Consultant/Clinical Scientist Med Microbiology +/- Infectious Diseases

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust; Bury; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Bury St Edmunds is looking for a full-time Consultant in Medical Microbiology. The successful candidate will provide high-quality microbiology services, participate in departmental activities, and contribute to teaching and leadership development. Ideal candidates should hold full GMC registration and relevant qualifications. Join a supportive team committed to excellent patient care in a vibrant community.

Qualifications

• Full GMC registration in Medical Microbiology or Infectious Diseases.
• CC T holder or within six months of CCT if UK-trained.
• Evidence of equivalence for non-UK training.

Responsibilities

• Provide a comprehensive clinical microbiology service.
• Share responsibility for infection prevention and control.
• Lead roles on a rotational basis including infection prevention doctor.

Skills

Knowledge in medical microbiology

Ability to prioritize high-quality service

Interpersonal skills

Teaching experience

Education

Full GMC registration

Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists

MBBS or equivalent

Honours degree in relevant science

Tools

WinPath Enterprise

Cerner Millenium

Job description

Job summary

The successful applicant will join an established team of 6 consultants (4.0 WTE) and 2 registrars.

The department seeks a full-time Consultant in Medical Microbiology or Medical Microbiology/ID or Consultant Clinical Scientists in Medical Microbiology. On-call duties are anticipated to be approx. 1:5-1:6 weekdays and weekends with prospective cover & category A availability supplement.

Bury St Edmunds is a historic market town in East Anglia, with leisure and cultural offerings and easy transport links to Cambridge, Norwich, the coast, London, as well as Stansted and Norwich airports and Harwich port for international travel.

Prospective applicants requiring further information or wishing to visit the department are invited to contact Dr Philippa King, Consultant Microbiologist, on 01284 712635 or [e-mail]

Interviews to be held on Friday 14th November 2025.

Please see Full Job Description attached for details.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidates will share responsibility for providing a comprehensive clinical microbiology service to the Trust, local GPs and other organisations under contract with the Trust. Consultants are expected to contribute to departmental activities including, but not limited to:

• Interpretation & authorisation of results
• Ward rounds & MDTs
• Infection prevention & control advice
• Maintaining a quality laboratory & clinical microbiology service and contributing to UKAS accreditation activities
• Leading roles on a rotational basis (by mutual agreement): Microbiology Clinical Lead / Laboratory Director, Infection Prevention Doctor, Antimicrobial Stewardship Lead and Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy Lead
• Teaching and leadership development of all staff grades and training to be a Clinical/Educational Supervisor
• On-call commitment (approximately 1:5-1:6 weekdays and weekends). This is usually telephone cover only, including weekends. A Trust laptop will be provided for remote IT system access. The on-call supplement is Category A (5% for 1:5-1:6) with an additional 1 PA paid for medical colleagues and the equivalent for consultant clinical scientists; reviewed during annual job planning.

Please see Full Job Description attached for details.

About us

#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community

We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in community settings.

The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services and has 500+ beds. It is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge. Adult and paediatric community services are provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, including Newmarket Community Hospital.

We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are. Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification attached for full details of the post.

The Microbiology Department

The Microbiology Laboratory provides a comprehensive service covering all aspects of general microbiology to the West Suffolk Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (circa 500 beds plus Virtual Ward), Newmarket Community Hospital (33 beds) and GPs in Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding catchment area. The laboratory is located in the main West Suffolk Hospital building.

The Microbiology department is currently accredited to ISO15189:2012 and was assessed by UKAS against ISO15189:2022 standards in March 2025. It has been recommended for accreditation to ISO 15189:2022, awaiting final outcome.

The Microbiology Laboratory Manager is Mr Marcus Milner. Four Band 7 Biomedical Scientists lead on Health & Safety, Quality and Training. Administrative support for the Microbiology Department, Consultants and Infection Prevention Team is provided by Pathology administrative staff. Pathology uses the CliniSys WinPath Enterprise LIMS and the Q-pulse quality management system. Office space with a computer and access to IT systems is provided within the department; a laptop is provided to facilitate remote on-call working.

