Clinical Scientist, Virology

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire; Coventry; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust is seeking a Clinical Scientist in Virology to support laboratory and clinical teams in Coventry. The ideal candidate will have an MSc in Microbiology and HCPC registration, contributing to patient care, teaching, and quality improvement initiatives. Experience in diagnostics and infection control is essential for this role.

Benefits

Access to learning and development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Qualified Clinical Scientist in Virology with relevant academic credentials.
• Experience in diagnostic virology and laboratory practices.
• Ability to collaborate across clinical teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide support within a diagnostic virology laboratory.
• Ensure accurate interpretation and timely reporting of results.
• Contribute to teaching and mentorship of healthcare professionals.
• Engage in clinical audits and quality improvement activities.

Skills

Clinical support

Supervision

Laboratory operations

Infection control

Research engagement

Education

MSc in Microbiology or related subject

Successful completion of Grade A or STP training

Current registration with HCPC as a clinical scientist

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a Clinical Scientist in Virology to work with the existing clinical and laboratory teams in the delivery of the clinical (including infection control) and laboratory service (including service development and training).

Responsibilities

• Join a weekend on-call service. This is currently delivered remotely from home, with rare occasions requiring on-site attendance.
• Provide clinical, technical, and supervisory support within a diagnostic virology laboratory, under the guidance of senior consultants.
• Play a key role in clinical liaison, laboratory operations, and infection prevention and control; ensure accurate interpretation and timely reporting of laboratory results.
• Collaborate with clinical colleagues to manage patient care and contribute to the teaching of medical students, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Engage in research, clinical audits, and departmental quality improvement activities; participate in leadership and policy development.
• In a technical capacity, apply specialized knowledge in diagnostic virology to troubleshoot assays, ensure adherence to good laboratory practices, and maintain high standards of quality assurance.
• Prioritise workload to meet national and local performance targets and contribute to development of new techniques, equipment, and working practices.
• Participate in pan-pathology projects, prepare reports, and update standard operating procedures.
• Be involved in the weekend rota and participate in clinical incident reporting.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Successful completion of Grade A or STP training, MSc in Microbiology or related subject.
• Current registration with HCPC as a clinical scientist.
• Immunisation and vaccination report required from a UK occupational health provider or UK GP.

Location and Teaming

The viral serology services are located at the GEH laboratory while the Molecular diagnostics laboratory services are centralised at the UHCW site in Coventry, where the clinical team is based. Travel to other sites will be required.

Coventry and Warwickshire Pathology Services (CWPS) is a Pathology Network, set up in 2008, combining the Pathology Services of three Trusts: George Eliot NHS Trust (GEH) in Nuneaton, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW) in Coventry, and South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) in Warwick.

About the Trust

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust is rated as good by the Care Quality Commission and is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK. The Trust is recognised for its research and innovation, modern facilities, and status as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation. Pathway To Excellence is a recognised framework for creating an optimal working environment (Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire).

Development and Culture

By joining our team, you will access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. The Trust is committed to using the talents and perspectives of a diverse workforce and to promoting equality, dignity, and autonomy within the organisation.