Last updated:
October 2015

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post title: / Research Ultrasonographer
Academic Unit/Service: / MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Human Development and Health
Faculty: / Medicine
Career Pathway: / Technical and Experimental (TAE) / Level: / 4
*ERE category: / N/A
Posts responsible to: / Superintendent Ultrasonographer
Posts responsible for:
Post base: / Part-clinical, part office-based
Job purpose
To perform clinical obstetric, gynaecological and genetic screening ultrasound scans within NHS, NICE, ISUOG, BMUS, FASP, FMF and established National standards.
To perform research scans on pregnant women for the purpose of collecting and analysing data on international and domestic epidemiological studies. The studies currently being undertaken are SPRING, NiPPeR and PREPARE. Research scans in these disciplines are to a very high standard, using protocols developed in house and techniques that have been internationally validated.
To perform DXA scans, if the post-holder possesses a recognised qualification in the use of ionising radiation.
To aid delivery of research findings in accordance with the specified research project, under the supervision of the Superintendent Ultrasonographer and Project Director.
To be responsible for maintaining their own professional clinical standards.
To work as part of a team to ensure delivery of a high class service to NHS patients and study participants, collecting quality data for the ongoing studies.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities / % Time /
1.  / To ensure the highest standard of ultrasound scanning and data collection for research projects. Maintain the Gold standards set by NHS, NICE, ISUOG, BMUS, FMF and FASP for obstetric and vascular scanning.
To act as an expert practitioner demonstrating and disseminating advanced practice and knowledge in highly complex obstetric ultrasound examinations.
To independently undertake a range of highly skilled and specialised clinical and research ultrasound examinations.
Be accountable for own professional actions and reports that can directly and immediately affect patient care.
Ensure reports are produced after scans and distributed to the correct destination.
Ensure that any clinical finding is acted upon through the correct channels. The health and well-being of the study participants is the primary concern. / 75 %
2.  / Ensure safe back-up and storage of collected data and analyses. Ensuring electronic reports and image archiving is performed using CRIS, Viewpoint and PACS systems. / 5 %
3.  / Assist, plan and carry out any day to day activities to ensure the smooth running of the SWS Ultrasound Unit. Liaison with other members of the research team including nurses, research scientists, administrative staff and other professionals, is essential. Collaboration with the Superintendent Ultrasonographer to facilitate ongoing studies, proposed new studies, teaching responsibilities, data collection and analysis, new methodologies, equipment issues, purchases and maintenance. Attendance at a regular meeting with the Superintendent Ultrasonographer and scan unit team is required. In addition, attendance at the NHS Ultrasound Department staff meetings is encouraged. / 5 %
4.  / Attend project meetings and proposed project meetings when required. Carry out management and administrative tasks associated with specified research funding, including risk assessment of project activities, organisation of project meetings and documentation and preparation of reports. To oversee and implement procedures required to ensure accurate and timely formal reporting and financial control. / 5 %
5.  / Assist in planning of new research methods and scan techniques for proposed projects. / 5 %
6.  / Attendance at mandatory NHS and university seminars, study days and ongoing professional development opportunities is expected. Attendance at conferences and study days is encouraged. In addition, Good Clinical Practise (GCP) sessions, data protection training, taking of informed consent, chid protection, cardiac resuscitation and other relevant skills’ training, are mandatory for research post-holders when undertaking clinical trials. Assessment of peer reviewed articles to ensure standards and new techniques are disseminated to the other members of the scan unit, is essential. / 2 %
7. / Carry out occasional student supervision, demonstrating or lecturing duties within own area of expertise, providing expert advice in own subject area to other staff and students. / 1 %
8. / Presenting results at conferences, or exhibiting work at other appropriate events. / 1 %
9. / Any other duties as allocated by the Superintendent Ultrasonographer, following consultation with the post holder. / 1 %
Internal and external relationships /
Responsibility to Superintendent Ultrasonographer.
Responsibility to deliver clinical reports to the referral source in a timely manner.
Responsibility for delivering scan reports to the study participants.
Responsibility to report and facilitate treatment when finding clinical anomalies to the Fetal Medicine Department, Day Assessment Unit or Early Pregnancy Unit.
Responsibility for reporting and liaison to internal project directors and managers.
Liaising with research staff, doctors, nurses, administrative staff and other professionals.
Rigorous ethical and data protection procedures must be adhered to.
Liaising with equipment suppliers.
Collaborators and colleagues in other work areas and institutions.
Special Requirements /
To be able to commence work at 8.30am to accommodate early scans on fasted study participants.
To be capable of team and individual work.
To have expertise in the field of obstetric scanning pertinent to the research arena.
To attend conferences for the purpose of disseminating research results.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Criteria / Essential / Desirable / How to be assessed
Qualifications, knowledge and experience / Degree in Radiography or Midwifery, or Diploma in Radiography (DCR) (or equivalent).
DMU or PgD in Medical Ultrasound, or PgC in Obstetric Ultrasound.
NMC or HCPC Registered.
Accredited with FMF for genetic screening scans.
Substantial experience within obstetric ultrasound.
Understanding of how the specialist technical services provided by the post holder support the objectives of the University.
Ability to make effective use of standard and specialist computer systems. / Masters in Medical Ultrasound.
Knowledge and expertise of paediatric, vascular or gynaecologic imaging.
Recognised qualification in the use of ionising radiation, as there may be opportunity to perform DXA scans as part of the ongoing studies.
Ability to teach or demonstrate at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level. / Application form, CV, certificates and interview
Planning and organising / Able to progress a broad range of activities within professional guidelines and in support of University policy.
Proven ability to organise a range of high quality research activities to deadline and quality standards.
Personal time-management abilities. / Able to contribute to new areas of research within the study parameters. / CV and interview
Problem solving and initiative / Ability to apply specialist technical knowledge to analyse complex problems and recommend solutions/plans of action.
The ability to recognise quality issues with imaging, equipment and data collection. / Understanding of quality control procedures. / Interview
Management and teamwork / Able to proactively work with colleagues in other work areas to achieve outcomes.
Able to delegate effectively, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of team members to build effective teamwork.
Able to monitor and manage resources. / Interview and references
Communicating and influencing / Able to provide accurate and timely specialist guidance on complex issues.
Able to use influencing and negotiating skills to develop understanding and gain co-operation.
Able to provide clear specialist guidance on complex issues. / Presentation, CV and interview.
Other skills and behaviours / Empathetic professional when dealing with patients and vulnerable individuals.
Positive attitude to colleagues and students.
Willingness to undertake Health and Safety and other training specific to role. / Interview
Special requirements / Occasional travel for work purposes may be required, such as for training within a collaborating department or attending conferences and study days.
DBS and occupational health check prior to the issuing of an Honorary NHS contract. This allows the post-holder to perform scans on study participants recruited to the projects via NHS pathways. / An understanding of epidemiology, research practice or clinical trials. / Interview

JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

Is this an office-based post?

☐ Yes / If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU), no further information needs to be supplied. Do not complete the section below.
a No / If this post is not office-based or has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the analysis below.
Hiring managers are asked to complete this section as accurately as possible to ensure the safety of the post-holder.

## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position. Please note, if full health clearance is required for a role, this will apply to all individuals, including existing members of staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES / Occasionally
(<30% of time) / Frequently
(30-60% of time) / Constantly
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids / a
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes, biohazards). Specify below: / a
Frequent hand washing / a
Ionising radiation / a
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling / a
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping / a
Repetitive pulling/pushing / a
Repetitive lifting / a
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting) / a
Gross motor grips / a
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height / a
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public / a
Lone working / a
## Shift work/night work/on call duties

·  The post holder will be expected to use state of the art ultrasound equipment. The use of this equipment requires fine and gross motor grips constantly whilst the scan is being undertaken. This sometimes involves holding the transducer at arms’ length and sometimes above shoulder height. Mandatory safe handling sessions are available to everyone to reduce the risk of injury due to this activity.

·  The post-holder will have to bend to reach consumables, scan photos from a low printer and carry boxes occasionally. Mandatory safe handling sessions are available to everyone to reduce the risk of injury due to this activity.

·  Ultrasound equipment is mobile, but can be heavy. Repositioning of the machine between each examination, or occasionally moving the equipment to another room, can result in the operator having to push or pull the machine. Mandatory safe handling sessions are available to everyone to reduce the risk of injury due to this activity.

·  When performing trans-vaginal scans, the operator can occasionally come into contact with vaginal blood, urine and faeces. All precautions will be taken to minimise any contamination of the operator and equipment.

·  Cleaning fluids used to sterilise the transducer are used after each trans-vaginal scan. These can be hazardous if there is prolonged contact with the skin, or fumes inhaled. All precautions are taken to minimise the contact with these chemicals.

·  Occasionally, there will be periods when the operator is working alone with members of the public. Safety procedures have been devised for this eventuality.

·  Hand-washing between patients is essential. Correct equipment and consumables are in place to reduce the risk of skin break-down for the operator in all scan rooms. Mandatory training is also available for each operator on a regular basis for infection prevention practises.

·  Some of the studies undertaken involve the use of ionising radiation (DXA bone density scans) and dependant on the qualification and skills of the post-holder, there will be the opportunity for that person to undertake the scans themselves. All radiation protection policies are in place and the post-holder will be aware of these if they have the correct training.

TAE – Research Ultrasonographer