Principal Clinical Scientist – Radiotherapy with certificate of sponsorship to the UK

Visa Information

University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust is pleased to offer a Certificate of Sponsorship for this position to eligible international candidates. This means we can support your visa application to work in the UK. However, all applicants must confirm their visa eligibility with our HR department before applying, as sponsorship is subject to meeting UKVI requirements and Trust policies.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and highly motivated Principal Clinical Scientist to join our dynamic Radiotherapy team at University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to lead scientific excellence in cancer services while advancing your career in one of the UK’s largest and most modern NHS trusts.

About the Role

The Radiotherapy Department has recently completed major equipment upgrades, including the installation of a second Halcyon linac in 2022 and IT infrastructure replacement in May 2024. We are planning further expansion with a new Bravos treatment unit for brachytherapy services in January 2026, and surface guided radiotherapy installations on all four linacs in partnership with local charities.

Key Responsibilities

You will take the scientific lead for Quality Assurance within the Radiotherapy Physics Department, ensuring compliance with Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R17) and Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017. You will serve as a Medical Physics Expert to Oncology services and lead equipment commissioning during clinical implementation of new treatment techniques.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• MSc in relevant field
• HCPC registration
• RPA2000 MPE qualification

Desirable Qualifications

• PhD
• HSST (Higher Specialist Scientific Training)
• HSSR (Higher Specialist Scientific Registration)

Essential Experience

• Project management
• Equipment commissioning
• Team leadership
• Expert knowledge of radiotherapy equipment
• Training experience

About UHNM

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust serves around three million people across two sites: Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford. We are highly regarded for our facilities, teaching, and research, and serve as the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales.

Our Commitment to Staff

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer with a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. We provide equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent, supported by a wide range of development packages to help everyone fulfil their true potential.

Benefits of Working in the UK

As an international clinical scientist joining our team, you’ll have access to the UK’s National Health Service, one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems. The UK offers excellent career progression opportunities, competitive salaries, and a high standard of living. Stoke-on-Trent provides an affordable cost of living while offering good transport links to major cities like Manchester and Birmingham.

Relocation Support

While we provide visa sponsorship, we can also offer guidance on the relocation process and information about local housing, schools, and community support services. Many of our international staff report excellent experiences settling into the local community and building new professional networks.

Professional Development

We are committed to investing in our staff’s professional development. You’ll have access to ongoing training opportunities, conferences, and research collaborations. Our trust actively supports continuing professional development and encourages participation in national scientific networks and professional bodies.

Working Environment

The Radiotherapy Physics Department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a collaborative, supportive team culture. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals in a purpose-built facility that supports both clinical excellence and research activities.

Salary and Benefits

This position is offered at Band 8b on the Agenda for Change pay scale, with a salary of £64,455 to £74,896 per annum, pro-rata for part-time hours. The role includes NHS benefits such as the NHS Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, and access to the NHS staff discount scheme.

Location and Lifestyle

Based at the Royal Stoke Hospital Cancer Centre, this position offers excellent transport links and is close to the beautiful Staffordshire countryside. Stoke-on-Trent provides an affordable alternative to major cities while offering good amenities, cultural attractions, and excellent schools for those with families.

Application Process

All applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website. The closing date for applications is 31 March 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, which may be conducted remotely for international candidates initially, followed by an in-person visit if appropriate.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and reference job number 205-7540300-A. Your application should demonstrate how you meet the person specification criteria, particularly highlighting your qualifications, registration status, and relevant experience in radiotherapy physics.

International Applicant Checklist

• Verify your eligibility for UK visa sponsorship with our HR department before applying
• Ensure your professional qualifications (HCPC registration) are current
• Prepare to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK or require sponsorship
• Gather documentation for pre-employment checks including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)
• Contact Dr Craig Edwards with any specific questions about the role or department

Contact Information

For questions about the clinical aspects of this role, please contact Dr Craig Edwards, Head of Radiotherapy Physics, at craig.edwards@uhnm.nhs.uk or 01782672536. For questions about the application process or sponsorship eligibility, please contact the UHNM Recruitment team via the NHS Jobs website.

Equal Opportunities

University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in scientific professions.

Privacy Notice

For information about how we handle your personal data during the recruitment process, please refer to the University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust’s privacy notice available at https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk/privacy-notice/.

Further Information

For more information about our trust, please visit https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer and hold the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold award, demonstrating our commitment to supporting all staff including those with disabilities and Armed Forces veterans.