Research Radiographer - MRI

• Division: Medical Sciences Division
• Department: Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN)
• Location: Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB) / Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA)
• Grade and salary: Grade 7:
• Hours: Full time
• Contract type: Fixed-term (20 months) with the possibility to extend depending on service needs
• Reporting to: Mr Jon Campbell, Team Lead MRI Research Radiographer

The role

The Research MRI Radiographer is a dynamic and central member of the multidisciplinary team at the Oxford Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (OxCIN), supporting world-leading neuroscience research through the safe and effective scanning of healthy participants, patient participants and a small number of patients undergoing clinical scans.

This post is ideally suited to a newly qualified radiographer with an interest in MRI who is keen to develop specialist expertise within a research environment. We welcome applications from radiographers with a range of MRI experience, including those whose experience has been gained during undergraduate clinical placements. Comprehensive training and ongoing support will be provided to enable the successful candidate to develop their MRI skills and expertise. We are looking for someone who is curious, motivated and keen to build a specialist career in MRI, with enthusiasm for learning and contributing to world-leading neuroscience research.

Working as part of a collaborative team of five radiographers, you will support research across OxCIN’s two sites - the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA) and the Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB). The role involves operating both 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla MRI systems, with specific training provided where required. As scanner demand varies across the two sites, the role requires flexibility, excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.

The primary responsibilities of the role include conducting research MRI scans, undertaking MRI safety screening, ensuring participant comfort and wellbeing, and accurately implementing research imaging protocols. As their experience develops, the successful candidate will also contribute to project set-up, scanner protocol design, technical development, safety training and the broader operational goals of the research centre. The role also offers opportunities to contribute to OxCIN’s and the wider University’s public engagement, outreach, equality, diversity and inclusion activities.

The Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences is committed to supporting the professional development of research staff. This commitment is endorsed through the University of Oxford Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and includes a minimum of 10 days of professional development each year.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop a specialist career in MRI within one of the world’s leading neuroimaging research centres, working with cutting-edge MRI technology while contributing directly to internationally recognised neuroscience research.

Please note that you will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post, using examples from your skills and experience. This may include experience gained through employment, education, or career breaks (such as time taken to care for dependants). This post is with the University of Oxford; however, if you have previously worked for the NHS, you may retain the right to remain in the NHS Pension Scheme.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, professional and welcoming MRI scanning environment for participants, researchers and clinical collaborators.
• Undertake MRI safety screening and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants throughout their visit.
• Perform research MRI scans using established imaging protocols.
• Support researchers in preparing scanning sessions, including the use of basic stimulus-presentation equipment and the retrieval of imaging data.
• Review acquired images for quality and artefacts, undertaking routine quality assurance (QA) procedures where required.
• Contribute to project set-up, scanner quality assurance and other operational activities within the centre.
• Undertake first-line troubleshooting of scanner or equipment issues and escalate them where appropriate.
• Provide small-group MRI safety and emergency evacuation training for OxCIN users, including maintaining the associated training records.
• Undertake stock control and order supplies for scanning sessions and research projects.
• Undertake other duties in the department from time to time as determined commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of this post, and any other reasonable request.

Selection criteria

Essential selection criteria

• Degree in Diagnostic Radiography, or an equivalent qualification, and current HCPC registration.
• A genuine interest in MRI, with enthusiasm for developing specialist knowledge and skills in MRI.
• An interest in supporting clinical neuroscience research and working within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in challenging or unexpected situations, and provide safe, compassionate care to research participants and patients.
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively and communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team, while working independently and using initiative appropriately when required.
• Good technical aptitude, with the ability to understand and apply new concepts, technologies and imaging techniques.
• Ability to organise and manage workload effectively, identify and anticipate problems, and develop appropriate solutions.
• Excellent attention to detail, with strong computer literacy and a commitment to safety, accuracy, high-quality practice and continuing professional development.

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience of MRI gained through employment or undergraduate clinical placements.
• Employment or placement experience within a research, academic or university environment.
• Membership of, or willingness to become actively involved with, a relevant professional body, such as the Society of Radiographers or ISMRM/ISMRT.

Pre-employment screening

Standard checks

If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. If you have previously worked for the University we will also verify key information such as your dates of employment and reason for leaving your previous role with the department/unit where you worked. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments.

Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks  

Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties

This job includes hazards or safety-critical activities.  If you are offered the post, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire which will be assessed by our Occupational Health Service, and the offer of employment will be subject a successful outcome of this assessment.

The hazards or safety-critical duties involved are as follows:

• Regular manual handling
• Work in clinical areas with direct contact with patients (NOT administrative roles)

Additional security pre-employment checks

This job includes duties that will require additional security pre-employment checks:

• A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check due to regulated activity involving children and regulated activity involving ‘at risk’ adults.

About the University of Oxford

Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts.

We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.

While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and we rank first in the UK for university spin-outs, and in recent years we have spun out 15-20 new companies every year. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise.

Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. 

For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation.

How to apply

Applications are made through our online recruitment portal. Information about how to apply is available on our Jobs website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply.

Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description.

As part of your application you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. 

You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants)

Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename.

All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online advertisement.

If you currently work for the University please note that:

• as part of the referencing process, we will contact your current department to confirm basic employment details including reason for leaving
• although employees may hold multiple part-time posts, they may not hold more than the equivalent of a full time post.  If you are offered this post, and accepting it would take you over the equivalent of full-time hours, you will be expected to resign from, or reduce hours in, your other posts(s) before starting work in the new post.

If you need help

Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting advice is available at: https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs.

Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly: [email protected].

To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk.

Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email.

Important information for candidates

Data Privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy.

The University’s policy on retirement

The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82of 30 September before the 70^th birthday. The justification for this is explained at: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra.

For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra.

There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time.

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.