Locum Consultant in Medical Microbiology

Locum consultant in Medical Microbiology with consideration given to Associate Specialists, Speciality Doctors or Microbiology Clinical Scientists based on experience.

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, Associate Specialist or Consultant Clinical Scientists who have completed a relevant training programme.

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment.

We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team.

We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Role Requirements

You will join an established consultant team with a wide range of specialist interests including:

• Antimicrobial stewardship
• Orthopaedic infections
• Haematology and neutropenic sepsis

The department works closely with:

• Nurse Consultant in Infection Control
• Clinical Scientists (including HSST trainee)
• Specialist biomedical scientists

There is a strong culture of collaboration, shared leadership and portfolio development.

Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) is deeply embedded within the Trust, with:

• Trust-wide AMS rounds
• Strong governance and audit culture

Consultants contribute to Infection Prevention & Control strategy alongside senior IPC leadership, with involvement in outbreak management and UKHSA liaison.

Managerial and Leadership

Our UKAS-accredited laboratory is modern, well-equipped and forward-looking. Current platforms include:

• MALDI-TOF (Bruker) for rapid organism identification
• Fully automated blood culture system with 24/7 loading
• Abbott Alinity m and m2000
• BD MAX
• Cepheid Gene Xpert
• Automated serology platforms
• Recently refurbished Containment Level 3 facility

We are currently progressing plans to relocate to a new purpose-built laboratory close to the hospital site. The successful candidate may be expected to work from this facility and from the main hospital as appropriate. Future developments include further molecular expansion, workflow automation, digital optimisation, and…