JOB SUMMARY

The job is based at the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL), UKHSA Porton Down, and is an opportunity to learn about the recognition, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of imported and zoonotic diseases.
The job is suitable for a trainee ideally towards the end of their training programme, but as a minimum at ST3 or above in microbiology, virology, infectious diseases in single or combined specialty training.
Candidates will be expected to have a basic knowledge of laboratory practice in microbiology and virology, and a good understanding of the pathological basis of disease and case management. Under the supervision of the RIPL consultants, the post-holder will form an active member of the clinical team and take part in all activities from selection of tests and initial advice on case management and infection control through to the interpretation and reporting of results of a wide range of assays for unusual diseases. They will also gain experience in laboratory management and quality systems and will be encouraged to undertake a project to develop our understanding of unusual diseases imported into the UK.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Clinical Fellow will be expected to undertake the following:

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential criteria

• Recognised medical degree meeting UK requirements for registration
• Registered for a UK or equivalent international medical specialist trainee programme in microbiology, virology, infectious diseases or a relevant combined programme
• GMC registration or eligibility for registration

Desirable criteria

• Higher qualification in infectious diseases, microbiology, virology or relevant medical specialty e.g. MRCP, FRCPath, MSc, PhD

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Essential criteria

• Specialist training/experience in specific methods required for the post
• Experience in clinical interpretation of complex laboratory tests for infectious diseases, including molecular & serological methods
• Experience in the clinical presentation and management of infectious conditions
• Bacteriology experience
• Virology experience

Desirable criteria

• Experience of laboratory safety requirements and procedures

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

Essential Criteria

• Good communicator and team worker
• Familiarity with Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to assimilate varied information and solve complex problems
• Highly motivated and able to self-determine
• Decisive, with excellent analytical skills
• Able to work to tight deadlines
• Reliable and conscientious
• Good organiser
• Able to organise self
• Attention to detail
• Ambitious
• Able to set priorities and manage time effectively
• Ability to work under pressure from other staff and customers

Desirable criteria

• Confident in presentation of ideas and information
• Experience of presentation of data at professional meetings
• Leadership skills

SELECTION PROCESS DETAILS

This position is open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Applicants are strongly advised to use the criteria in the Person Specification of the Job Description as sub-headings in their application to make it clear how they meet each of the selection criteria.
The successful candidate will be appointed to the point of the salary scale appropriate to their years of seniority.
Inclusion in the GMC Full and Specialist Register with a license to practice (or be eligible for registration within six months of interview)
If included in the GMC Specialist Register/ in a specialty other than public health medicine, candidates must have equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of public health practice
Public Health Specialty Registrar applicants who are not yet on the GMC Specialist Register must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they are within 6 months of gaining entry at the date of interview; all other applicants must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they have applied for inclusion in the GMC.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Through example, discussion and daily working practice, educate and encourage junior members of staff in the interpretation and significance of laboratory work for patient management.
• Support the development of services for the detection, genotyping and reporting of novel pathogens within the department and NIS.
• Support and enhance compliance with ISO15189 and other accreditation and certification standards.
• To participate in scientific research activities within the RIPL service.
• Support the continual development and compliance of internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions.
• Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes.
  Candidates should refer to the Job Description for a full overview of the role and remit of the post prior to completing their application.
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