Verified Skilled Worker sponsor

Principal Physicist in Radiation Protection

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Southampton, SO16 6YD £57,528 – £64,750 a year Permanent Posted 28 August 2026 Apply by 13 September 2026

Home Office register entry: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton

Visa sponsorship

This role is listed by an employer that holds a live Home Office sponsor licence on the Skilled Worker route.

Closest occupation match: SOC 2114, Physical scientists. Pay for this occupation is set by national pay scales (NHS bands), so no single Home Office going rate applies.

This occupation falls under the Health and Care Worker route. Public reference figures for that route: the general salary minimum is £25,000 a year, and salaries set by national pay scales (NHS bands) at or above the relevant band rate typically meet the occupation's requirement. Individual eligibility depends on personal circumstances. These figures are public reference information, not advice or a verdict on this job.

Role description

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as Principal Clinical Scientist in Radiation Protection. We are looking for a enthusiastic diagnostic radiology Medical Physics Expert (MPE), or someone who will be able to submit a portfolio soon (appointment initially at a lower banding with progression on certification will be considered). The role is focussed on the MPE role but minor engagement in other work of the group, including ionising and non-ionising radiation protection and radioactive materials management can be expected.

The role will be instrumental in optimisation of new X-ray equipment recently installed under the Trust's managed equipment service. This is an opportunity to make an lasting impact on patient radiation doses and set standards for image quality.

The post sits within a team of 13 scientists, technologists, support staff and trainees. It reports to Head of Radiation Protection and will include limited line management responsibility. We work closely as a team so excellent interpersonal skills are a must. The post is based primarily at Southampton General Hospital with travel to other centres. Flexible working will be considered where this aligns with the needs of the group.

About us

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Date posted

28 August 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,528 to £64,750 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

188-SCL070826

Job locations

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

The successful candidate will be appointed as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) to UHS and to other organisations, including NHS Trusts and independent healthcare providers in the Hampshire area and Channel Islands.

In this role, your key responsibilities will include:

Organise and carry out audits of medical radiation use and performance testing of X-ray equipment with the Trust and for client organisations to an annual schedule or as required by the service.
Carry out quality control testing of all types of medical radiological and ultrasound imaging equipment. This post does not support MRI or radionuclide imaging.
Work with clinical colleagues to optimise complex radiographic imaging processes using knowledge of equipment performance and clinical imaging requirements
Support other work of the Radiation Protection team as required by the demands of the organisation.

We are looking for a candidate who has

HCPC registration.
An MSc in a relevant subject, and a PhD is desirable.
Experience of working with a range of diagnostic X-ray equipment
Ability to work well with a team to solve problems
Ability to present complex data to varied audiences

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

Good (1st or 2nd class) Honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent
HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist
Relevant MSc or equivalent
Experience of operating x-ray and laser equipment
Logical thinker with ability to set objectives
Ability to use initiative to resolve problems
Ability to relate to and communicate with a broad range of professional disciplines
Ability to work as a member of a team and as an individual
Ability to present highly complex data to large and varied audiences

Desirable

PhD in a Physics related subject
Experience of working with quality management systems
Presentation of scientific papers at professional meetings
Publication of scientific papers or other reports

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name