Locum Consultant in Medical Microbiology

Job overview

Locum consultant in Medical Microbiology with consideration given to Associate Specialists, Speciality Doctors or Microbiology Clinical Scientists based on experience.

Main duties of the job

This is an opportunity to work in a modern, progressive infection service delivering:

• Comprehensive clinical microbiology, virology and mycology advice
• 24/7 consultant-led infection advisory service (1:7 non-resident on-call)
• Embedded antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) across the Trust
• Active involvement in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)
• Close working relationships with tertiary specialties including ICU, NICU, renal transplant, haematology, cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery

The post holder will practise as an autonomous consultant microbiologist providing complex clinical advice, supporting optimal diagnostic pathways, and promoting evidence-based antimicrobial prescribing.

Suitable candidates for this role would need to be on the specialist register with a qualification in Medical Microbiology, dual accredited in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Associate Specialist or Consultant Clinical Scientists who have completed a relevant training programme.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Role Requirements

You will join an established consultant team with a wide range of specialist interests including:

• Antimicrobial stewardship
• Infective endocarditis
• Orthopaedic infections
• Haematology and neutropenic sepsis
• Intensive care infection
• Virology

The department works closely with:

• Consultant Antimicrobial Pharmacist
• Nurse Consultant in Infection Control
• Clinical Scientists (including HSST trainee)
• Specialist biomedical scientists

There is a strong culture of collaboration, shared leadership and portfolio development.

Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) is deeply embedded within the Trust, with:

• Trust-wide AMS rounds
• Close pharmacy collaboration
• Strong governance and audit culture

Consultants contribute to Infection Prevention & Control strategy alongside senior IPC leadership, with involvement in outbreak management and UKHSA liaison.

Managerial and Leadership

Our UKAS-accredited laboratory is modern, well-equipped and forward-looking. Current platforms include:

• MALDI-TOF (Bruker) for rapid organism identification
• Fully automated blood culture system with 24/7 loading
• Abbott Alinity m and m2000
• BD MAX
• Cepheid GeneXpert
• Qiagen Qiastat
• Applied Biosystems real-time PCR platforms
• Automated serology platforms
• Recently refurbished Containment Level 3 facility

We are currently progressing plans to relocate to a new purpose-built laboratory close to the hospital site. The successful candidate may be expected to work from this facility and from the main hospital as appropriate. Future developments include further molecular expansion, workflow automation, digital optimisation, and working within a Network. In line with the Trusts vision a new EPR and LIMS (Lab Information Management System) will be introduced later this year

The successful candidate will be encouraged to contribute to service development, diagnostic innovation and strategic planning.

Duration

This is a temporary post with opportunities further substantive positions on the horizon.