Chief Clinical Physiologist - Respiratory

Role overview

An opening is available for an enthusiastic and driven Chief Clinical Physiologist to join the respiratory physiology team at the Willesden Community Diagnostic Centre. The service is IQIPS accredited and delivers diagnostic tests across a range of patient groups, including NHS England commissioned pathways for breathlessness and paediatric asthma.

The position is mainly based at the Community Diagnostic Centre, with rotation across acute-site clinical departments to build on or maintain capability in CPET, oxygen assessment, and sleep study analysis/CPAP.

What you will do

You will take responsibility for the daily operational running of the CDC respiratory service, including direct line management of junior staff. A key part of the role is contributing to the teaching and development of student physiologists and other clinical colleagues.

The post sits within a multidisciplinary team made up of the Head of Respiratory Physiology, Consultant Respiratory Physicians, physiologists, nursing staff, and administrators.

As part of the Trust’s UKAS-accredited quality framework, the role involves a strong focus on quality improvement and regular service audits.

Experience and professional support

The successful applicant should have a BSc in a healthcare science-related subject and substantial experience working as a Senior Respiratory Physiologist. If you are not already registered as a Clinical Scientist, support will be provided to pursue HCPC registration through the STP equivalence route.

Operational responsibilities

• Oversee the diagnostic lung function laboratory on a daily basis and help organise service delivery.
• Work with the other chief physiologists and the Head of Respiratory Physiology to make sure patient care, service flow, and waiting times are managed effectively within staffing, resource, and competency limits.
• Plan work so that demand and capacity targets are consistently achieved.
• Track and manage equipment, supplies, and other resources.
• Organise the service timetable to support rapid access and smooth patient pathways.
• With the other chief physiologists and the Head of Respiratory Physiology, support and carry out a staff appraisal process that reflects both service needs and individual development.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partner organisations, and patients.
• Delegate duties appropriately to ensure the diagnostic lung function service runs efficiently.
• Provide day-to-day supervision for staff.
• Take part in the cross-site rota.
• Continue with additional duties as outlined in the job description.

Additional information

Imperial College Healthcare offers the chance to work with leading clinicians in a high-performing environment focused on patient care. The Trust promotes values of being expert, kind, collaborative, and aspirational, and offers career development, flexible working, wellbeing support, and staff recognition initiatives.

Optional benefits may include Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loans, and membership options for onsite leisure facilities.

The organisation supports equal opportunities and is open to flexible working, part-time arrangements, and job shares, with discussion encouraged at interview.

Environmental sustainability

The Trust recognises climate change and poor air quality as major health issues and is working towards Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Employees are expected to contribute to sustainability efforts through the active green network and by helping deliver efficient, environmentally responsible services.

Contact for informal enquiries

Name: Hannah Tighe
Job title: Head of Respiratory Physiology
Email: Hannah.tighe@nhs.net
Telephone: 020 3313 2352