Diagnostic Imaging Advisor - Medical Physicist

The MSF Diagnostic Imaging Working Group (DIWG), part of the Diagnostic Network, standardizes and supports the selection, implementation, and quality control of diagnostic imaging tools across MSF projects. It plays a key role in ensuring that imaging services, such as X-ray and ultrasound, are safely and effectively used in patient care, while also offering radiation safety guidance and field support such as trainings. It serves to support all MSF operational centres.

A central focus for MSF is the quality and safety of X-ray services, which are essential for delivering high-quality care in all hospitals. The DIWG plays a key role by conducting quality control of X-ray images, offering advice on radiation safety, and supporting projects to ensure X-ray systems are used safely and appropriately for patient care.

The DIWG has developed a number of norms, guidance, and documentation to improve the safety, quality, and proper use of X-ray services in MSF, including radiation safety measures. However, significant work remains to enhance safety and quality in medical imaging across MSF projects. This includes mapping access to X-ray services, developing quality control strategies, decision-making tools to better support operations, , detailed learning strategies, and training materials.

The Medical Physicist advisor is part of the Diagnostic Imaging Working Group (MSF International). S(H)e works hierarchically under the Leader of the MSF intersectional “Diagnostic Network”. While in the field s/he is accountable to the Medical Coordinator.

The Medical Physicist advisor supports the translation of the DIWG mandate and annual plan objectives into actionable steps to improve access, safety, and quality of medical imaging in MSF settings. The main objective is to enhance the safety and quality of medical imaging in MSF projects using context-specific adapted tools.

This includes:

• Support the implementation of the DIWG mandate and annual plan objectives in the field of X-ray equipment, quality of services and radiation safety.

• Develop and support the implementation of radiation safety policies and procedures to ensure the safe and effective clinical use of medical imaging in MSF projects.

• Participate in the development and pilots of X-ray services assessment tools, quality assurance and quality control processes for X-ray equipment.

• Participate in the development and pilots of X-ray services mapping tools in line with the diagnostic packages.

• Participate in the development of associated training strategy and resources.

• Develop and pilot a quality control strategy to monitor and improve X-ray service quality and ensure consistent high standards for X-ray services, e.g. using X-ray dosimeters and phantoms.

• Develop and pilot a guideline and protocol for X-ray staff personal dosimetry.

• Provide expert advice for current and new X-ray facilities in the field of radiation safety and quality control.

• Experience with plain X-ray and fluoroscopic X-ray equipment quality assurance & control, procurement processes, radiation safety, compliance, risk management.

• Experience with departmental, personal and patient radiation safety dosimetry

• Experience in drafting, implementing, monitoring, reporting radiation safety policies, protocols and procedures.

• Develop a new template for the X-ray SharePoint page and build a structured document library.

• MSc Degree in Physics or Biomedical Engineering, with 4-year post-academic specialization as Medical Physics Expert, including Radiation Protection Expert certification

• 3+ years experience in a similar (inter)national position in the humanitarian/public/private sector

• MSF or humanitarian experience desired

• Level of planning: strategic, priority setting for self or other

• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Language proficiency: English, French desirable

• IT literacy: MS office (intermediate / advanced excel skills), PCXMC (or similar software for dose simulations), PACS and DICOM imaging software

• Flexible to travel if required