Clinical Fellow (RIPL)

UK Health Security Agency; Idmiston; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A national health organization in Idmiston is seeking a trainee microbiologist to join the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory team. This role involves providing specialized clinical services, interpreting laboratory results, and participating in research activities related to infectious diseases. Ideal candidates must be ST3 or above in related specialties and possess knowledge in laboratory practices. The organization promotes an inclusive culture and values diverse applicants.

Qualifications

• Trainee at the end of their training program in a relevant specialty.
• Experience in microbiology and virology.
• Capability to educate junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist clinical services and advice.
• Interpret and report laboratory results.
• Support scientific research activities and quality governance.

Skills

Basic knowledge of laboratory practice in microbiology

Good understanding of the pathological basis of disease

Clinical advice and patient management

Education

ST3 or above in microbiology, virology, or infectious diseases

Job description

The job is based at the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL), UKHSA Porton Down, and is an opportunity to learn about the recognition, diagnosis and management of a wide range of imported and zoonotic diseases. The position is suitable for a trainee ideally towards the end of their training programme, but requires a minimum of ST3 or above in microbiology, virology, infectious diseases or a single or combined specialty training. Candidates should have a basic knowledge of laboratory practice in microbiology and virology, and a good understanding of the pathological basis of disease and case management.

Under the supervision of the RIPL consultants, the post‑holder will form an active member of the clinical team.

Responsibilities

• Provision of specialist clinical services and advice within the scope of RIPL's activities relating to the care and treatment of patients, infection control and environmental sampling, acting as a primary point of contact for clinicians.
• Interpretation and reporting of laboratory results.
• Taking an active part in the scientific research activities supporting the work of RIPL and the evidence base for the test strategies we employ.
• Participation in the quality and governance programmes of RIP to develop an understanding of laboratory management.

Please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification of the role for full details of duties and essential criteria.

Clinical Services

• To offer clinical and scientific advice to clinicians on the appropriateness and choice of testing and the interpretation of results.
• Interpretation and reporting of results from RIPL.
• To liaise with clinicians and other healthcare professionals on all aspects of patient management (including treatment) and to act as a link between the laboratory and front‑line medical professionals.
• To support the development and provision of specialist services.
• To support the introduction of new diagnostic methodologies into the unit to ensure that a comprehensive service is provided for imported diseases.
• To contribute to incident or outbreak investigations.
• Through example, discussion and daily working practice, educate and encourage junior members of staff in the interpretation and significance of laboratory work for patient management.

Research and Development

• To participate in scientific research activities within the RIPL service.
• Facilitate joint working on novel and dangerous diseases across UKHSA and in collaboration with other relevant UKHSA infection specialists.

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.