Microbiology Clinical Scientist

NHS; Coventry; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Coventry is looking for a Microbiology Clinical Scientist on a fixed-term contract for 6 months. The role involves supporting high-quality clinical microbiology services, participating in clinical liaison, and authorising laboratory reports. Candidates should have a relevant degree and strong laboratory skills. Competitive salary offered between £47,810 to £54,710 pro rata.

Qualifications

• Experience in clinical microbiology and infection control.
• Ability to interpret laboratory results accurately.
• Knowledge of health and safety compliance in a laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Participate in clinical liaison and authorise laboratory reports.
• Interpret laboratory results and inform clinicians of significant findings.
• Support training and development programs for staff.

Skills

Clinical liaison skills

Laboratory report authorisation

Data accuracy

Education

Relevant medical or scientific degree

Tools

Laboratory information systems

Job description

Overview

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust invites applications for a Microbiology Clinical Scientist on a 6-month fixed term contract. The closing date is 09 October 2025. Secondment will be considered for internal candidates – if you are successful after interview, you must obtain approval from your current line manager to accept the offer. Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to support the delivery of high-quality clinical microbiology and infection control services. Under the guidance of senior clinical staff, the successful candidate will:

• Clinical Duties: Participate in clinical liaison, authorise laboratory reports, interpret results, attend MDTs and ward rounds, and support research and teaching activities.
• Technical and Supervisory Responsibilities: Maintain high standards of laboratory practice, oversee quality assurance processes, troubleshoot diagnostic assays, and contribute to the implementation of new technologies and procedures.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols, accurately report incidents, and ensure compliance with relevant health and safety standards.
• Laboratory IT and Data Management: Maintain confidentiality and accuracy in data handling, use laboratory information systems effectively, and support quality management documentation.
• Training and Development: Deliver and participate in structured training programmes, maintain professional competencies, and contribute to formal education sessions.
• Governance and Professional Conduct: Uphold trust-wide policies including confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and diversity, and risk management.

Participation in weekend and on-call duties is required.

Interview date is provisionally scheduled on 21st October, 2025.

About us

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.

Job responsibilities

• Participate in the work of the department in clinical liaison, laboratory and infection control, under supervision of the consultant and principal clinical scientist. This includes but not limited to: authorisation of laboratory reports, dealing with telephone enquiries from clinicians, attending MDTs and participating in ward rounds.
• Interpret laboratory results and take appropriate action e.g. authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and clinically relevant comments, referring results for an expert opinion, informing the requestor of clinically significant results.
• Liaise closely with clinical colleagues concerning the diagnosis and management of patients.
• Contribute to the teaching of other members of staff across the trust such as medical students, nurses, and allied health-care professionals.
• Participate in research and development.
• Actively participate in journal club, research meetings and attend relevant scientific meetings.
• Be involved in clinical audits.
• Attend appropriate senior staff and management meetings and be involved (initially under supervision) in the planning of departmental policies and developing leadership qualities to implement them.
• Contribute to the production of business cases for the department.
• Use DATIX for reporting clinical incidents.
• Weekend working: the post-holder is required to participate fully in the weekend and on call rota.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• See supporting documents

Experience

• See supporting documents
• See supporting documents

Knowledge

• See supporting documents

Skills

• See supporting documents

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• See supporting documents

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire

£47,810 to £54,710 a year pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

218-HSS-B7-7285396-A

Job locations

University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire