Consultant

Consultant Medical Microbiologist (CMM) or CMM with Infectious Disease

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

CQC: Requires improvement

Plymouth

Salary

£113,565 – £150,569

Posted

4 days ago

About the role

University Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a forward-thinking Consultant Microbiologist to join our dynamic Infection Sciences team. You will provide expert clinical microbiology and infection management services across the Trust, working closely with colleagues in Infectious Diseases, Infection Prevention & Control, and the wider multidisciplinary team. In this key role, you will support high-quality diagnostic services, contribute to antimicrobial stewardship, and offer specialist advice for complex infections. You will also play an active part in service development, clinical governance, and teaching for healthcare professionals and trainees. We are looking for an enthusiastic leader with excellent communication skills and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. Applicants should hold FRCPath (or equivalent), be on the GMC Specialist Register (or within 6 months of CCT), and demonstrate strong collaborative practice. We offer a welcoming, supportive environment, opportunities for research and innovation, and excellent professional development. Join us and help shape the future of infection services within a high-performing, patient-centred Trust.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Consultant Medical Microbiologist, or dual accredited Microbiologist and Infectious Diseases Consultant, to join our dynamic and supportive team. Key Duties and Responsibilities: This is an opportunity to work in a modern, progressive infection service delivering: Comprehensive clinical microbiology, virology and mycology advice 24/7 consultant-led infection advisory service (1:7 non-resident on-call) Embedded antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) across the Trust Active involvement in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Close working relationships with tertiary specialties including ICU, NICU, renal transplant, haematology, cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery The post holder will practise as an autonomous consultant microbiologist providing complex clinical advice, supporting optimal diagnostic pathways, and promoting evidence-based antimicrobial prescribing. Suitable candidates for this role would need to be on the specialist register with a qualification in Medical Microbiology, dual accredited in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases or Consultant Clinical Scientists who have completed a relevant training programme. Applicants with dual accreditation in Infectious Diseases will have the opportunity to shape and develop the ID component of the service in line with their expertise and departmental needs. Less than full-time applicants are warmly encouraged.

Person specification

Essential

Full and specialist registration (and with a licence to practise) with the General Medical Council (GMC) (or be eligible for registration within six months of interview)
Applicants that are UK trained must be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview
Applicants that are non-UK trained will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT
FRCPath or evidence of equivalent qualification
Suitable CCTs include Medical Microbiology or Medical Microbiology and Virology or Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in Medical Microbiology and Virology
Knowledge of evidence-based practice
Attended appropriate basic speciality courses
Clinical experience and thorough knowledge of the principles of good Infection, Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship
Knowledge of and evidence of participation in management processes
Ability to develop effective working relationships with all levels of staff
Good IT skills and knowledge
Ability to cope with and effectively organise the workload of a consultant
Ability to practice independently as a senior specialist in Infection and to deal with calls for complex advice including whilst acting independently on call
Understanding of clinical governance and the individual responsibilities it implies
Participation in continuing professional development and, where relevant, evidence of satisfactory participation in a CPD scheme
Ability to take responsibility and show evidence of leadership
Ability to work under pressure and cope with setbacks Good time management
Experience of teaching
Ability to communicate effectively with clinical colleagues, colleagues in pathology, management and support staff
Good knowledge of, and ability to use, spoken and written English
Ability to present effectively to an audience, using a variety of methods, and to respond to questions and queries
Knowledge of the principles involved in good quality research
Knowledge of the principles of clinical audit and evidence of participation in relevant audit projects

Desirable

MRCP or evidence of equivalent qualification
Higher academic qualifications e.g. MSc/MD/PhD in an infection related topic
Evidence of a special interest that complements those of the other Consultants in the Department
Recent attendance at appropriate courses and meetings covering the spectrum of the entire Speciality
Higher degree/qualification or specific training in management or leadership.
Evidence of ability in teaching having sought formal feedback
Higher degree/qualification or specific training in teaching
Evidence of involvement in research and a current research interest