Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic medical physics technologist to join our PET imaging team at King s College London (KCL) & Guy s and St Thomas (GSTT) PET Centre, which provides services to more than 8,000 patients and research participants per year from across South-East London and the wider UK. The Centre is part of both King's College London's School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences (BMEIS) in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, and Guy's & St Thomas' National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust. We run a clinical PET service in parallel with an extensive programme of clinical research. Facilities currently include 2 cyclotrons, radiochemistry labs, 3 PET-CT scanners and a PET-MR scanner.

The purpose of this post is to provide technical support to the operation of the clinical and research PET scanning activities in the PET Imaging Centre, working as a member of a team of medical physicists.

Particular aspects of the role will include providing radiation protection support to the department, including the cyclotron/radiochemistry facilities and scanning suites, and taking a day-to-day role in the UK PET Core Lab which provides quality control and data management for PET clinical research trials.

You should be highly motivated, able to multi-task, work well within a team, and be keen to learn. The position is in a friendly and supportive multi-disciplinary department, with opportunities for involvement in research projects.

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract.

This is a full-time post.

Key responsibilities

Contribute to the routine medical physics activities in the PET Centre.

Carry out day-to-day data tasks for the UK PET Core Lab, including data transfer, analysis and collation of images, acquisition of phantom data and liaising with contacts at other imaging facilities.

Take on duties concerning radiation protection and the use of radioactive materials throughout the PET Centre including the cyclotron and radiochemistry facilities and the scanning areas of the department.

Assist where appropriate in carrying out complex research studies involving processing of blood samples etc.

Be involved with and support the management of radioactive waste generated in the scanning area and PET radiochemistry facility. This includes, dealing with short lived waste streams in the radiochemistry laboratories and long-lived contaminants from the cyclotrons, working closely with radiochemistry colleagues and researchers.

Ensure compliance with the environment agency permit in generating radioactive waste records from radiation monitoring systems and reports under supervision of a clinical scientist.

Manage record keeping of training and induction of new staff working within the scanning suites and laboratories and provide safety training directly where appropriate.

Assist, where appropriate, with scanner, sample counter and dose calibrator QC, e.g., filling phantoms for scanner QC testing, carrying out regular QC on well counter etc.

Ensure scanning equipment (including radiation monitoring devices) is safe for use through maintaining up to date records of equipment maintenance and service.

Assist in drafting risk assessments as necessary for all new work undertaken by the department. Similarly for radiation project forms, local rules, systems of work, working procedures documents for use of radioactive materials, and best practical means documentation for disposal of radioactive substances etc.

Undertake audits of working practice within the department under the supervision of a clinical scientist.

Report accidents and incidents and participate in accident investigations where appropriate.

Communicate complex information in a clear and precise way, both orally and in writing.

Manage your own workload, pattern of work and resources based on an agreed work plan and be responsive to changing priorities and an evolving environment/context, maximising the efficiency of the service.

Work as part of a multidisciplinary team and liaise with medical, scientific and technical staff, radiographers, administrative and other staff groups from within and outside the PET centre as appropriate.

Undertake other tasks and responsibilities appropriate to the position as necessary, including working flexible hours if required.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

1. Minimum level 4 qualification, e.g., higher apprenticeship, HNC or other Level 4 award, plus work experience in relevant technical/scientific posts OR Considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific posts

2. Experience working in a nuclear medicine or PET imaging department or similar setting

3. Knowledge of nuclear medicine technology including sample counters and radiation monitoring equipment

4. Good working knowledge of the regulations and best practice for radiation safety in nuclear medicine clinical and laboratory settings

5. Computing or programming experience including manipulation and transfer of large datasets

6. Clear spoken and written communication skills, with proficient computer use and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills

7. Evidence of an active commitment to career development

8. Proactive and responsive to contacts in immediate area, across the wider organisation and externally (e.g., other imaging centres) to build relationships and network

9. Solutions-focused self-starter, with excellent planning and analytical skills, able to manage competing priorities and work with minimal supervision

10. Knowledge of environmental impacts of radiation and laboratory work and an interest in reducing the negative impacts

Desirable criteria

1. Relevant degree

2. HCPC or RCT registration

3. Experience working as a medical physicist or technologist in a PET imaging department

4. Experience of supporting clinical imaging research studies including experience of data collation and management for these studies

5. Experience of providing radiation safety support for PET cyclotron/radiochemistry facilities