Radiotherapy Electronics Technologist

Job overview

Do you have a strong practical background in either electronic or electrical engineering? Then you may be the person for this role. We are looking for someone with your skills to join our small team of engineers that service and maintain specialist medical equipment used in the treatment of cancer.

The ideal candidate will have a degree level qualification in either electronics or electrical engineering. A person with a practical approach to problem solving electronic faults is the main qualification we are looking for.

We have 6 modern linear accelerators (LINAC (Linear Accelerator) (radiologyinfo.org), How a Linear Accelerator Works - HD - YouTube) that are used to treat around 3500 cancer patients per year. You do not have to have previous experience with this equipment as full manufacturer training will be provided. You will also be working in a supportive team of specialists to help you learn on the job.

We will be holding a hybrid open evening sometime during the week of 10/2/25. There will be an opportunity to talk to the engineering team about the role and visit the department. For those not able to attend in person you will be able to join via a MS Teams invitation. Please email [email protected] to express your interest in attending the open evening

Main duties of the job

The post holder is a key member of the Radiotherapy Engineering team.  The Radiotherapy Engineering Section provides linac engineering services on behalf of Radiotherapy Physics Service in the Science and Technology Directorate.. The primary role of the team is to provide specialist, patient-focussed support and immediate response for the radiotherapy and radiotherapy physics services.  This takes the form of pre-treatment maintenance, diagnostic testing and decisions about the clinical status of treatment machines on a daily basis.  The team carries out preventative maintenance tasks, calibration of patient critical equipment parameters, safety testing, and prompt fault diagnosis and repair on a wide range of highly complex and patient critical therapeutic and associated ancillary equipment with the aim of maintaining patient treatment targets. The clinical equipment covered incorporates electrical, electronic, mechanical, computer hardware/software and networking, medical gas, high vacuum, laser, high voltage, water-cooling and safety systems.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• 1.    Clinical Technical a.    Provide specialised clinical technical services to the Oncology and Radiotherapy Physics Departments under a service level agreement as a major job requirement.

i.        Start-up Linear Accelerators (advanced radiotherapy treatment machines) and perform daily pre-clinical maintenance to decide upon the clinical status.  Ensuring that they operate safely and remain within recommended tolerances and clinically defined parameters.

ii.       Interpret treatment machine standby & running values, to identify possible deterioration of specific components, predict useful life remaining and be proactive in the acquisition of replacement items prior to machine failure.

iii.       Communicate with treatment radiographers, physicists and clinical staff to gain a clear understanding of any problematic equipment symptoms.  Use initiative and sound judgment to assess the seriousness and implications of any problems, and dictate the clinical status of the equipment accordingly.

iv.       Perform immediate rectification tasks, where possible, to allow the continuation of interrupted patient treatment.  Consult with treatment radiographers, where patient contact is imminent; in order to ensure the privacy and modesty of patients is protected.

v.        Ability to work under pressure, undertake fault-finding on complex electronic systems.  Apply proven fault-finding techniques to diagnose problems promptly. Use all available resources to positively identify defective item, particularly high-cost, non-returnable goods and use judgment to approximate machine downtime.

vi.       Perform scheduled Quality Assurance checks on treatment machines, to ensure the correct operation of primary and secondary electronic, mechanical and software driven safety devices, software limits and calibrated settings.

vii.       Participate in a shift pattern, which provides pre-treatment maintenance on the weekends when patients are undergoing intensive radiotherapy treatment.  Also on-call breakdown cover for evening and weekends, plus weekend on-call breakdown cover for all other emergency radiotherapy patients.

viii.        Responsible for maintaining integrity of protection systems for radiation controlled areas.

ix.       Responsible as an IR(ME)R 2024 operator.

x.        Perform safety related checks and embody performance-enhancing modifications to treatment equipment, in accordance with manufacturers’ directives and instructions.

xi.       Provide support on the maintenance and repair of the complete range of radiotherapy and radiation dosimetry/monitoring equipment.

xii.       Take responsibility for the clinical status of patient treatment machines, following maintenance, and the quality of workmanship carried out.

• b.    In conjunction with Radiotherapy Physicists provide specialist knowledge and assistance in the adjustment of patient critical equipment, to optimise performance and obtain the required clinical parameters. c.     Participate in all general clinical engineering duties as required. d.    Prioritize with clinical staff and senior colleagues breakdown situations. e.    Contact manufacturers to obtain information, provide feedback on equipment related issues and return of parts for assessment. f.      Monitor stocks of components, spares and materials held, re-ordering when necessary to maintain stock levels. g.    Keep relevant scientific, technical, and QA records for all tasks performed. h.    Take responsibility for all tools and equipment within the post holder’s care. Ensure electronic workshop facility is kept clear and well-ordered and that all equipment is maintained and safe to use. Ensure adequate safety devices and signs are in place prior to live working on lethal voltages. i.      Provide technical advice to physicists, clinical scientists, radiographers, other staff groups and departmental colleagues as appropriate. j.      Assist with evaluation, commissioning and safety testing of intricate and complex equipment. k.     Be proactive in locating replacement parts from the most competitive source, whilst maintaining the quality of all items used. l.      Suggest improvements to engineering controlled documentation, used within the department, which must conform to current quality assurance standards. 2.    Managerial a.    Work is manged by senior electronics staff. b.    Participate in shift patterns and on-call rosters to ensure adequate cover for equipment preparation and breakdown. c.     Prioritise and manage own work in accordance with section policies and competing service demands. Propose changes to own working practices and procedures. d.    Participate in regular meetings with the Radiotherapy Engineering Manager and other technical staff in the Section. e.    Keep accurate records of all work performed and complete appropriate records. 3.    Teaching, Training and Research a.    Regularly teach and train other staff (technicians, physicists, radiographers) in the operation and care of Radiotherapy equipment. b.    Train less experienced staff in the full range of techniques and methods used in the Engineering Facility. c.     Supervise Trainees on placement. d.    Assist other groups within department in the development and construction of new and innovative devices to support clinical activity and research. e.    Participate in the evaluation of medical equipment. 4.    Professional a.    Keep abreast of technical developments by enrolling in an appropriate Continuing Professional development programmes. b.    Attend suitable seminars and courses as part of personal development and to further the work of the Department. c.     Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and meet regulatory requirements, professional standards and acceptable guidelines. 5.    Miscellaneous a.    Other appropriate duties, as required, for which the post holder has adequate training.