Radiotherapy Physicist

Radiotherapy Physics (part of the Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering) provides a comprehensive Physics service to Addenbrooke's Oncology Centre, ensuring the safe and accurate use of high-dose ionising radiation to treat patients with cancer whilst maintaining a safe environment for other patients, visitors and staff.

Our physicists, technicians and radiographers work closely with Oncology staff to provide a wide range of scientific and technical advice and support for all radiotherapy treatments. Routine clinical work includes radiotherapy treatment planning and related dosimetry, the provision of brachytherapy, and the manufacture of immobilisation and shielding equipment for patients. Extensive support is provided to radiotherapy equipment. This incorporates the design of facilities; the management of computer systems, the design and management of software; and the commissioning, servicing and quality control of Linear Accelerators, Orthovoltage units, Brachytherapy units and CT-simulators. All work and related dosimetry are monitored and assured to nationally and internationally agreed specifications and legal requirements.

We are also responsible for providing radiotherapy physics advice and support to two University Departments (Veterinary Medicine and Pathology).

Main duties of the job

To be involved in the department's work in Dosimetry, Quality Assurance, Treatment Planning, Computing, Imaging Systems and Brachytherapy.

Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in a relevant subject
MSc in radiation Physics [or equivalent]
HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist (a candidate working towards registration may however be appointed on Agenda for Change Annex 21 until registration is obtained)
IPEM Certificate of completion of Post-qualification Higher Training or equivalent (e.g. Corporate Membership of IPEM)

Desirable criteria
PhD
Published papers / presentations

Experience

Essential criteria
Experience in applying knowledge of physics to complex situations in radiotherapy
Specialist experience in the use of specialist testing equipment employed to measure the safety and performance of very complex, patient-critical radiotherapy equipment
The experience should be sufficient to meet the requirements for the ACS certificate of attainment

Knowledge

Essential criteria
Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of the physics of ionising radiation with specific application to radiotherapy
Specialist extensive knowledge of the techniques employed to measure radiation doses, undertake quality control radiation equipment, and produce and check radiotherapy treatment plans
Knowledge of how to measure the leakage from sealed radioactive sources
High level of understanding of the beneficial and detrimental effects of radiation on patients
Advance knowledge of the theory and practical aspects of ionising radiation applied to cancer treatments
High level of understanding in interpreting cross sectional images of patients used in treatment planning
Broad level of understanding of the roles of the Radiotherapy Radiographers and Clinicians
Knowledge of employment procedures and practices
Working knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and other guidelines [e.g. IRR17, IR(ME)R2017, ISO 9001, IPEM codes of practice, IPEM report 81 etc.]
Understand hazards posed by, and precautions needed to deal with: Ionising radiation, Electrical hazards, COSSH, Manual Handling

skil

Essential criteria
Extensive skills in aspects of computerised radiotherapy treatment equipment including treatment units, treatment planning software, and radiotherapy management systems
Advanced, knowledge of Excel, Word, Access etc.
Able to set up and manage the acquisition and structure of information
Manual dexterity: ability to make precise measurements using sophisticated testing equipment to sub-millimetre accuracy
Able to move objects over 15 kilos for short periods
Able to frequently concentrate for prolonged periods
Able to deal with occasional distressing circumstances
Able to communicate complex information [e.g. postgraduate level physics material to other professional groups]
Able to present scientific papers at national and international conferences
Able to train groups of other professional staff
Able to exercise own initiative when dealing with issues within own specialist area of competence
Able to supervise the work of others, and act as mentor

Additional Requirements

Essential criteria
The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 12000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.