sonographers, radiologists, other clinical roles) as required.
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 Physics or equivalent qualification or experience.
Desirable criteria
3. IPEM Certificate of completion of post-qualification higher training or equivalent experience
4. PhD in relevant or similar subject
Professional Registration
Essential criteria
5. State registration as a Clinical Scientist or Clinical Technologist
6. Certificate of Competence to act as an LPA issued by RPA2000
Driving Licence
Essential criteria
7. Full UK Driving Licence
Experience
Essential criteria
8. Practical experience with the full range of Diagnostic Ultrasound equipment commissioning and performance testing.
9. Detailed knowledge of appropriate regulation and guidance on the use of Lasers in the UK and the physics of Lasers and Ultrasound
10. Experience of using Microsoft Office applications and other advanced mathematical computer systems including programming
11. Experience of clinical applications of Ultrasound and Lasers in a healthcare environment
Desirable criteria
12. Experience of other imaging modalities - MRI/X-Ray
13. Experience of training Clinical scientists and other staff
14. Experience of software development and testing
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
15. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities 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