Senior Clinical Scientist (Microbiology)

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in North East England is seeking a Clinical Scientist to join their microbiology team. You will participate in providing clinical advice on infections and managing laboratory services. The ideal candidate holds a Microbiology degree and has experience in laboratory techniques. This role offers opportunities for professional development and training of junior staff.

Qualifications

• Highly specialist expertise following completion of specialty training.
• Experience with diagnostic tests and laboratory techniques.
• Ability to train and supervise junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical advice on infectious diseases.
• Participate in clinical microbiology rota for diagnosis.
• Develop and implement local policies and procedures.

Skills

Specialist expertise in microbiology

Infection control knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Education

1st or upper 2nd class honours degree in Microbiology

MSc in Microbiology or equivalent

Tools

Complex laboratory equipment

Job description

Job summary

Applications are invited for a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist to join the microbiology team at County Durham and Darlington Foundation NHS trust. The successful applicant will join a dedicated and enthusiastic clinical & scientific team providing specialist infection services within County Durham.

CDDFT Pathology is embracing change and this is an opportunity to help shape the service. New equipment and laboratory information systems are in the pipeline for delivery within the next 2 years as part of our modernisation programme. If you have vision and dynamism, we want you to help drive this exciting period of change by further developing our service alongside our clinical & scientific workforce.

The service provides a wide range of microbiology, virology and serology testing to a population of 650,000 across County Durham and Darlington. Working closely with the scientific team and clinical staff across the trust and primary care settings you will help to provide a clinical diagnostic, scientific and advice service, supporting a 24/7 laboratory.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will join a team of Consultant Microbiologists and Specialty Doctors in providing clinical advice and guidance on: infectious diseases; the diagnosis, treatment & management of infections; infection prevention & control (IPC) and antimicrobial stewardship to the trust, GPs, clinics and services across County Durham. You will also work collaboratively with the department senior scientific and management team to provide a comprehensive scientific service (analytical and interpretative) by the microbiology department to nationally accepted standards.

The post holder will bring specialist clinical and scientific expertise to the clinical microbiology service with the opportunity to expand and develop their practice, and the service, through research and development. The successful candidate will have a key role in the training and development of scientific and junior clinical colleagues along with other staff groups and service users. Maintaining a high quality service is a priority for the department and the post holder will be expected to lead on, and participate in, quality assurance and governance activities to support this.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months)

Details Date posted

30 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9439-2526-0583

Job locations

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW

Job description Job responsibilities

The post holder will:

Participate in the work of the department in clinical liaison, laboratory activities and infection prevention & control, under supervision of the consultant microbiologists or consultant clinical scientists. This includes but not limited to: authorisation of laboratory reports, handling telephone enquiries from clinicians, attending MDTs and participating in ward rounds.

Participate in the clinical microbiology rota: interpretation laboratory results and taking appropriate action e.g. authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and clinically relevant comments, identifying erroneous results, 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, attending regular meetings and MDTs as required.

Perform routine and specialist diagnostic tests including the use of complex laboratory equipment and specialist analysers.

Maintain high standards of laboratory practice, overseeing quality assurance processes, troubleshooting diagnostic assays and contributing to the selection and implementation of new technologies and procedures.

Assist in the development and implementation of local policies and procedures in line with best practice and national guidance.

Lead and participate in quality activities and review meetings, contributing to continuous improvement within the department.

Effectively communicate with clinical, scientific and managerial staff at all levels within the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and with other service users and partner agencies.

Work effectively within pathology to promote an integrated and effective laboratory service in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust while maintaining good staff relationships and morale.

Establish and maintain networks with professional, clinical and managerial colleagues within this Trust and beyond it nationally, to ensure provision of a comprehensive, appropriate microbiology service which meets the needs of service users.

Prepare and present complex scientific and clinical information arising from research or audit at local, national and international conferences. Challenging with confidence established scientific and clinical views using reasoned argument, personal knowledge and research findings.

Present clinical case studies, research findings, statistical data, analytical developments, audit results and teaching materials to large groups of professional staff through departmental seminars, hospital clinical meetings and external scientific meetings.

