Job overview
** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES **
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join our radiotherapy treatment planning team, providing a radiotherapy physics service to the Sussex Cancer Centre. The successful applicant will have a BSc in a science-related subject, a radiography degree, or an equivalent qualification. Experience is desirable, but not essential as in-service training will be given.
The Radiotherapy Physics section has nearly 30 staff providing scientific, technical and engineering support to the Sussex Cancer Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and its satellite units in Preston Park (Brighton) and at Eastbourne District General Hospital. The post holder will be based at one of these sites, but will be expected to travel to the other sites on a rotational basis.
Treatment delivery equipment comprises four Elekta VersaHD linacs, two Accuray Tomotherapy machines (at Preston Park), and an Elekta Flexitron HDR afterloader. There are two dedicated Philips CT scanners (at RSCH and EDGH) with 4D capability.
Clinical processes are managed within a predominantly paper-free environment using the Elekta Mosaiq Oncology Information Management System. Treatment planning is primarily performed on RayStation, alongside brachytherapy planning on Elekta Oncentra and Tomotherapy planning on Accuray’s Precision platform.
Main duties of the job
The principal aspects of the work are producing routine and complex radiotherapy treatment plans and the manufacture of patient positioning devices for radiotherapy treatment. Duties also include a range of other treatment planning, mould room and dosimetry activities.
Possession of excellent communication skills is essential, and you should enjoy working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams. Computer literacy and the ability to perform a variety of tasks accurately and efficiently in the demanding conditions of a busy clinical environment are essential.
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
·Produce complex patient-specific radiotherapy treatment plans using highly complex computerised treatment planning systems. Carry out associated dosimetry calculations in accordance with clinical prescription and agreed procedures and protocols in accordance with the IR(MER) regulations and other relevant statutory regulations and local guidelines.
·Manufacture customised masks to ensure accurate radiotherapy treatment delivery, following agreed protocols.
·Make other patient specific treatment aids such as paraffin gauze bolus, wax blocks, lead or low melting point alloy electron cut-outs, using a range of manufacturing techniques.
·Assess patients attending the Mould Room for individual support needs, such as difficulty in feeding, and liaise with the Head and Neck Cancer Support Team regarding these needs as necessary.
·Arrange appointments for patients to ensure that they receive treatment when planned, liaising with medical and radiographic staff.
·Perform routine QC checks on computerised treatment planning systems according to departmental protocols as part of the Quality System.
·Keep careful records of all work performed.
·Assist in producing written protocols for treatment planning and the Mould Room as part of the Sussex Cancer Centre’s Quality System.
·Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role as delegated or requested by the manager or supervisor, according to the needs of the service.
·Keep personal records and knowledge up to date with changes in relevant Trust policies (these will usually be communicated through team meetings).
·Participate in appropriate Continuing Professional Development programmes, maintain training records, and take positive seps to advance personal competence.
·Maintain up to date knowledge and be aware of the latest scientific, technical and clinical developments affecting treatment planning and delivery.
·Attend suitable internal and external seminars, meetings and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the Medical Physics Department and SCC, reporting back by appropriate oral and/or written means.
·Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to statutory regulations, approved Codes of Practice, and Local safety Rules.
·Participate in annual appraisals and set objectives in conjunction with your manager.
·Lead on appropriate project and developmental work under supervision.
·Participate in formal and informal mandatory and departmental training at the RSCH site.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. 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.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. BSc in relevant scientific subject, radiography degree or equivalent qualification
Desirable criteria
2. Registration as a Clinical Technologist with IPEM or as a therapeutic radiographer with HCPC
Experience
Essential criteria
3. Awareness of workings of treatment planning systems and fundamentals of treatment planning
4. Awareness of scientific processes and concepts. Able to demonstrate basic mathematical understanding and ability to manipulate numbers
Desirable criteria
5. Experience of working in the radiotherapy environment, e.g. therapy radiography, treatment planning, mould room, radiation dosimetry
Communication
Essential criteria
6. Excellent verbal and written communication
7. Experience of direct face-to-face patient contact or evidence of good face-to-face people skills
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
8. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
9. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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