MRI Research Radiographer

Job description This role provides an exciting opportunity for an experienced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) radiographer to take on a senior post within our specialist Perinatal Imaging Department - part of both King's College London's Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The Department has a dedicated imaging suite within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Thomas’ Hospital, which is equipped with a 3T system utilising dedicated RF coils and positioning systems, and an ultra-low field, portable system. Image acquisition is integrated with a ground-breaking motion correction system optimised to facilitate in-utero fetal, neonatal and paediatric imaging. Our work includes providing a clinical fetal and neonatal MRI service for patients from across South East London, as well as national referrals from other UK centres. Equally important is our strong portfolio of clinical research studies with collaborators from the University, Hospital, and other institutions, which allows our team members to access other state-of-the-art MRI systems within our Imaging Clinical Research Facility (7T, 3T, 1.5T & 0.55T systems). This is a great opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated person to develop their MRI radiography career within the KCL multi-disciplinary research team who are world-renowned for their cutting-edge research in fetal and neonatal imaging ( https://www.kcl.ac.uk/bmeis/our-departments/perinatal-imaging-health). The post-holder will be responsible to the Perinatal MRI Superintendent Radiographer and will be a key member of a multi-disciplinary team to provide an efficient, effective and timely MRI service to patients and research participants. The post-holder will ensure excellence in clinical and research imaging by performing MRI and other related activities to a high standard. They are also expected to provide high quality care before, during and after imaging procedures, and take on research tasks as requested by the research lead. Key requirements for this post are prior experience of advanced MRI techniques, and commitment to excellent patient/participant care. The post-holder must have excellent MR safety knowledge. Familiarity with fetal, neonatal or paediatric imaging techniques and/or experience of supporting imaging research studies are welcomed, but not essential. The post will be based at St Thomas’ Hospital and the post holder will be required to work flexibly between 8:30am and 8:00pm, as requested. Some weekend work will also be required. This full time post will be offered on an indefinite contract

Key responsibilities

• To perform excellent, high-quality imaging in accordance with departmental protocols in an efficient, safe and timely manner.

• To work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary professional team to contribute to the delivery of a cutting-edge clinical and research programme.

• To provide a high level of patient care, before during and after MR imaging procedures: being cognizant of the additional requirements of scanning vulnerable infants and pregnant participants.

• To ensure all persons entering the scanners are MR safe and have completed an MR safety check and to be fully aware of the potential hazards of working in an area of strong magnetic fields.

• Working with clinical and MR physics colleagues, assist in the development, implementation and testing of imaging protocols.

• To participate in the delivery of an extended working hours and out of hours service as required.

• To participate in and take responsibility for ongoing quality assurance audits of clinical and research examinations and to be proactive in identifying and resolving problems related to image quality.

• To be responsible for Health and Safety procedures, including be familiar with the safety guidelines issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). To be familiar with safety procedures (quench, fire, cardiac arrest) which are specific to the MR environment.

• To provide a detailed explanation of the scanning procedure to each patient/volunteer and/or their parents/carers prior to commencing, during and after the procedure.

• To assess whether each patient is able to comply with the requirements of the scanning procedures, taking steps to adapt the standard technique to take account of an individual’s limited capabilities.

• To be responsible for ensuring all data and documentation relating to imaging sequences performed and relevant clinical information are recorded according to Departmental protocols.

• To perform routine quality control checks and report any problems, malfunctions or failures of equipment to the Superintendent Research Radiographer or other senior members of the department, labelling and removing from circulation any unsafe equipment.

• At all times to maintain the integrity of the data security system ensuring compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures for the data protection and Data Protection Act.

• To assist and, in some cases, lead the training and supervision of junior members of the Department ensuring where appropriate that competency assessments are performed and documented against the training programme.

• To be prepared to attend training courses, seminars, conferences and to give talks and seminars as required.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. Skills, knowledge, and experience Essential criteria 1. Minimum 3 years’ experience in MR imaging 2. Experience of working at a senior level 3. Demonstrate autonomy in MR imaging and operational decisions 4. Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures relevant to MR and familiar with guidelines issued by the MHRA 5. Communicate effectively and maintain good working relationships with colleagues within KCL and GSTT. 6. BSc Radiology or Diploma of the College of Radiographers (DCR) 7. HCPC registration 8. Experience of working within the NHS 9. The right to work and live in the UK Desirable criteria 1. Experience of working in the research and academic environment 2. Experience in paediatric, neonatal and fetal MR imaging 3. Experience of supervising and mentoring other staff Further information Candidates with an existing NHS Pension may choose to remain in that scheme if they wish to do so. Further information will be available via HR.