Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. It provides acute, sub-acute, primary, and community-based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding region. More information can be found on the CHS website:  www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au

The Medical Physics and Radiation Engineering (MPRE) department at Canberra Health Services is composed of medical physics specialists in radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology giving our department a collegial diversity of medical physicists working together. The team is responsible for services, advice, education and research in the safe use and effective applications of medical radiation to service departments and more generally as required. These departments primarily include Medical Imaging, Radiation Oncology, Cardiology, BreastScreen and Oral Health Services.

The advertised position is for a principal diagnostic radiology medical physics specialist who will lead a team of medical physicists to deliver state-of-the-art medical physics services and advice for our client departments in the use of ionising and non-ionising radiation. Canberra Health Services has a large range of registered ionising radiation source devices, from intra oral dental units, general x-ray through to angiographic and CT equipment that require medical physics services through lifecycles such as specialist procurement advice, shielding, commissioning and ongoing performance testing, etc. This is soon to be expanded with the current construction of a large Critical Services Building including at least 3 floors utilising imaging equipment, including MRI and ultrasound equipment. Consistent with a focus on patient care and regulatory requirements, the principal diagnostic radiology medical physics specialist would also be responsible for management and support of audit of processes that involve patient irradiation, often being a first step in the collaborative process of procedure optimisation.

MPRE has an extensive technical library with good access to hardware and software including on-line dose audit software to assist in audit processes. High quality radiation measurement instrumentation is available as well as a good selection of imaging and dosimetric phantoms. We also enjoy a collaborative relationship with radiologists and their registrars allowing fruitful clinical interactions.

A significant part of our role in the hospital is in education with a DIMP TEAP program as well as commitments in radiologist education for the Applied imaging Technology examinations. There is also a strong commitment to radiation safety training for all radiation users. Our team welcomes collaborative research with active collaborations with University of Sydney, Wollongong University, and the Australian National University, as well as hospital wide research work within allied health.

DUTIES

1. Manage and deliver operational medical physics services within the areas of the Canberra Health Services that utilise diagnostic imaging services. These services include, but are not limited to:

• Management and support of acceptance testing, commissioning, ongoing quality assurance of general diagnostic and interventional imaging equipment found in CHS units including but not limited to: Radiology; Cardiology; BreastScreen; Oral Health Program; Radiation Oncology and Pathology.
• Coordination and leadership in teaching programs associated with state-of-the-art radiological imaging and radiation safety.
• Providing advice to senior officers in CHS on subjects associated with imaging equipment and its operation including for example, equipment shielding, procedure risks and quality processes including audit.

1. Manage performance of reporting staff as well as supervise Medical Physics Registrars as required for teaching and training in the ACPSEM Training Education and Assessment Program.
2. Undertake the role of the Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) for the sites that involve aspects of Diagnostic or Interventional Radiology. RPA’s roles include but are not limited to:

• Assist Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for implementation of radiation safety standards in sites using diagnostic radiology.
• Develop and manage Radiation Management Plan for relevant sites.
• Provide advice on Radiation Protection related issues in relevant sites.

1. Planning and directing medical physics resources for research and development of clinical investigation, dosimetry and image quality improvement techniques as well as other clinically relevant methodologies.
2. Utilise and develop hardware and software for clinical analysis, data processing or other requirements related to diagnostic radiology and interventional medical physics.
3. Produce documentation for reference and communication relating to routine and project work, as well as presenting scientific information to staff, patients and the public using audience-appropriate communication styles.

7. Undertaking other duties which contribute to the operation of the section with the delivery of safe and high-quality patient care in line with Work Health and Safety requirements and the organisation’s values: reliable, progressive, respectful and kind.

ABOUT YOU

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, or Questioning (LGBTIQ) are particularly encouraged to apply.

Behavioural Capabilities

To be successful in this position, it is expected that the successful candidate will have the following attributes:

• An inquisitive and adaptive mindset with an aptitude for evident based problem solving;
• Comfortable to work with different professionals with diverse skill sets;
• Develops shared knowledge and understanding that contributes to effective coordination, improved team performance and enhanced service outcomes;
• Prioritises workload appropriately and establishes realistic timeframes for the completion of work and be accountable for my own and the team’s performance and achievement of results.

Position Requirements/Qualifications:

Mandatory

• Be registered, or demonstrated eligibility for registration, on the Qualified Medical Physics Specialists in Diagnostic Radiology Medical Physics register administered by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM).
• Hold a higher degree (M. Sc. or higher) majoring in physics from an accredited university.
• Experience working as a medical physicist in a clinical environment.
• Eligible for, or possess, an ACT radiation licence
• The successful applicant will need to be available for occasional weekend and after-hours work.
• CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates and contingencies.
• Have an understanding of how the National Standards and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Fulfil the responsibilities of this role as detailed in the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, Clinical Governance Framework, Partnering With Consumers Framework and all other related frameworks.

Desirable

• Hold certification from the ACPSEM, or equivalent, in in one or more of the following: Mammography equipment tester, Radiation Safety, Nuclear Medicine Physics.
• Hold a PhD in Medical Physics.
• Hold, or be eligible for, a current Australian driver’s license.
• Have experience in magnetic resonance imaging, preferably in a clinical environment.
• Have experience in laser safety, preferably for medical lasers.

Prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:

• Undergo a pre-employment Police check.

Note: This is a temporary position available for 12 - 60 Months with the possibility of extension and/or permanency.

Applications Close: 12 April 2023

For further information, please visit www.jobs.act.gov.au

Contact Officer - Ben Cooper

T: +612 51245300 

E: ben.cooper@act.gov.au