Have responsibility for clinical or non-clinical research and development including audit, carrying out regular R&D projects towards improved patient care e.g. development and implementation of new microbiological diagnostic methods as a major requirement of the role.

Deliver and participate in structured training programmes, maintain professional competencies, and contribute to formal education sessions.

Have responsibility for the training and development of departmental colleagues including scientific and junior clinical staff. Will contribute to the training and development of other staff groups, including service users, in the field of infection sciences.

Job description Job responsibilities

The post holder will:

Participate in the work of the department in clinical liaison, laboratory activities and infection prevention & control, under supervision of the consultant microbiologists or consultant clinical scientists. This includes but not limited to: authorisation of laboratory reports, handling telephone enquiries from clinicians, attending MDTs and participating in ward rounds.

Participate in the clinical microbiology rota: interpretation laboratory results and taking appropriate action e.g. authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and clinically relevant comments, identifying erroneous results, 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, attending regular meetings and MDTs as required.

Perform routine and specialist diagnostic tests including the use of complex laboratory equipment and specialist analysers.

Maintain high standards of laboratory practice, overseeing quality assurance processes, troubleshooting diagnostic assays and contributing to the selection and implementation of new technologies and procedures.

Assist in the development and implementation of local policies and procedures in line with best practice and national guidance.

Lead and participate in quality activities and review meetings, contributing to continuous improvement within the department.

Effectively communicate with clinical, scientific and managerial staff at all levels within the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and with other service users and partner agencies.

Work effectively within pathology to promote an integrated and effective laboratory service in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust while maintaining good staff relationships and morale.

Establish and maintain networks with professional, clinical and managerial colleagues within this Trust and beyond it nationally, to ensure provision of a comprehensive, appropriate microbiology service which meets the needs of service users.

Prepare and present complex scientific and clinical information arising from research or audit at local, national and international conferences. Challenging with confidence established scientific and clinical views using reasoned argument, personal knowledge and research findings.

Present clinical case studies, research findings, statistical data, analytical developments, audit results and teaching materials to large groups of professional staff through departmental seminars, hospital clinical meetings and external scientific meetings.

Have responsibility for clinical or non-clinical research and development including audit, carrying out regular R&D projects towards improved patient care e.g. development and implementation of new microbiological diagnostic methods as a major requirement of the role.

Deliver and participate in structured training programmes, maintain professional competencies, and contribute to formal education sessions.

Have responsibility for the training and development of departmental colleagues including scientific and junior clinical staff. Will contribute to the training and development of other staff groups, including service users, in the field of infection sciences.

Person Specification Special Skills & Knowledge Essential

• Highly specialist expertise underpinned by theoretical knowledge & experience following completion of specialty training.
• Understanding of specialist healthcare science activities.
• Thorough knowledge of microbiology, infection sciences and infection prevention & control.
• Knowledge of complex facts or situations, requiring analysis, interpretation, comparison of option analysis and interpretation of test / investigation results.
• Provides specialist / highly specialist clinical technical services.
• Provides specialist, clinical and scientific advice to clinicians.
• Undertakes, screens and interprets diagnostic tests, including use of specialist equipment.
• Knowledge of and training in research, development and audit techniques. Regularly undertakes research and audit work to facilitate service improvements.
• Use of a wide range of analytical methods, techniques and instrumentation
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of quality assurance requirements for results and laboratory operations.
• Computer skills and statistics.
• Data entry, text processing or storage of data; regular requirement to use computer software to interpret reports.
• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to train, supervise and support other members of the team.
• Good time management skills, including working under pressure to deadlines.

Qualifications Essential

• 1st or upper 2nd class honours degree in Microbiology or highly related infection science subject
• MSc in Microbiology, or highly related infection science subject, or subject assessed equivalent knowledge.
• Successful certified completion of a formal postgraduate training program approved as appropriate for registration as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC e.g. STP program or equivalence portfolio.

Desirable

• Demonstration of continued professional development

Experience Essential

• Appropriate relevant experience as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6), trainee Clinical Scientist, or equivalent in a microbiology or infection sciences department.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing new techniques / equipment into laboratory including validation and verification procedures.
• Basic knowledge of managerial processes and structures within the NHS.
• Implementation of policies and procedures.
• Proposal and implementation of changes to practices for area.

