Job Description and Person Specification

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Job Description and Person
Specification
Last updated:
October 2015
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Research Ultrasonographer
Academic Unit/Service:
MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, Human Development & Health
Faculty:
Medicine
Career Pathway:
Technical and Experimental (TAE)
*ERE category:
N/A
Posts responsible to:
Superintendent Ultrasonographer
Level:
4
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
1.
% Time
To ensure the highest standard of ultrasound scanning and data collection for research 75 %
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.
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 5 %
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.
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.
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.
7.
Carry out occasional student supervision, demonstrating or lecturing duties within own 1 %
area of expertise, providing expert advice in own subject area to other staff and
students.
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%
5%
2%
TAE – Research Ultrasonographer
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
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.
TAE – Research Ultrasonographer
PERSON SPECIFICATION
How to be
assessed
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications,
knowledge and
experience
Degree in Radiography or Midwifery,
or Diploma in Radiography (DCR) (or
equivalent).
Masters in Medical Ultrasound.
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.
Knowledge and expertise of
paediatric, vascular or gynaecologic
imaging.
Application
form, CV,
certificates
and interview
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.
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.
Planning and
organising
Able to progress a broad range of
activities within professional
guidelines and in support of
University policy.
Able to contribute to new areas of
research within the study
parameters.
CV and
interview
Understanding of quality control
procedures.
Interview
Proven ability to organise a range of
high quality research activities to
deadline and quality standards.
Personal time-management abilities.
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.
Management
and teamwork
Able to proactively work with
colleagues in other work areas to
achieve outcomes.
Interview and
references
Able to delegate effectively,
understanding the strengths and
weaknesses of team members to
build effective teamwork.
Able to monitor and manage
TAE – Research Ultrasonographer
resources.
Communicating
and influencing
Able to provide accurate and timely
specialist guidance on complex
issues.
Presentation,
CV and
interview.
Able to use influencing and
negotiating skills to develop
understanding and gain cooperation.
Able to provide clear specialist
guidance on complex issues.
Other skills and
behaviours
Interview
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.
Special
requirements
Occasional travel for work purposes An understanding of epidemiology,
may be required, such as for training research practice or clinical trials.
within a collaborating department or
attending conferences and study
days.
Interview
DBS and occupational health check
prior to the issuing of an Honorary
NHS contract. This allows the postholder to perform scans on study
participants recruited to the projects
via NHS pathways.
TAE – Research Ultrasonographer
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.
 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
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)

## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:


Frequent hand washing

Ionising radiation
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



Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting

Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
Gross motor grips


Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
TAE – Research Ultrasonographer

Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES

Face to face contact with public
Lone working

## 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.
TAE – Research Ultrasonographer

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 postholder will be aware of these if they have the correct training.
TAE – Research Ultrasonographer
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