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Job summary

Main area
Radiotherapy Physics
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
37.5 hours per week (Full time - 37.5 hours per week/ 9 Day Fortnight working pattern an option within the team)
Job ref
216-AH-C6558805
Employer
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
University Hospitals Trust Plymouth
Town
PLYMOUTH
Salary
£46,148 - £52,809 Per Annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
03/11/2024 23:59
Interview date
20/11/2024

Employer heading

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust logo

Advanced Specialist Dosimetrist - Radiotherapy Physics

NHS AfC: Band 7

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Radiotherapy Planning department at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth for two enthusiastic, Band 7 Advanced Specialist Dosimetrist - Healthcare Science Practitioner (Radiotherapy Physics) to join the friendly, supportive team.

 As part of the Dosimetrist team, you will be responsible for the production and checking of all conformal and complex VMAT radiotherapy treatment plans. As well as actively involved in the departments SABR service for both primary cancer and oligometastatic disease. There is also an opportunity to be involved in the Specialist Peninsula Neuro SRS/SRT planning service.

Plymouth Oncology centre is a fully integrated Varian department with 3 Linacs all with OBI, RapidArc and gating facilities. We also have a Novalis with ExacTrac® Image-Guided radiotherapy for stereotactic treatment (intracranial SRS and SRT). HDR Brachytherapy (including MRI guided) is delivered on a Varian GammaMed unit. Treatment Planning is carried out on the Eclipse TPS V15.6.

We have a strong multi-disciplinary approach to working and the successful candidates will have a wealth of opportunities to develop and broaden abilities.

To find out more about Plymouth and the Radiotherapy Physics Team please follow the link to the department Page Tiger (alongside the JD). Relocation may be considered.

Expected interview date will be 20th November 2024.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of treatment planning and plan checking.

 The post holder will:

  • Work as part of a team in the provision of highly specialised computerised treatment planning services for patients undergoing Radiotherapy.
  • Advise clinical staff on the selection and optimisation of treatment techniques, related patient dosimetry and on the physics of radiation.
  • Fulfil a specialised operator role in treatment planning.
  • Assist in the development of treatment planning techniques and participate in audit.
  • Responsible on a day-to-day basis to the Lead Treatment Planning Dosimetrist.
  • Liaise closely with a wide range of staff in Radiotherapy and Radiotherapy Physics, including dosimetrists, clinicians, physicists, engineers and radiographers.
  • Support the Lead dosimetrist in ensuring treatment planning pathways are delivered in a timely fashion across the radiotherapy service
  • assist with the work of the Mould Room Department when required.
  • You will contribute to the training of PTP apprentices, STPs and other staff rotating through treatment planning.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Working for our organisation

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Vocational BSC (Hons) Degree in Clinical Technology or hold a recognised /equivalent qualification with clinical demonstrable experience equivalent.
  • e.g Degree in physical sciences with IPEM Diploma in Clinical Technology or equivalent.
  • OR
  • Degree or DCR (T) in therapy radiography Plus further, relevant, formal, in-service training.
Desirable criteria
  • Relevant Postgraduate diploma, MSc and/or specialist proven knowledge of treatment planning and mould room advanced procedures, management acquired through accredited formal courses or equivalent in-depth experience to Masters level.
  • Membership of (or eligible to register) the Register of Clinical Technologists or state registered therapy radiographer
  • Mentorship /Teacher/Training qualification.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential criteria
  • Developed specialist proven knowledge and demonstrable experience in advanced radiotherapy treatment planning.
  • Developed Specialist proven knowledge and understanding of principles and practice of Treatment Planning, Dose Measurement, Mould Room, Virtual Simulation and Quality System.
Desirable criteria
  • Advanced level of proven understanding of radiation risk (to patients and staff) i.e. treatment plan error or positional error
  • Current proven knowledge of the Eclipse treatment planning computer systems used for treatment plan production. Understands the limitations of treatment planning algorithms during plan production.
  • Current specialist demonstrable experience and proven knowledge of patient immobilisation techniques used in the field of radiotherapy.

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Able to prioritise, manage and plan work for self. Exercise own initiative.
  • Management skills: to supervise qualified staff within a Clinical technologist team, junior staff, students and clerical staff.
  • Good communication skills and ability to communicate complex and highly complex information across clinical and professional boundaries.
Desirable criteria
  • Manual dexterity and ability to move and position less able patients and inert objects weighing over 10Kg.
  • Able to make judgements on plan results and report interpretation to clinicians.
  • Able to solve highly complex problems using analytical skills and clinical judgement.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Disability confident leaderArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - Gold

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Nikki Blackler
Job title
Head of Treatment Planning
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01752431940
Additional information

Please get in touch to discuss this role further or to arrange a visit to the department .

Additional Contacts: Simon Legge, Anne Ibbotson or Leanne Moore via the Treatment Planning office 01725 431940

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