Visa and Sponsorship Information
HCA Healthcare UK welcomes applications from international candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK. This position comes with a certificate of sponsorship, making it an excellent opportunity for qualified medical physicists seeking to relocate to the UK. However, applicants are strongly advised to verify their eligibility with the employer before applying, as sponsorship is subject to UK visa requirements and regulations.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Applicants must have current UK professional registration to be considered for this position.
Job Details
Job Title: Principal Physicist – MR-Linac Planning
Company: HCA Healthcare UK
Location: The Harley Street Clinic, London (and across the hospital group)
Salary: Competitive + a range of flexible benefits
Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Employment Type: Permanent
Language: English
Application Deadline: 25 January 2026
Reference Number: E0115-0048880
Employer Website: https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/
Contact: Gregory Smyth (Head of Radiotherapy Physics), Email: gregory.smyth@hcahealthcare.co.uk
Job Summary
This is a fantastic opportunity to join HCA Healthcare’s new MR-Linac service as the Principal Physicist (MR-Linac Planning). An Elekta Unity MR-Linac has been installed and is due to go live in Q2 2026, offering you the chance to be at the forefront of radiotherapy technology in the UK healthcare sector.
The Principal Physicist (MR-Linac Planning) will serve as the Medical Physics Expert responsible for developing and overseeing the online adaptive treatment planning process on the Elekta Unity MR-Linac. This role requires a high level of expertise in medical physics and radiotherapy planning.
As a member of HCA Healthcare UK, you will work with a dedicated multidisciplinary team to provide cutting-edge adaptive radiotherapy services to patients. This position represents a significant career opportunity for experienced medical physicists looking to advance their professional development in a leading healthcare organization.
Job Responsibilities
Key duties and responsibilities include:
- Management of all technical aspects of medical physics and planning activities as they pertain to the MR Linac
- Responsibility for the core planning activities within the MRL team
- Implementation of service developments across MR Linac
- Supporting appropriate courses of action in highly complex situations that may impact service delivery
- Providing effective clinical leadership for staff working in the MRL service
The successful candidate will play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining the highest standards of patient care while ensuring the safe and effective use of advanced radiotherapy technology. This position requires both technical expertise and strong leadership abilities to guide the MR-Linac service to excellence.
You will be expected to maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in radiotherapy physics and treatment planning, ensuring that the MR-Linac service remains at the forefront of clinical practice and technological advancement.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- HCPC registration
- Masters degree in relevant scientific, technical, or healthcare related discipline
Essential Experience
- Ability to act as a Medical Physics Expert for Radiotherapy as defined in IR(ME)R 2017
- Advanced theoretical & practical knowledge of ionising radiation and radiotherapy physics
- Advanced knowledge and experience of stereotactic planning and associated requirements
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Experience of MR Linac technology
- Line management experience
The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background in physics or a related field, combined with substantial clinical experience in radiotherapy physics. Experience with cutting-edge radiotherapy technology, particularly MR-Linac systems, would be highly advantageous, though not essential.
Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to excellence in patient care, strong problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment. The ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both clinical and non-clinical staff is essential.
About HCA Healthcare UK
HCA Healthcare UK is one of the largest providers of privately funded healthcare in the United Kingdom. Originally founded over 50 years ago by Dr Thomas Frist, HCA has grown to become one of the world’s leading healthcare providers. The organization has invested over £500 million in the latest treatments, technology, techniques, medication, and facilities across its hospital group.
As part of HCA Healthcare UK, you will join a multisite, established healthcare group that offers unrivalled opportunities for career progression through internal and external courses, as well as working conditions that prioritize both your mental and physical wellbeing.
HCA Healthcare UK operates with a patient-centered approach, ensuring that all employees are supported to provide exceptional care. The organization’s commitment to excellence extends to its staff, recognizing that by caring for employees, they empower them to provide exceptional care for patients.
Benefits Package
As a Principal Physicist at HCA Healthcare UK, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- 25 days holiday each year (plus bank holidays)
- Private Healthcare Insurance
- Private pension contribution
- Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work scheme
- Group Life Assurance from day one
- Critical illness cover
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
- Corporate staff discount
- Comprehensive range of flexible health benefits
- Discounts with over 800 major retailers
The benefits package is designed to reflect the invaluable contribution that Principal Physicists make to the organization and the patients they serve. HCA Healthcare UK recognizes the importance of work-life balance and provides a range of benefits to support employees in maintaining their wellbeing.
In addition to the standard benefits package, you will have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, including internal and external courses, conferences, and workshops that will help you maintain your professional registration and advance your career in medical physics.
How to Apply
Apply Instructions: Apply via NHS Jobs website.
International applicants should follow these steps when applying for this position:
- Verify your eligibility for UK work authorization and professional registration
- Gather all required documentation, including proof of qualifications and experience
- Prepare a comprehensive CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience
- Contact the employer at gregory.smyth@hcahealthcare.co.uk to discuss sponsorship requirements
- Submit your application through the NHS Jobs website before the deadline of 25 January 2026
When applying, be sure to clearly state your requirement for sponsorship and provide details of your current immigration status in the UK. The employer requires all applicants to have current UK professional registration, so please confirm your HCPC registration status in your application.
Applicants who require criminal record certificates from other countries should ensure they obtain these well in advance of the application deadline. These documents will be required as part of the sponsorship process.
The application process may include multiple stages, including initial screening, technical assessments, and interviews. Successful candidates will be required to undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as part of the pre-employment process.
HCA Healthcare UK is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities it serves.
Working in the UK as a Medical Physicist
The UK offers excellent career opportunities for medical physicists, with a strong demand for qualified professionals in both public and private healthcare sectors. Medical physicists in the UK typically work in hospital settings, research institutions, or specialized healthcare facilities.
The role of a Principal Physicist in the UK carries significant responsibility and professional recognition. Medical physicists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which sets standards for professional practice, education, and training.
Working conditions in UK healthcare facilities are generally excellent, with access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The UK healthcare system values the contribution of medical physicists and provides opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
London, where this position is located, offers a vibrant multicultural environment with excellent transport links, international schools, and a wide range of amenities. The city is home to people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, making it an attractive destination for international professionals.
The UK healthcare system provides a strong support network for international healthcare professionals, including professional bodies, regulatory councils, and healthcare organizations that offer guidance and assistance with relocation and integration.
Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, which means that a submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
For further information about UK visa requirements and the skilled worker route, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. For information about UK professional registration for healthcare professionals, please see the NHS Careers website.
HCA Healthcare UK values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. The organisation welcomes applications from qualified candidates from all backgrounds who meet the essential criteria for this position.
For more information about HCA Healthcare UK and its services, please visit the organization’s website at https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/. You can also access HCA Healthcare UK’s privacy notice at https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/legal/privacy-policy.
The Harley Street Clinic, where this position is based, is a leading private healthcare facility located in the heart of London’s medical district. The clinic is known for its excellence in patient care and its commitment to providing the latest medical treatments and technologies.