UK Health Security Agency
Head of Bacteriology Reference Department
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Head of Bacteriology Reference Department
Location: Colindale, London (with UK-wide responsibilities as required)
Salary: AfC Band 9 (UKPHR) £112,782 - £129,783 plus High-Cost Area Supplement (15% of basic salary, up to £6,137)
Consultant (GMC Registered) £109,725 - £145,478 plus £2,162 London Weighting
Job Overview
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is seeking an experienced Consultant Medical Microbiologist, Infectious Diseases Physician with a specialist interest in bacteriology, or Consultant Clinical Scientist to lead its nationally renowned Bacteriology Reference Department (BRD).
Based primarily at the Colindale site, the successful candidate will serve as Clinical Lead for BRD, providing strategic, scientific and clinical leadership within the Reference Services Division, part of the Public Health Microbiology Directorate. The role also supports other UKHSA sites and works closely with consultant colleagues across bacteriology, virology and the Chief Medical Advisor Group.
The postholder will oversee clinical governance, provide expert microbiology advice to UKHSA and external stakeholders, and contribute to the strategic, academic and operational development of reference microbiology services.
Appointment Details
- Open to Consultant Medical Microbiologists, Infectious Diseases Physicians with expertise in bacteriology, or Consultant Clinical Scientists.
- A detailed job plan will be agreed with the Deputy Director of Public Health Microbiology, Reference Services.
- Up to 10 Programmed Activities (PAs) per week (full-time equivalent).
- Flexible working, part-time and job-share arrangements are welcomed.
About the Bacteriology Reference Department
BRD receives clinical samples and bacterial isolates from NHS organisations, public health agencies and commercial laboratories across the UK and internationally. The department provides:
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- Specialist molecular and serological diagnostics
- Complex reference testing
- Bacterial culture and characterisation
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
- Development, validation and implementation of new methodologies
BRD also plays a leading role in:
- National disease surveillance programmes
- Outbreak investigation and response
- Development of national clinical guidance
- International health incident response
- Public health microbiology research and innovation
All four BRD units hold UKAS accreditation to ISO 15189 and ISO 17025 standards:
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit
- Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Reference Laboratory (STIRL)
- Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU)
Key Responsibilities
The Clinical Lead will:
- Provide leadership for clinical governance, clinical risk management and quality assurance across BRD services.
- Lead national programmes focused on the surveillance, investigation, prevention and control of bacterial infections.
- Deliver expert clinical microbiology advice and interpretation in support of outbreaks, incidents and complex case enquiries.
- Contribute to the strategic development of UKHSA reference microbiology services.
- Work closely with the Deputy Director and the Clinical Lead for the Virology Reference Department on service planning, research and innovation.
- Support the validation, implementation and clinical evaluation of new diagnostic technologies and assays.
- Contribute to training and development of scientific, medical, nursing and technical staff.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
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The postholder will:
- Provide specialist medical advice on health, safety and welfare matters within their area of responsibility.
- Promote a strong culture of safety and lead by example.
- Support implementation of UKHSA health and safety policies and training programmes.
- Contribute to risk assessments and post-exposure management processes.
- Escalate significant risks and support maintenance of accurate risk registers.
- Represent BRD at relevant safety meetings and forums.
- Comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all UKHSA safety requirements.
Essential Criteria
Medical Applicants
- Full GMC registration with a licence to practise and specialist registration in Medical Microbiology, Virology and/or Infectious Diseases.
- MBBS or equivalent medical qualification.
- Hold, or be within six months of obtaining, a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or demonstrate equivalent specialist training if qualified outside the UK.
- FRCPath or equivalent relevant specialist qualification.
Clinical Scientist Applicants
- HCPC registration in an appropriate discipline.
- PhD in Medical Microbiology, Molecular Biology or a related field.
- FRCPath in Microbiology or Virology.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development and participation in a recognised CPD programme.
Desirable Criteria
- MD or PhD in Medical Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related subject (for medically qualified applicants).
This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future of national bacteriology reference services, influence public health policy, and lead responses to emerging microbiological threats at a national and international level.
For full details, including interview information, please click 'Apply' to view the complete advert on HealthJobsUK.
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