Research Sonographer

The post holder will work as an integral member of the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (US) research team within the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), providing a high-quality, autonomous ultrasound service to support both research and clinical activity. The role involves the acquisition, interpretation and reporting of musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, communicating findings effectively to researchers and clinicians, and providing expert specialist advice on ultrasound imaging and its application within musculoskeletal research and patient care.

The post holder will contribute to the delivery and day-to-day organisation of the Rheumatology Ultrasound Service, ensuring high standards of imaging practice and patient‑centred care.

Provide a high-quality, autonomous musculoskeletal ultrasound service in support of the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) research portfolio and associated NHS clinical activity. Perform musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, acquiring high-quality diagnostic images in accordance with research study protocols, clinical requirements, professional standards and local procedures. Independently interpret ultrasound findings and produce clear, accurate and comprehensive diagnostic reports for research and clinical purposes, ensuring results are communicated appropriately and in a timely manner to clinicians, researchers and other members of the multidisciplinary team.

Identify and elevate urgent, unexpected or clinically significant findings, informing the relevant clinician immediately and ensuring appropriate action is taken. Act as a specialist source of expertise and advice in musculoskeletal ultrasound for clinicians, researchers and members of the Leeds BRC, supporting the effective use of imaging within research studies and patient care pathways. Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team comprising clinical, academic and research staff from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and partner organisations.

Job Summary

The role is based within the Leeds BRC Imaging Centre, a world‑leading research environment and the only NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in the UK dedicated to musculoskeletal research. The post holder will support a broad portfolio of nationally and internationally recognised research studies, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and external partners.

The position requires responsibility for the independent management of a specialist caseload, operation of advanced ultrasound imaging equipment, provision of expert advice to clinicians and researchers, and ongoing development of specialist skills in emerging musculoskeletal imaging techniques to support the BRCs research and innovation objectives.

• Provide a high-quality, autonomous musculoskeletal ultrasound service supporting both innovative research studies and NHS clinical activity.
• Work within a nationally and internationally recognised musculoskeletal research programme, contributing to studies that have the potential to influence future patient care and clinical practice.
• Independently perform, interpret and report musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, delivering expert diagnostic imaging to researchers and clinicians.
• Act as a specialist source of advice and expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound, supporting both research delivery and patient care pathways.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and external partner organisations.
• Support the planning and day‑to‑day delivery of the Rheumatology Ultrasound Service, helping to ensure efficient and patient‑centred services.
• Contribute to the delivery of research activity within the Leeds BRC Imaging Centre, ensuring imaging is performed to high research, regulatory and Good Clinical Practice standards.
• Participate in service development, quality improvement and audit activities to enhance ultrasound services and research capability.
• Support the education, training and development of…