Medical Physicist

General Description of the Post

This post is in the Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering (MPCE) Department.  The Department’s mission is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical services for the benefit of patients, through the optimisation of medical technology throughout the life-cycle, including acquisition, application, performance and utilisation. 

The post holder will be involved in the provision of scientific, technical and business support.  The role primarily includes engagement and input to the provision of radiation physics services to six hospitals within the HSE Dublin and North East health region, particularly in relation to the provision of a high quality radiation protection advisory support service. This will include teaching, research and service developments.

The post holder will engage with the relevant Principal Physicist, or their designate, to provide high quality services offered by the department, working in close cooperation with clinical disciplines.  As travel between hospitals in the north east region is necessary, the post holder will be required to hold a current Irish/EU driving licence and/or own means of transport.

The post holder will be required to demonstrate: 

1. A good business approach to the delivery of services.
2. A good knowledge of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering and how legislation applies to professional practice in the hospital environment.
3. Evidence of effective planning and organising skills.
4. Focus on providing a quality service and an openness to change.  
5. The ability to engage with other relevant departments both within and outside the HSE Dublin and North East health region.

Principal duties and responsibilities include the following:

1. Contribute to the provision of a medical physics service to imaging and radiation physics, including the scientific and technical support required in Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology Services, which is fully aligned with and enables the delivery of high quality, safe and value conscious healthcare services.
2. Contribute to the development and delivery of the medical physics and clinical engineering (MPCE) department’s strategic goals and objectives and be an active member of the MPCE team.
3. Contribute to the provision of a Regional Physics Advisory Service for radiation protection and quality assurance of diagnostic imaging equipment, for identified radiology departments within the HSE Dublin and North East health region.
4. Work in close cooperation with the relevant Principal Physicist to manage resources for the delivery of services and support to radiology departments and other departments as required.
5. Contribute to the planning, development, and continuous enhancement of imaging and radiation physics services as required.
6. Develop relationships with radiology stakeholders (e.g. clinicians, allied health professionals, equipment suppliers, field service engineers, academia, etc.) to continuously market and promote the potential for leading and contributing to health service improvements that will benefit service providers and patients.
7. Contribute to the development, implementation and use of a comprehensive asset register of ionising radiation equipment for each hospital’s EPA licence.
8. Contribute to the provision and management of on-going education and training to hospital staff, in relation to the safe and reliable use of electromedical equipment.
9. Contribute to the establishment of and participation in orientation and teaching / training programmes for new staff, other relevant personnel and students, as required.
10. Contribute to the quality assurance protocols for the imaging and ionising radiation equipment infrastructure, to ensure integrity of the associated clinical processes, as necessary.
11. Participate in Quality Assurance and Risk Management Programmes particularly in relation to statutory requirements and legislation.
12. Ensure all records in relation to the basics grade physicist’s work are current and well maintained.
13. Take responsibility for self-directed, self-initiated learning to ensure that his/her own knowledge and skills are kept up-to-date by participation in appropriate continuing education and professional development activities.
14. Contribute to research and development activities in collaboration with colleagues, industry and academia to drive evidence-based health service improvement and to establish improved levels of application of technology where appropriate.
15. To actively participate in the department’s academic, seminar programmes, in-service lectures and clinical meetings by presenting new and/or relevant topics in the field of healthcare as well as provide feedback from scientific meetings and external training sessions.
16. Represent the MPCE department at internal, regional and national fora as appropriate (e.g. Participation on committees as and where required).
17. To provide cross cover during holidays and sick leave.
18. Performing other duties as may be assigned to him/her.

Reporting Relationship

The post holder will report to the relevant Principal Physicist or their designate.  With respect to matters relating to the provision of imaging and radiation physics services, the physicist will also be accountable to the Consultant in Administrative Charge of the relevant clinical service.

She/he will also liaise and work, as required with other staff and grades within and outside of the Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department, on relevant issues including quality and safety, information and computer technology and systems.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and will be subject to review in light of experience and/or changing circumstances.  Consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the Chief Physicist or designate and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Mandatory

Professional Qualifications, Experience

In exercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 22 of the Health Act 2004, I hereby approve
the qualifications, as set out hereunder, for the appointment and continuing as Basic Grade
Physicist.

Professional Qualifications. Experience etc

Candidates must

(a) hold a recognised first or second class honours degree in which Physics was taken as a
major subject and honours obtained in that subject.

or

hold a recognised qualification at least equivalent thereto.

(b) possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability) for
the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

Age

Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act,
2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on
the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms
for the office occurs.

Health

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of
undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would
indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Desirable

Candidates will also ideally have some or all of the following:

• Hold a recognised post-graduate qualification in Medical Physics.
• Hold a current Irish/EU driving licence and/or own means of transport.
• Experience in the fields of medical imaging and quality assurance programs.
• Demonstrate good communication skills