Lead Clinical Scientist, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus Reference Section2023-05-20T16:09:31+01:00
Lead Clinical Scientist, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus Reference Section Job Vacancy in London, England, UK
Department for International Development
Job summary
As an HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist (Microbiology), the post-holder will work seamlessly between the HCAI and AMR Service and Laboratories: (i) to provide scientific and technical leadership in the area of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp.; (ii) to lead the laboratory team delivering national Staphylococcus and Streptococcus reference services; (iii) to be responsible for validating and issuing clinical reports to customers for Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp.; and (iv) to provide scientific and strategic leadership for introducing novel technologies into reference services to meet UKHSA objectives.
In addition, post will act as an expert Scientific Adviser to Deputy Director/s of HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis and the Deputy Director of Public Health Microbiology Division on Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp. It will involve close liaison with laboratory staff working on these bacteria, providing scientific direction on areas of relevance to the HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division. In particular, this will focus on areas of national HCAI/AMR importance including outbreak investigation and assessment of vulnerable groups at risk of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus infection e.g., care home residents, people who inject drugs, prison and homeless populations.
Job description
As the Lead Clinical Scientist your main responsibilities will include:
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
To be a source of expert advice and information on microbiological aspects of staphylococci and streptococci and the biology of staphylococcal and streptococcal disease. Provide information, interpretation and comment on national guidance, legislation, codes of practice and answers to Parliamentary Questions and media enquiries. Provide expert advice and knowledge to external bodies on the scientific basis of reference service tests, documents or services provided as appropriate.
To be responsible for ensuring the high-quality validation of clinical reports issued to customers for staphylococcal and streptococcal reference services, including antibiotic susceptibility testing and molecular detection of resistance mechanisms of public health importance.
To work with staff of Bacteriology Reference Department (BRD) and relevant consultant medical microbiologists in UKHSA to provide input into clinical interpretation and to ensure prompt and accurate delivery of staphylococcal and streptococcal reference services.
To arrange suitable and sufficient cover for reference service delivery, as necessary.
To lead staphylococcal and streptococcal service clinical governance meetings, developing automated services including auditing the impact of new methodologies including routine whole-genome sequencing for relatedness, resistance detection, and outbreak response.
To seek income generation opportunities, e.g., from grant-awarding bodies or industrial / commercial sources, for evaluating new and novel assays, technologies and platforms for rapid detection of antibiotic resistance in the population.
To present findings of work undertaken at scientific meetings, as appropriate.
To prepare reports for commercial customers and papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Training & supervision of new staff, visitors and students.
To work as expert Scientific Adviser to Deputy Director/s HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division and the Deputy Director of Public Health Microbiology Division on Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp and provide scientific expertise on behalf of the Division to staff working in relevant areas of BRD, laboratories.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Person specification
We are looking for an exceptional Lead Clinical Scientist.
Please ensure that your statement of suitability contains no personal identifiers e.g. name in either the file name or content of the document.
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1000 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential
Relevant professional qualification: either full registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Clinical Scientist, or an ACS Certificate of Attainment, or a demonstrable plan to achieve registration within 12 months.
PhD in microbiology or a related discipline.
Clinical scientific and molecular microbiology expertise of Staphylococcus spp. & Streptococcus spp.
Familiarity with diverse molecular diagnostic platforms
LIMS experience. Validating reports through MOLIS or similar LIMS system.
Experience working within the healthcare associated infection field and good working knowledge of antibiotic susceptibility testing and resistance mechanisms.
Substantive (postdoctoral) experience in Public Health microbiology in reference and/or diagnostic settings.
Demonstrable experience of laboratory quality systems, running services accredited to ISO15189 standard.
Proven record of research in relevant areas including significant/relevant publications.
Evidence of continuing professional development.
Able to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate and present to peers/others.
Ability to negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change
Desirable
IT / LIMS systems � familiarity with database software and preparation of queries.
Molecular assay development and validation.
Benefits
Learning and development tailored to your role
An environment with flexible working options
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
A with an average employer contribution of 27%
