Specialist Grade Doctor Microbiology

NHS; North East; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health service provider in the North East of England seeks an enthusiastic Specialist Doctor to join their expanding microbiology clinical team. This role involves providing an efficient diagnostic and clinical microbiology service, engaging in infection control, and participating in a 24/7 laboratory service. Successful candidates should possess relevant qualifications including MBBS and RCPath part 2, alongside extensive clinical experience. This opportunity supports professional autonomy and collaboration across multiple healthcare settings.

Qualifications

• Must have completed RCPath part 2 exam.
• Evidence of extensive postgraduate clinical experience in a relevant specialty.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Provide diagnostic and clinical microbiology service.
• Participate in a 24/7 laboratory service.
• Involve in Infection Control and IPC services.

Skills

Clinical decision making

Ability to work in various clinical settings

Research and audit abilities

Ability to use Microsoft Office programs

Education

MBBS or equivalent

RCPath part 2 examinations

Full GMC registration

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven candidate to be part of our microbiology clinical team, as a Specialist Doctor. The service is expanding to support changing demands in microbiology and is moving toward new equipment, new laboratory information systems, and a managed service contract over the next 2 years. This role is new to the service and will work within the consultant team and closely with the laboratory to manage Trust and primary care workload and develop a service fit for the future. The post is offered at 10PA’s with a 1.4PA on‑call premium. The service provides a wide range of microbiology, virology and serology testing for the County Durham and Darlington population of 600,000 residents. You will work closely with laboratory and clinical staff across the Trust and primary care, providing diagnostic results and clinical advice.

The appointee will be an experienced specialist doctor who has completed the RCPath part 2 exam. On‑call provision is an expected part of this role, supporting a 24/7 laboratory. The appointee will be able to work autonomously on call within 3 months of appointment. This role includes involvement with Infection Control and participation in IPC services for the Trust.

Main duties

• The appointee, as part of the team, will be responsible for the provision of a comprehensive, efficient and cost‑effective diagnostic and clinical microbiology service (including bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology).
• Provide appropriate advice and result interpretation on the tests performed within the department under the supervision of the Consultant Microbiologist, including decisions on aberrant results and discussions with Clinicians, with ward rounds as an integral part of the role.
• Work autonomously on call within 3 months of appointment; participate in a 24/7 laboratory service with on‑call commitments.
• Be a member of the Infection Control team and participate in providing IPC services to the Trust and other users of the service; support infection control management across the Trust.

On‑call and clinical duties

• There will be a compulsory on‑call commitment as part of this post with a 1.0 WTE on‑call provision and a requirement to join the on‑call rota within 3 months of starting, initially under consultant supervision moving to autonomous working.
• Liaison with clinicians, hospital staff and GPs concerning diagnosis, management of patients and prevention of infection; ward rounds in Intensive Care Unit or other areas as requested.
• Attend ward rounds to maintain specialist knowledge in clinical microbiology of acutely ill patients; keep abreast of analytical methods and apply knowledge to validate reports and explain results to clinicians.
• Support RCA and MDT meetings where required; participate in root cause analysis and action planning for incidents.

Laboratory and service development

• Involve in day‑to‑day operation to UKAS standards with appropriate technical support; regular liaison with laboratory staff; responsible for providing medical interpretation and escalation as appropriate.
• Provide clinical input to the laboratory manager to enable effective management of automated Clinical Microbiology activities; advise on quality issues (EQA and IQC) and assist with new methods and business planning.
• Contribute to service development in collaboration with the consultant microbiology team and laboratory colleagues; participate in introduction of new methods and preparations of business cases/plans.

Location and scope

The service is delivered across two acute sites: University Hospital of North Durham and Darlington Memorial Hospital. The post holder’s base will be University Hospital of North Durham or Darlington Memorial Hospital, but the appointee will be required to work at any location within the Trust.

Person specification

Statutory Registration Essential: GMC

• Special Skills & Knowledge Essential: Previous experience in a Clinical Microbiology laboratory at Specialty Doctor or equivalent; practical ability with a wide range of laboratory techniques; ability to perform research, development and audit activities; ability to use basic computer programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint; able to manage clinical authorisation and clinical decision making.
• Experience Essential: Evidence of extensive postgraduate clinical experience in a relevant specialty; capacity to apply clinical knowledge; clinical judgement; experience in making clinical decisions and managing risk; ability to work effectively in different clinical settings.
• Desirable: Proven publication record in clinical microbiology; interest in general microbiology and another specialty area.

Qualifications Essential: MBBS or equivalent; RCPath part 2 examinations; Full GMC registration at appointment; Eligibility to work in the UK. Desirable: Working towards CESR.

Other information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act; submission for DBS checks may be required. Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers requiring sponsorship will be considered; visa guidance and UKVI information apply. UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address: University Hospital Of North Durham, North Road, Durham, DH1 5TW

Employer website: https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/