Clinical Scientist - Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection

Job summary

We are seeking a motivated Clinical Scientist with experience in DR and Radiation Safety to join the Medical Physics team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. We welcome applications from candidates nearing registration (within 6 months), experienced Clinical Technologists with a relevant MSc and candidates holding a suitable MSc with relevant professional experience. Successful applicants can be supported through Route 2 or the Clinical Scientist Guided Training Scheme. Candidates not yet registered or not within 6 months of registration will be appointed at a lower band until registered.

We are a new service working in an innovative partnership with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, offering a supportive, dynamic environment where your contribution is valued, alongside excellent career development opportunities.

The Trust has recently opened the Bridgwater CDC, with 2 CT and 2 MRI scanners, and the Kings Building, a major theatre complex with a Siemens Artis Pheno system and additional theatres. These developments provide exciting opportunities to support new clinical services across an expanding range of imaging and interventional environments.

We have a strong culture of training and development, you'll be encouraged and mentored to grow your scientific and leadership skills. This is an excellent opportunity to join at an exciting stage of growth and help shape the future of medical physics in Somerset.

Interested? Contact us to arrange an informal visit and meet the team.

Main duties of the job

As part of a dedicated team of Clinical Scientists, Clinical Technologists and a Radiation Assurance Manager, you'll play a key role in delivering the specialist clinical and technical services of the department. You'll contribute directly to testing the quality, safety and optimisation of a wide range of highly complex diagnostic and interventional equipment, ensuring patients receive safe, effective care every day.

This role combines hands-on clinical science, problem-solving and innovation, with the chance to work directly with healthcare professionals, engineers, and regulatory bodies to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care.

If you're looking for a rewarding role where your scientific expertise will directly improve patient outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

As a Clinical Scientist in Medical Physics, you will:

• Provide expert support in X-ray quality assurance and radiation protection advice for diagnostic radiology services.
• Work closely with Medical Physics Experts (MPEs) and Radiation Protection Advisers (RPAs), contributing to critical safety testing, patient dose optimisation, and compliance with legislation.
• Lead the local Quality Control programme with the support of senior colleagues.
• Play a key role in training and mentoring trainee Clinical Scientists and Technologists, sharing your expertise to develop the next generation.
• Be actively involved in research, development, and service improvement projects, with opportunities to present your work nationally and internationally.

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more details.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (Hons) in Physics or other relevant subject, or equivalent
• Relevant higher degree (eg MSc, MPhil, PhD) or equivalent
• Has completed and passed the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) or equivalent, or on track to complete within six months of appointment.
• Is, or is working towards state registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health & Care Professions Council

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience of the full range of Medical Physics work
• Significant knowledge and experience of:
• The use of highly complex Diagnostic X-ray equipment (>£50,000) and highly complex specialist testing equipment and techniques employed to measure safety and performance of radiological equipment
• Interpretation and judgement of measurements to ensure compliance of equipment with legislation and guidance

Additional Criteria

Essential

• Please see the attached JD