The Laboratory undertakes routine bacteriology, parasitology, serology and antibiotic susceptibility testing. It participates in UKNEQAS schemes and has an internal quality assurance program. Equipment includes automated blood culture (BioMerieux BacT/ALERT), automated urinalysis (Menarini), Bruker MALDI-TOF, Serosep EntericBio, BioFire FilmArray, Cepheid GeneXpert for C. difficile toxin gene testing, and rapid antigen testing for Norovirus. SARS-CoV-2 and influenza testing is performed using SAMBA IIs; paediatric testing uses Roche LIAT and Lumira DX for influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2. Antimicrobial susceptibility uses BioMerieux Vitek 2 and EUCAST methods; some tests are referred to the Bristol antimicrobial reference laboratory. Serology includes DiaSorin Liaison XL. Chlamydia & Neisseria gonorrhoeae NAATs are performed at Micropathology; other molecular testing is at UKHSA Cambridge with regional virology input. Mycobacterial culture is performed at a reference laboratory with on-site AAFB staining. Urgent overnight samples are transported to UKHSA Cambridge with a plan to repatriate. WSFT has funding for a new build hospital via the Health Infrastructure Programme. A Trust laptop enables remote access to systems. Out-of-hours infection prevention advice is provided by the on-call Consultant Microbiologist.

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEDICALLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES:

Essential

• Full and specialist GMC registration in Medical Microbiology and Virology or Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, or eligibility within six months of interview
• CC T holder or within six months of CCT if UK-trained
• Evidence of equivalence for non-UK training
• Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (UK) in medical microbiology & virology or equivalent
• M/FRCP if applicable
• MBBS, MBChB or equivalent

Desirable

• Higher qualifications such as M/FRCP, MSc, Diploma in Hospital Infection Control

QALIFICATIONS FOR CONSULTANT CLINICAL SCIENTIST CANDIDATES:

Essential

• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist in Clinical Microbiology
• HSST in Medical Microbiology or equivalent
• Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (UK) in medical microbiology & virology or equivalent
• Honours degree in relevant science

Desirable

• PhD

Experience

Essential

• Thorough and broad training and experience in medical microbiology and infection prevention & control, including outbreak management
• Ability to prioritise safe, high-quality service delivery without supervision
• Clinical Governance & Clinical Audit experience
• Experience with antimicrobial stewardship
• Teaching experience

Desirable

• Management experience

Knowledge, skills, and Aptitudes

Essential

• Up-to-date knowledge in medical microbiology and infection prevention & control
• CPD participation
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Team leadership and ability to balance clinical and managerial duties
• Ability to work under pressure

Desirable

• Awareness of NHS strategy and policy developments

Communication and Language Skills

Essential

• Effective communication with colleagues and patients
• English proficiency evidenced by PLAB or equivalent, or other evidence
• Ability to present effectively and teach across healthcare staff

Desirable

• Course in presentation and teaching skills

Technical Skills

Essential

• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and laboratory IT systems (WinPath Enterprise, EPR, Cerner Millenium)

Research

Desirable

• Apply research to clinical problems; publications in peer‑reviewed journals

Health

Essential

• Ability to undertake daytime and out-of-hours on-call duties
• Ability to meet travel requirements

Probity

Essential

• Adherence to GMC Good Medical Practice and probity requirements

Other

Essential

• Commitment to providing a high-quality clinical microbiology service
• Willingness to work in a shared office space

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a DBS disclosure.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. For details, visit the appropriate UK government page. Since 6 April 2017, applicants for entry clearance may need to provide a criminal record certificate from each country of residence within the last 10 years.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer name
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Address
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Hardwick Lane,
Bury St. Edmunds
IP33 2QZ

Employer's website