Head of Clinical Nuclear Medicine & Bone Densitometry
Overview
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) Medical Physics Department invites applications for Head of Clinical Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry, a Consultant Clinical Scientist Post at Band 8c. The closing date is 01 October 2025.
We are pleased to announce a fantastic opportunity to join the STSFT Medical Physics Department as Head of Clinical Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry. Our Nuclear Medicine service includes five gamma cameras across three sites (Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead) and Bone Densitometry at two sites (Sunderland and South Tyneside). The on-site Radiopharmacy aseptic facility supports the Nuclear Medicine service. This post leads and manages the Clinical Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry services across the patch with support from the Head of Nuclear Medicine Physics, Head of Medical Physics and 8 ARSAC Certificate holders.
We recently installed a 12-headed CZT SPECT/CT system at Sunderland and are procuring a second SPECT/CT camera for Gateshead. Our long-term goal is to become a nationally leading centre with our new equipment and a high-quality team. We are halfway through applying for the RCR Quality Standards in Imaging (QSI) accreditation; in the short term, part of this role will be to support our dedicated scientist in achieving this.
We support flexible working and have a track record of staff development, including HSST programs (and related elements), RPA/RWA qualifications, and attendance at courses and conferences.
Main duties
As Head of Clinical Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry, you will be responsible for the delivery of the clinical service, provide professional leadership in its development, and be responsible for the NM Technologist/Radiographer provision across the Department. You will act as the Clinical Governance lead and coordinate a program of clinical audit and development for the Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry services. You will deputise for, and work closely with, the Head of Medical Physics and Head of Nuclear Medicine Physics.
You will lead a team of around 27 staff, including trainees and fixed-term personnel. You should be an experienced Medical Physics Expert (MPE), ideally with leadership and management experience, and we will encourage further leadership and management training as appropriate. You are expected to support and contribute to the interpretation of complex imaging and non-imaging NM studies, with support from our Nuclear Medicine Radiologist and Cardiologist ARSAC Certificate holders.
As a department, we are supportive of flexible working and have a long track record of staff development, including HSST-related elements, RPA/RWA qualifications, and opportunities for course and conference attendance.
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust
- There are many reasons to work at our Trust. We are committed to putting people first, accessible services, research and innovation, tackling inequalities, respect, fairness, and civility, and a compassionate, positive culture and working environment.
We welcome applications irrespective of , , , orientation, /belief, , , marriage and civil partnership, /maternity, and in particular those from underrepresented groups. Staff health and wellbeing are priorities, and we provide access to education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,600 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of about 430,000 . We offer benefits including a Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support, and a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.
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Job responsibilities
Responsible for the Nuclear Medicine (NM) and Bone Densitometry (BD) Clinical Service provision within the STSFT Medical Physics units across all Trust sites.
Please refer to attached job description for full duties of the role.
Person Specification
Other
Please provide a contact telephone number.
Physical Skills
Able to work in a sterile environment.
Willing to work outside normal hours.
Ability to meet travel requirements of the post, including frequent visits to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Gateshead) and South Tyneside Hospital.
Able to move heavy objects (lead shielding, patients) within moving and handling guidelines.
Driving license.
Experience
Considerable post-registration experience applying physics to clinical nuclear medicine, including QA and calibration across a wide range of NM equipment; sufficient to fulfil the role of a Medical Physics Expert.
Experience in training and supervising trainees.
Experience in audit, research and development.
Formal presentations at and local meetings.
Experience of investigating incidents involving ionising radiation.
Experience in developing services.
Patient handling skills including IV administration of radiopharmaceuticals.
Clinical reporting of a wide range of nuclear medicine studies.
Experience leading a team and managing staff.
Involvement in procurement, commissioning and acceptance testing of NM equipment.
Contribution to implementation of strategic plans and development of new techniques.
Responsible role in Radiation Protection.
Management of Clinical Scientists or Technologists.
Lecturing/teaching at postgraduate level.
Experience as a Radioactive Waste Adviser and as an emergency responder to radiation incidents/exercises.
Qualifications
First or Second Class Honours Degree in Physics or related subject.
MSc in Medical Physics or equivalent.
HCPC Registered Clinical Scientist (Nuclear Medicine).
D Clin Sci Qualification or equivalent experience.
Registration as a Medical Physics Expert.
Registration with the HSSR.
Corporate membership of IPEM.
Certificate of competence as a Radioactive Waste Adviser.
PhD in a related subject.
Certificate of competence as a Radiation Protection Adviser.
Skills & Knowledge
Specialist in-depth knowledge of a wide range of nuclear medicine procedures, including clinical assessment.
Knowledge of legislation, standards and protocols relating to clinical nuclear medicine work including RPA, RWA and MPE and a wider knowledge of Radiation Protection.
Understanding of commissioning and acceptance testing, QA and calibration requirements, functionality and safe use of equipment.
Ability to manage development of Medical Physics services including areas outside of specific expertise.
Knowledge of governance related to Medical Physics Service delivery and regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of Quality Management and continuous improvement cycles.
Ability to provide scientific and clinical advice and teaching with accuracy and passion.
In-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to nuclear medicine.
Ability to make decisions where information may be limited or opinions differ.
Effective managerial, leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
Effective report writing and presentation skills.
Proficiency in software tools and data handling.
Able to promote a collaborative working culture within the Medical Physics Service and with service users.
Compassionate, empathetic and supportive leadership capable of motivating staff and liaising effectively at all levels.
Dynamic and innovative approach to service development.
Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
Commitment to lifelong learning and CPD.
Knowledge of bone densitometry.
Understanding of clinical audit and governance and their application to the services provided by the Section.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to check for any previous criminal convictions will be required.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
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