Desirable

• Experience with quality processes including UKAS 15189 standards and accreditation.
• Experience of operational workflow efficiencies.
• Experience of specialized areas within infection sciences including virology and molecular tests.
• Experience of infection prevention and control including outbreak management.

Special Requirements Essential

• Physical Skills:
• Good hand eye co-ordination / manual dexterity for fine manipulation of instrumentation and manual laboratory techniques.
• Personal Attributes:
• Able to maintain self-control in difficult and challenging situations and to take control of situations where more junior staff are in difficulty.
• Self-confidence, positive attitude and self- motivation.
• Reliable and conscientious, good attention to detail.
• Good communication & interpersonal skills
• Role Specific
• Supervision of staff including leading the team within own work area and junior clinical colleagues / trainees.
• Practical and specialist training for departmental or other staff groups.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant conditions including handling of contained or controlled hazardous materials, contact with body fluids and human derived samples.
• Long periods of concentration for tests, investigations & reports including microscopy or equivalent work for lengthy periods with frequent interruptions for urgent tests
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours (across a 24/7 service) across any Trust site as required.

Statutory Registration Essential

• Registered as a Clinical Scientist with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Person Specification Special Skills & Knowledge Essential

• Highly specialist expertise underpinned by theoretical knowledge & experience following completion of specialty training.
• Understanding of specialist healthcare science activities.
• Thorough knowledge of microbiology, infection sciences and infection prevention & control.
• Knowledge of complex facts or situations, requiring analysis, interpretation, comparison of option analysis and interpretation of test / investigation results.
• Provides specialist / highly specialist clinical technical services.
• Provides specialist, clinical and scientific advice to clinicians.
• Undertakes, screens and interprets diagnostic tests, including use of specialist equipment.
• Knowledge of and training in research, development and audit techniques. Regularly undertakes research and audit work to facilitate service improvements.
• Use of a wide range of analytical methods, techniques and instrumentation
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of quality assurance requirements for results and laboratory operations.
• Computer skills and statistics.
• Data entry, text processing or storage of data; regular requirement to use computer software to interpret reports.
• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to train, supervise and support other members of the team.
• Good time management skills, including working under pressure to deadlines.

Qualifications Essential

• 1st or upper 2nd class honours degree in Microbiology or highly related infection science subject
• MSc in Microbiology, or highly related infection science subject, or subject assessed equivalent knowledge.
• Successful certified completion of a formal postgraduate training program approved as appropriate for registration as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC e.g. STP program or equivalence portfolio.

Desirable

• Demonstration of continued professional development

Experience Essential

• Appropriate relevant experience as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6), trainee Clinical Scientist, or equivalent in a microbiology or infection sciences department.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing new techniques / equipment into laboratory including validation and verification procedures.
• Basic knowledge of managerial processes and structures within the NHS.
• Implementation of policies and procedures.
• Proposal and implementation of changes to practices for area.

Desirable

• Experience with quality processes including UKAS 15189 standards and accreditation.
• Experience of operational workflow efficiencies.
• Experience of specialized areas within infection sciences including virology and molecular tests.
• Experience of infection prevention and control including outbreak management.

Special Requirements Essential

• Physical Skills:
• Good hand eye co-ordination / manual dexterity for fine manipulation of instrumentation and manual laboratory techniques.
• Personal Attributes:
• Able to maintain self-control in difficult and challenging situations and to take control of situations where more junior staff are in difficulty.
• Self-confidence, positive attitude and self- motivation.
• Reliable and conscientious, good attention to detail.
• Good communication & interpersonal skills
• Role Specific
• Supervision of staff including leading the team within own work area and junior clinical colleagues / trainees.
• Practical and specialist training for departmental or other staff groups.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant conditions including handling of contained or controlled hazardous materials, contact with body fluids and human derived samples.
• Long periods of concentration for tests, investigations & reports including microscopy or equivalent work for lengthy periods with frequent interruptions for urgent tests
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours (across a 24/7 service) across any Trust site as required.

Statutory Registration Essential

• Registered as a Clinical Scientist with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)