4302 Consultant Medical Microbiologist/Consultant in Infection(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs, Health and Care
Uk
February 28, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

About the Role

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Consultant Medical Microbiologist, with optional expertise in Infectious Diseases or Virology, to join a highly skilled team of seven consultants alongside a dedicated laboratory, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship staff.

You will deliver expert microbiology advice and clinical care, supporting Musgrove Park Hospital, Yeovil District Hospital, community hospitals, and independent sector treatment centres such as Practice Plus Group Hospital in Shepton Mallet.

This role blends clinical service, laboratory oversight, infection prevention, public health collaboration, teaching, and research, with flexibility in job planning to promote a healthy work-life balance.

The Department of Microbiology is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS ISO 15189:2012, Registration No. 9679) and participates in all relevant NEQAS schemes with an excellent track record.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties:

  • Provide microbiology expertise on specimen selection, analysis, interpretation, and communication of results to clinical teams
  • Conduct regular ward rounds, including ITU/HDU, and attend multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings across cardiology, haematology, orthopaedics, vascular, and spinal services
  • Offer guidance on antimicrobial prescribing and participate in antimicrobial stewardship ward rounds
  • Manage infections, including Clostridioides difficile, with direct liaison for patient care
  • Participate in on-call rotas (currently one week in six)

Laboratory and Service Development:

  • Oversee virology/serology and other laboratory services
  • Contribute to policy creation, SOP development, and introduction of new laboratory methods
  • Support departmental business planning and administrative duties

Health Protection & Public Health Collaboration:

  • Provide epidemiological and microbiological support to Consultants in Communicable Disease Control, Environmental Health Officers, and clinical teams
  • Collaborate with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on infection surveillance, outbreak management, and laboratory method development
  • Contribute to local Health Protection Unit (HPU) activities

Teaching, Audit, and Research:

  • Teach undergraduate and postgraduate students, including 3rd-year medical students from Bristol University
  • Participate in audits, quality assurance, and clinical governance activities
  • Engage in research aligned with departmental priorities

Additional Roles (dependent on expertise):

  • Clinical Service Lead of Microbiology Department
  • Infection Control Doctor across Trust sites, ICB, and independent sector hospitals
  • Lead Consultant for Antimicrobial Stewardship, OPAT, Laboratory Technical Liaison, and other areas as required

Candidate Requirements

Qualifications & Registration:

  • Full and specialist registration with the General Medical Council (or eligible within six months of interview)
  • UK-trained candidates must hold or be within six months of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT)
  • Non-UK-trained candidates must demonstrate equivalence to UK CCT standards
  • FRCPath or equivalent evidence of professional competency in microbiology
  • Evidence of continuing professional development

Experience & Skills:

  • Expertise in infection control, ward-based liaison, and clinical risk management
  • Ability to mentor medical and nursing staff
  • Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and independent decision-making
  • Desirable: experience developing antimicrobial guidelines, managing OPAT, or broader managerial responsibilities

Benefits & Working Environment

  • Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
  • NHS Pension Scheme for long-term financial security
  • Generous annual leave entitlement
  • Access to Blue Light Card discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities
  • Strong emphasis on career development, training, and mentorship
  • Supportive workplace wellbeing programs

Why Somerset?

Somerset combines idyllic countryside, stunning coastlines, and vibrant nearby cities including Bristol, Bath, and Exeter. Excellent schools, affordable housing, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal place for professionals and families.

Application Notes

Applicants requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are eligible; further guidance is available on the UK Visas and Immigration page

Overseas applicants must comply with Criminal record checks for overseas applicants requirements

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