Head of Service - Clinical Scientist

Head of Service – Clinical Scientist (Band 8b)

Lead the development of the clinical MR physics service within Newcastle and the North‑East and North Cumbria region, working alongside the section lead for MR and Ultrasound Physics and other MR physics team members to shape services for diverse NHS and non‑NHS MR departments, including specialist neurosciences, cardiothoracic, radiotherapy and children’s MR units.

• Provision of expert clinical and safety support to a diverse range of MR departments.
• Managerial responsibility for the MR physics service, including appointment as MRSE and leadership of clinical MR physics support to one or more NHS trusts.
• Hold or obtain the IPEM MRSE Certificate of Competence before appointment.
• Support advanced imaging services (e.g., fMRI, DTI, cardiac, MR‑RT) and complex implant scanning (e.g., CIEDs, neurostimulators, off‑label scanning).
• Contribute to teaching on the Newcastle University Medical Physics MSc programme and other formal and informal teaching provided by the MR physics service.
• Develop and implement clinical and organisational strategies, deliver research and development activities, and manage a team of clinical scientists and technologists.
• Travel regularly to other NHS trusts within the region to provide service support.

• Provision of one or more IPRS services to Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and other customer trusts in Northern England.
• Professional leadership and maintenance of high service standards across the area of responsibility.
• Development of clinical and organisational strategies within the area of expertise, including research and development initiatives.
• Management of a team of clinical scientists and technologists delivering the service.
• Contribution to service and staff development throughout the Northumberland and Newcastle region.

Flexible working arrangements are supported where they do not compromise service delivery. Discuss options with the recruitment team to find a suitable arrangement.

We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and recognize the benefit of an inclusive environment. We welcome applications irrespective of race, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity and, in particular, those from under‑represented groups.

Essential criteria

• Honours degree (1st or 2nd class) in Physics or equivalent.
• MSc in Medical Physics or equivalent.
• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist (Medical Physicist).
• Certificate of competence in the appropriate area (or application in progress).
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable criteria

• Ph.D. in Physics or related topic.
• Membership of an appropriate professional body.

Essential criteria

• Specialist knowledge of the work area, including relevant legislation.
• Expert knowledge of quality assurance requirements and the safe use and maintenance of the full range of clinical equipment.
• Knowledge of ionising/non‑ionising radiation protection as appropriate to the service.
• Understanding of dosimetry, calibration and radiation monitoring equipment.
• Sufficient experience to act as a certificated expert in the relevant area.
• Experience of investigating incidents involving ionising or non‑ionising radiations.
• Experience of developing services and of teaching/training at postgraduate level.

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of clinical audit and governance and its application to the services provided.
• Experience of leading and managing staff.
• Experience of evaluating and procuring clinical equipment.
• Experience of performing research, publishing, and presenting at scientific and clinical meetings.

• Ability to manage, motivate and lead staff.
• Ability to interpret data, analyse problems and evaluate solutions.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, training, teaching and mentoring skills.
• Good IT skills, including databases and spreadsheets.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to liaise effectively with staff at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.