Medical Physicist, Nuclear Medicine at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Purpose

• The Medical Physicist, Nuclear Medicine will be responsible for ensuring the safe, accurate, and effective use of radioactive materials and nuclear imaging technologies for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The role holder will optimise nuclear medicine protocols, oversee radiation protection, and provide expert support to clinicians in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Protocol Development and Optimisation

• Design, develop, and optimize nuclear medicine protocols for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures, ensuring that all protocols adhere to international standards (IAEA, WHO) and safety regulations.
• Continuously assess and improve existing protocols, based on the latest scientific evidence and technological advancements, to enhance patient care and clinical outcomes.

Radiation Safety and Dosimetry

• Oversee and implement radiation protection programs to minimize radiation exposure to patients, healthcare workers, and the public, in accordance with national and international safety standards.
• Perform dosimetry calculations and measurements to ensure that prescribed radiation doses are delivered accurately and safely to the patient during nuclear medicine procedures.
• Implement and monitor radiation safety practices, including the calibration of equipment, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices.

Quality Assurance and Equipment Calibration

• Conduct regular quality assurance (QA) and calibration of nuclear medicine equipment (e.g., PET/CT, SPECT scanners) to ensure optimal performance, accuracy, and consistency in imaging and therapeutic procedures.
• Troubleshoot and repair nuclear medicine equipment to prevent downtime and maintain high standards of clinical practice.
• Lead periodic radiation safety audits and inspections to verify the proper functioning of equipment, ensuring compliance with quality control measures and safety protocols.

Radiopharmaceutical Management and Safety

• Oversee the safe handling, storage, and administration of radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring that doses are appropriately calculated based on patient-specific factors, and monitoring patient responses.
• Advise on the safe and efficient use of radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and minimizing radiation exposure to healthcare workers during preparation and administration.

Imaging Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze nuclear medicine imaging data (e.g., PET, SPECT, scintigraphy) to assess quality, accuracy, and diagnostic value, and provide detailed feedback to the medical team on image quality and any necessary adjustments.
• Assist radiologists and clinicians in interpreting nuclear medicine images, ensuring the proper integration of imaging results into treatment planning, particularly for oncology patients

Clinical Trial Support and Research

• Participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical research studies, focusing on new imaging technologies, radiopharmaceuticals, and treatment techniques.
• Contribute to the development of evidence-based practices for nuclear medicine applications in oncology, collaborating with research teams to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.
• Staff Training and Education on Physics Principles
• Provide education and training to healthcare staff (nuclear medicine technologists, radiologists, clinicians) on radiation safety, dosimetry, imaging technology, and the underlying principles of nuclear medicine physics.
• Ensure that staff are up to date on the latest techniques, equipment, and safety protocols, fostering a culture of continuous learning and compliance with regulatory standards.

Radiation Monitoring and Compliance

• Perform regular radiation monitoring, including area surveys and personnel dosimetry, to ensure that radiation exposure levels remain within acceptable limits.
• Implement corrective actions as needed when deviations from safety standards are identified and prepare detailed reports for regulatory agencies and internal reviews.

Treatment Planning Support

• Collaborate with oncologists and other clinical specialists to integrate nuclear medicine physics into personalized treatment planning for cancer patients, using advanced imaging techniques to guide therapy.
• Utilize advanced nuclear medicine technologies (e.g., radioimmunotherapy, radiolabeled therapies) to enhance precision medicine and treatment targeting in oncology.
• Equipment Maintenance and Technological Advancements
• Monitor emerging technologies and new developments in the field of nuclear medicine physics, such as advancements in imaging systems or therapeutic applications, and evaluate their potential for clinical adoption.
• Oversee the proper maintenance and calibration of all nuclear medicine equipment to ensure functionality and compliance with medical and safety standards.

Data Management and Record Keeping

• Oversee the accurate management of nuclear medicine data, including patient imaging and dosimetry records, in compliance with legal, regulatory, and institutional data protection standards.
• Maintain up-to-date and thorough documentation related to nuclear medicine procedures, ensuring all records meet quality assurance and accreditation standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience as a Medical Physicist in a nuclear medicine department.
• Hands-on experience with acceptance testing, commissioning, and QC of SPECT/CT and PET/CT systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in radiation safety and internal dosimetry calculations.
• Experience in research, protocol development, and staff mentoring.
• Master’s or PhD in Medical Physics, specializing in Nuclear Medicine or a closely related field.
• Certification in Medical Physics from a recognized national or international board is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of nuclear medicine imaging (SPECT, PET), internal dosimetry, and radiation protection.
• Proven experience in implementing QA/QC programs and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Strong commitment to patient safety and clinical excellence. |