Principal Clinical Scientist – Radiation Safety and Imaging Physics

Job summary

We are looking for someone to help lead and shape the future of the Radiation Safety and Imaging Physics team at ESNEFT as a Principal Clinical Scientist and Deputy Head.

You will join the friendly team of physicists and technologists in providing radiation protection and diagnostic radiology physics services to Radiology, Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, PET-CT and Radiopharmacy in one of the largest NHS organisations in England, working across Colchester Hospital, Ipswich Hospital and multiple community sites.

Ideally, you will be a Certified MPE in DR and Certified RPA, however consideration at a Band 8a developmental will be given if you are working towards these and have signification post registration and leadership experience.

You will participate in all aspects of the scientific support we provide to the Trust and our external customers in ionising and non-ionising radiation areas. You will take a key role in providing specialist training and supporting development of your staff and stakeholders.

You will work with other RPAs, MPEs, RWAs and other healthcare professionals to provide expert scientific advice to a range of stakeholders.

Main duties of the job Advise the Trust on regulatory compliance in relation to radiation safety

Provide scientific and technical expertise to consultant medical staff and other healthcare professionals in relation to radiation safety and the physics of ionising and non-ionising radiation

Fulfil the role of Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) as described in regulation 14 of the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017

Fulfil the role of Medical Physics Expert (MPE) for diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology as described in regulation 14 of the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)
R17)
Provide advice on radioactive waste management, environmental radiation protection and the transport of radioactive substances

Advise on regulatory compliance in relation to the use of lasers and non-ionising radiation

Contribute to the strategic planning and development of the Radiation Safety and Imaging Physics section

Initiate and undertake research and development activity

Provide support for training and personal development of trainees, under-graduate and post-graduate students and appropriately qualified scientific and technical staff working in radiation safety and imaging physics

Deputise for the Head of Radiation Safety & Imaging Physics as required

About us We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients' own homes

We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff

We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options

Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services

Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients

We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what's widely regarded as the world's best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients

If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from youFind out about living and working here -  posted
13 August 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

BandBand 8bSalary
66,582 to 77,368 a year

per annum

Contract Permanent Working  pattern

Full-time

Reference number
432-HR665-26

Job locations

Colchester and Ipswich Colchester and IpswichCO4 5JL
United Kingdom Job description

Job responsibilities

For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Job description
Job responsibilities

For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Registration

Essential Masters degree in an area of Medical Physics or equivalent level of specialist knowledge

Membership of relevant professional body State registered Clinical Scientist Inclusion on RPA
2000 list of Medical Physics Experts (MPE)
Inclusion on RPA
2000 list of Certificate of Core Competence to act as Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) under IRR
17

Desirable

PhDInclusion on RPA
2000 list of Certificate of Core Competence to act as Radioactive Waste Advisor (RWA)
Inclusion on RPA
2000 list of Specialist…