Route 2 Trainee Clinical Scientist (Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection)

The Imaging Physics & Radiation Protection group within Christie Medical Physics & Engineering are seeking a trainee Clinical Scientist to join our growing team of 30 scientists, technologists and administrators.  We deliver scientific support to mainly NHS and independent sector clinical radiology departments in the North West of England.  

This is a 4-year fixed term ‘Route 2’ training post, to facilitate development of a portfolio for state registration as a HCPC Clinical Scientist in Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection. The trainee must be self-motivated and driven to gain state registration. The portfolio is generated through work in the field and as such this is a working trainee post, though time ‘off the job’ will be given for the academic component. Successful completion of registration will make a suitable candidate highly employable as a band 7 Clinical Scientist, as the profession seeks to double the workforce.

Candidates should have scientific and interpersonal skills. Good communication and proactive team working is essential.  

We welcome external applicants and would encourage you to get in touch if you would like to informally discuss your suitability for the post. Registered Clinical Scientists wishing to work for us, note we will be putting out band 7 posts in early 2024 but make contact to discuss other possibilities.

A current driving license is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role.

Note: an application must come through the recruitment platform. A C.V. will not be accepted.  Link to NHS jobs:

Main duties of the job

• You will be involved in the CMPE RPA body (recognised by the Health and Safety Executive under the requirements of IRR17), providing radiation protection advice to diagnostic and interventional radiology/cardiology departments and dental practitioners.  Typical work includes advice on facility design, personal dosimetry, risk assessments and local rules;
• You will be heavily involved in the performance and safety assessment of X-ray equipment and the provision of Medical Physics Expert support for diagnostic radiology departments. Work will include undertaking patient dosimetry, optimisation of dose and image quality, digital imaging, computed tomography, interventional and cardiac imaging, mammography, bone densitometry and equipment calibrations;
• Teaching small groups is fairly common and occasionally presenting to large audiences on the topic of radiation protection of diagnostic radiology is required;
• An MSc in Medical Physics and/or relevant experience in imaging physics or radiation protection is essential. There is an academic component of registration that must either be achieved already or gained during the employment e.g. through undertaking a MSc in Medical Physics (we will fund this).  Those with relevant skills without the relevant qualifications or experience should look into the national Scientist Training Programme (STP) or consider the Healthcare Science Practitioner pathway for a more technically focused career pathway within the Healthcare Science team. 

Working for our organisation

We are the Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Section of the Imaging Physics and Radiation Protection Group within CMPE, based at The Christie in Manchester.

The group is active in research and development, currently working on projects including radiation protection culture and QA of cone beam CT.  Professional activities are supported with recent involvement in the IPEM Medical and Dental Guidance Notes, FGDP Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners and EFOMP/EURADOS working parties on patient dosimetry.  

Manchester is a hub for sport, music and culture as well as a friendly, vibrant city.  The Christie is located 4 miles to the south of the City, in close proximity to Didsbury and Chorlton where there are many independent shops, restaurants and bars.  There are a number of National Parks nearby and, for travelling further afield, Manchester International Airport (with flights to over 200 destinations) is minutes away while London is only 2 hours by train.

See our website: Christie Medical Physics and Engineering