Job Description

We are looking for applicants who are HCPC registered Clinical Scientists (NHS band 7 equivalent or above) and have previous experience of working within Microbiology, ideally with a Microbiology and Virology background. This role would suit a newly qualified Clinical Scientist.
The post holder will join the team of Consultant Microbiologists and Biomedical Scientists to provide of a comprehensive Clinical Microbiology service for Northampton General Hospital Trust and GP practices to aid effective diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of infections.
Main duties of the job
Assist the Consultant Microbiologists to provide a routine clinical laboratory service to nationally accepted UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) standards.
Use professional judgement in advising clinicians on the appropriate investigations, this can be done either independently or in consultation with the Microbiology Consultants, depending on the clinical scenario.
Contribute to the clinical advisory service under the supervision of the Consultant Microbiologists or Specialty Doctor. The Clinical Scientist is not expected to manage clinical infection cases/scenarios independently.
About us
Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close adverts once we have received sufficient applications
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust is on an exciting journey with all of our divisions committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN). As part of this collaborative approach, there may be a requirement for you to work across both the Kettering and Northampton hospital sites, depending on the needs of the service.
Our Excellence Values

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Integrity
• Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across UHN and help to unleash everyone's full potential.
UHN encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for UHN.
Details
Date posted
23 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
47,810 to 54,710 a year pro rata / per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
265-7440949
Job locations
Northampton General Hospital Trust
Billing Road
Northampton
NN1 5BD
Job description
Job responsibilities
Monitor and follow up urgent / significant microbiology results provided by the laboratory. Advise clinicians about interpretation of the results and after discussion with a Microbiology Consultant / Specialty Doctor support clinical decision making and antibiotic treatment choices.
Identify complex clinical cases and scenarios and discuss all these cases with the consultant Microbiologist.
Have knowledge and understanding of clinical scenarios which require immediate attention and escalation to the Consultant Microbiologist and or/communication to the relevant medical or nursing team for the patient.
Advise on the validation of complex laboratory results.
Participate in authorisation of serology results.
Investigate any erroneous or unusual patient test results.
Participate in core clinical work independently, as directed by the Consultant Microbiologist during the working day. This would include lab liaison, clinical liaison, ward rounds, patient reviews and MDT attendances, documentation, updating notes and collecting relevant patient history.
Work independently with the antimicrobial Pharmacists and contribute to the antimicrobial stewardship agenda in the Trust under the supervision of the Consultant.
Works independently demonstrating expertise within the defined protocols of clinical microbiology and virology, exercising initiative in day-to-day responsibilities.
Liaise with the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) nurses regarding new results of IPC significance.
Work closely with the Infection Prevention and Control Team to promote good practice in Infection Prevention within the Trust.
Work alongside the laboratory leads in Microbiology ensuring relevant policies and procedures are produced and upheld in a manner befitting of accreditation status.
Leads the implementation and review of policies within the microbiology service, identifying and proposing changes to enhance service quality and impact beyond their immediate area. Develops and maintains specialist Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for equipment, tests and techniques, ensuring alignment with best practice and consideration of their impact on wider laboratory services.
Demonstrates leadership within microbiology, contributing to service development and supporting the wider objectives of the Pathology department, Division, and Trust. Job description
Job responsibilities
Monitor and follow up urgent / significant microbiology results provided by the laboratory. Advise clinicians about interpretation of the results and after discussion with a Microbiology Consultant / Specialty Doctor support clinical decision making and antibiotic treatment choices.
Identify complex clinical cases and scenarios and discuss all these cases with the consultant Microbiologist.
Have knowledge and understanding of clinical scenarios which require immediate attention and escalation to the Consultant Microbiologist and or/communication to the relevant medical or nursing team for the patient.
Advise on the validation of complex laboratory results.
Participate in authorisation of serology results.
Investigate any erroneous or unusual patient test results.
Participate in core clinical work independently, as directed by the Consultant Microbiologist during the working day. This would include lab liaison, clinical liaison, ward rounds, patient reviews and MDT attendances, documentation, updating notes and collecting relevant patient history.
Work independently with the antimicrobial Pharmacists and contribute to the antimicrobial stewardship agenda in the Trust under the supervision of the Consultant.
Works independently demonstrating expertise within the defined protocols of clinical microbiology and virology, exercising initiative in day-to-day responsibilities.
Liaise with the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) nurses regarding new results of IPC significance.
Work closely with the Infection Prevention and Control Team to promote good practice in Infection Prevention within the Trust.
Work alongside the laboratory leads in Microbiology ensuring relevant policies and procedures are produced and upheld in a manner befitting of accreditation status.
Leads the implementation and review of policies within the microbiology service, identifying and proposing changes to enhance service quality and impact beyond their immediate area. Develops and maintains specialist Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for equipment, tests and techniques, ensuring alignment with best practice and consideration of their impact on wider laboratory services.
Demonstrates leadership within microbiology, contributing to service development and supporting the wider objectives of the Pathology department, Division, and Trust.
Person Specification
Educations, Training and Qualifications
Essential

• Educated to Masters level Clinical Scientist.
• Completed the Scientist training programme in microbiology/equivalent
• HCPC Registration

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Experience in quality management and audit NHS Experience
• Significant laboratory experience
• Experience of working in clinical microbiology, thorough knowledge of microorganisms/ infections/ antimicrobials

Skills
Essential

• Good communication skills
• Able to prepare and present scientific and clinical information at meetings or as part of a teaching commitment.
• Written and verbal communication skills

Person Specification
Educations, Training and Qualifications
Essential

• Educated to Masters level Clinical Scientist.
• Completed the Scientist training programme in microbiology/equivalent
• HCPC Registration

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Experience in quality management and audit NHS Experience
• Significant laboratory experience
• Experience of working in clinical microbiology, thorough knowledge of microorganisms/ infections/ antimicrobials

Skills
Essential

• Good communication skills
• Able to prepare and present scientific and clinical information at meetings or as part of a teaching commitment.
• Written and verbal communication skills

Skills Required