Specialist Healthcare Scientist (Diagnostic and Radiation Safety)

Are you a Specialist Clinical Scientist or Technologist in Diagnostic Radiation Physics looking for a new challenge? Ideally you will already be a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in Diagnostic Radiology. However, for the right candidate we are open to supporting you to gain your MPE qualification in a developmental post.

You’ll be encouraged and mentored to develop your skills with involvement in significant redevelopment programmes, opportunities to utilise your expert knowledge, and support a culture of training within the department. In return we offer funded training and development, flexible working, career progression, research and innovation opportunities.

Not forgetting you’ll be in glorious Devon, a fantastic landscape of vibrant cities, stunning beaches and rugged moors. If the role and Devon wasn’t enough of a draw, we’re also offering a generous relocation and attraction package to help kick-start your career with us.

As our Specialist Healthcare Scientist (Diagnostic and Radiation Protection) you will act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in Diagnostic Radiology for the Royal Devon and collaborative partners.

You’ll have the chance to work autonomously, planning and delivering a programme of scientific support to services using ionising and non-ionising radiations across North, East, and Mid Devon. This consists of approximately 200 imaging systems imaging systems including x-ray, CT, and Nuclear Medicine.

No two days will be the same, as you’ll be working with a varied client base including Radiology and Cardiology departments, the NHS Breast Screening Programme and community hospitals. As well as our external clients which include dental and veterinary practices, and providers of diagnostic medical services and research such as the University of Exeter.

As part of your role you will work with our Lead Physicist for Diagnostic Radiology, Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and Head of Clinical Radiation Physics to ensure the smooth running of the service and compliance with regulatory requirements. There will be opportunities to strengthen your leadership skills and expert knowledge by deputising for the lead MPE as required.

As a member of the Clinical & Radiation Physics team, you will work closely with colleagues in Nuclear Medicine Physics, Radiation Safety and Non-ionising Physics, as well as clinical colleagues and private customers. You will also be part of the wider Medical Physics team at the Royal Devon, and enjoy the benefits of well-established regional networks of experts and training centres.

About you

You’ll be keen to join our small, friendly team, dedicated to providing technical scientific expertise to colleagues and external customers.

You will:

• be a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist or RCT registered Clinical Technologist with extensive relevant experience
• be a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in Diagnostic Radiology, or
• be a Clinical Scientist/Technologist with relevant experience to complete the MPE process (see below developmental post details)
• hold a valid full UK driving licence
• have access to an appropriate vehicle to transport test equipment within the network

Developmental Post

We are open to recruiting at Band 7 level for candidates who possess some, but not all, of the required experience and would support you with a development plan. For example, if you are a registered Clinical Scientist or Technologist with relevant experience through the MPE process.

Why join our team?

Training and learning opportunities are in high supply here, from being one of the first trust’s to re-establish the apprenticeship route for Medical Physics Technologists in Radiation Physics to our growing Consultant Clinical Scientist training program. We'll support you in finding the best way to grow whether in-house at our accredited training centre for PTP, STP and HSST or through external courses.

Learning opportunities aren’t restricted to just qualifications. The team facilitate professional and scientific conferences for colleagues across the South West and have strong network connections across the Peninsula and wider South West to ensure shared learning and adoption of best practices.

Research and innovation are at the heart of how we deliver cutting-edge health and care. Alongside our large, purpose-built commercial research centre, we provide state-of-the-art facilities in partnership with the University of Exeter and are the host site for the NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, the Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Medical Research, a Post Graduate Education Centre, and UKAS-accredited laboratories.

Our strong partnership with the University of Exeter continues with the Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre for clinical research. The centre provides highly advanced PET-CT and MRI scanning facilities for research, clinical diagnosis, and therapy on the Royal Devon site. The Clinical & Radiation Physics team provide scientific services to the centre, working closely with the research teams to ensure safety, quality and innovation.

Career development opportunities are encouraged and supported within the team. The Devon Diagnostic Centre (DDC) is part a range of service based at the NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter and has an innovative approach in streamlining patient pathways and reducing waiting lists, while providing exceptional patient care to patients from North, East, South and West Devon. With exciting plans to expand services, there will be opportunities to work on significant projects in collaboration with colleagues across the Trust.

https://rdehospital.pagetiger.com/ekfmru/1

Working Hours – a healthy work-life balance is essential, and Devon is a great place to enjoy it. The Telegraph continues to rank Devon as the best county in England, scoring highly for natural wonders, history and culture, luxuries in their readers’ poll.

Working Pattern: the role is 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday. We have a flexible working policy that we are happy to discuss to establish suitable options for you and the department.

Interview Date: Week commencing 15th September 2025.

For further information please contact: Emily Simpson Executive and Specialist Recruitment Lead on 07958 931414 [email protected]

For an informal chat about the role and to arrange a visit please contact: Matt Rowlandson, Head of Clinical & Radiation Physics, m.rowlandson@net, or Michelle Scott-Cleasby, Deputy Head of Clinical & Radiation Physics, [email protected] or 01392 402126.

Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2025/6 rates, inclusive of a 3.6% pay award which will be implemented later this year. If you join before the implementation date, the pay award will be backdated to your start date. Until then, remuneration will be based on the 2024/5 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2024/25 | NHS Employers)

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.