Clinical Scientist - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (XR07)
Job Description
Job summary
The successful candidate will be part of a team of 7 MR clinical scientists delivering a range of scientific services to providers of clinical & research MRI services within Leeds and surrounding region. The 15 systems supported across Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust and the University of Leeds are a mixture of 1.5T and 3T including a dedicated radiotherapy MRI planning scanner and an intraoperative system. A further 8 systems are in other Trusts and private healthcare providers.
The clinical work of the group is wide ranging with strong academic links with the University of Leeds providing research support to systems including musculoskeletal and cardiovascular scanners. There will be opportunities to participate in research.
There may be opportunities to participate in the ultrasound physics service for candidates with relevant experience.
Whilst HCPC-registration as a clinical scientist would be seen as highly desirable for this role, applications are also welcomed from those soon to complete the NHS Scientist Training Programme or individuals seeking registration via a suitable equivalence route (subject to an appointment on annex 21 of band 7 and reduced salary band whilst the individual works to achieve HCPC registration). A timescale for achieving HCPC registration would be agreed (within 3 years) and annex 21 rules applied accordingly
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will provide clinical technical and scientific support to the Trust and to external customers. They will be involved in multiple aspects of the MR physics service including MR safety advice (e.g. providing advice and support for patients with passive and active implants, development of local procedures), protocol development, teaching, training. There will also be opportunities to be involved in research.
About us
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides secondary and tertiary care to Leeds and surrounding regions with 20,000 staff, 2,000 hospitals beds and 1.6 million patients every year. There are 3 hospitals (Leeds General Infirmary, St Jamess University Hospital and Chapel Allerton hospital) within the Trust that have static MRI scanners.
The MR physics group is within the Medical Physics and Engineering department (275 staff) and promotes an inclusive and friendly environment where staff are supported to develop and feel part of a team with a strong identity that cares.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.
Job responsibilities
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) physics group lies within the Radionuclide and MR Physics section of the Medical Physics and Engineering Department. It delivers a broad range of specialised, highly complex scientific and technical services to the providers of clinical MRI services within the Trust and as contracted by other providers. The MRI equipment supported includes 9 MRI systems across the Trust, 1 jointly owned University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals system at Chapel Allerton, 3 University of Leeds systems and a further 7 systems in other hospitals within the region.
Under the direction of the Head of MRI Physics, the post holder will participate in the provision of a wide range of scientific and technical support to MRI service providers within the Trust and to those of its customers.
The post-holder is expected to provide technical and scientific services to, and contribute to the development and management of, the MRI equipment.
He/she is expected take responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of trainee clinical scientists and to develop effective working relationships with senior clinical staff in the Trust and other staff within the department.
He/she will act as a registered clinical scientist for the Trust providing specialist advice and expertise in MRI.
He/she is expected to actively participate in the initiation and further development of appropriate research and development activity within the group for at least 20% of his/her time.
He/she is expected to provide teaching and training of NHS staff in basic and advanced MRI physics, techniques, applications and safety.
4. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Responsible for the safe use of highly complex, expensive equipment across the Trust, including 9 MRI systems across the Trust, 1 jointly owned University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals system at Chapel Allerton, 3 University of Leeds systems and a further 7 systems in other hospitals within the region, and associated workstations and test equipment with a total replacement value of £11,000,000.
Implements national policies and guidelines relating to the installation and use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems and associated equipment for the Trust and assists in the development of the corresponding local policy to ensure the safety of patients, staff and members of the public.
Supports the Magnetic Resonance Safety Expert through the provision of safety advice to the Trust and sits on the multidisciplinary Trust MRI safety group.
Acts as a scientific specialist in MRI physics for the Trust.
Provides, as required, scientific and technical services, including the provision of MR safety advice, as contracted by other healthcare organisations, including Bradford, Airedale, Harrogate and York and Scarborough NHS Trusts, Private Healthcare providers and academic institutions.
Assists with the provision of safety frameworks to 3 University-owned MRI systems located within the General Infirmary; 2 dedicated to Cardiac research, funded by the British Heart Foundation and the third located in the Advanced Imaging Centre funded by the Medical Research Council for the development of Hyperpolarised MRI techniques.
Assists with the provision of scientific and technical support to routine and advanced clinical MR imaging applications, including Advanced Neuro Imaging (fMRI, DTI) for neurosurgical planning, Advanced Body Imaging (Liver, Breast, Prostate), Breast Biopsy service, Advanced Cardiac Imaging, MR-based Radiotherapy Treatment Planning and Musculoskeletal Imaging.
Assists with the provision of scientific and technical support to research programmes in Cardiac MRI, Oncology, MR-based Radiotherapy Treatment Planning and Musculoskeletal Disease.
Responsible for day-to-day supervision of trainee clinical scientists and pre-registered trainees.
To provide scientific and technical services for a broad range of both routine and non-routine, highly specialised scientific and technical services in Magnetic Resonance Imaging across LTH Trust
To participate in the provision of similar services as contracted by other healthcare organisations.
To plan and participate in the development of appropriate quality systems for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, including quality assurance (QA) and often highly complex MRI protocol, pulse sequence and software development, and ensure that the services provided by the MR group are of the highest quality.
As a registered clinical scientist for the Trust, to provide highly specialist advice on all aspects of MR physics, safety, techniques and applications.
To propose changes based on current national and international MR safety guidelines for the Trust and other organisations as contracted, to ensure the safety of patients, staff and members of the public, including the provision and updating of local rules for other colleagues working in the MR environment.
To work in close collaboration with MRI Service Managers, MR Radiographers, MR Clinical Scientists and other designated Responsible Persons, to ensure that the Trust fulfils its obligations as defined within current national and international guidelines and related Health and Safety legislation, including the maintenance of adequate records.
To develop and advise on the correct and safe use of highly specialised, non-routine MR procedures for individual patients examinations or specific patient groups, often including very ill patients.
To perform non-routine, highly specialised analysis and interpretation of MRI images from individual patients, particularly those requiring advanced post-processing and/or image analysis. In conjunction with other Healthcare professionals, ensure that the interpretation of the results of the analysis, that are essential for clinical decision-making, are accurate and reliable.
To provide specialist scientific and technical support throughout the Trust for the specification, evaluation, selection and acceptance testing of new MRI systems and associated equipment.
To ensure optimum performance of the installed base of MR systems within the Trust and to perform first line support in close liaison ...
