Consultant Clinical Scientist Trainee (Virology)

Job summary

In this post, you will be part of the national microbiology services clinical team working to ensure virological safety of blood, tissue, stem cell and organ donations. The microbiology services clinical team is a multidisciplinary team comprising doctors, nurses, scientists including epidemiologists and administrative support who work closely with the microbiology laboratory within NHSBT. There is a close working relationship with colleagues at the UK Health Security Agency and the Blood Transfusion Research Unit (BTRU) in Genomics to Enhance Microbiology Screening (GEMS).

We will support you to complete FRCPath Part 1 and 2 exams during your training and provide opportunities to acquire the clinical skills and experience required by the HSST programme. The appointed trainee will be directly accountable to the Consultant Medical Virologist and Principal Investigator.

These are visionary programmes and are aimed at producing tomorrows consultant scientists, capable of meeting the scientific needs of the healthcare system. For more information about the HSST, visit the National School of Healthcare Science.And for more information about eligibility, please visit https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/hsst/applicants/entry-requirements-for-the-hsst/.

Main duties of the job

In this role you will train to become a Consultant Clinical Scientist Virology by undertaking and successfully completing the Higher Specialist Scientific Training (HSST) programme. Your responsibilities include:

• Developing knowledge, skills, and competencies to support the provision of advice on the management of individual patients based on the results of laboratory tests using the highly specialised theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and initiative expected of a Consultant Grade practitioner and Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists.
• Developing knowledge, skills, and competencies to support the provision of highly specialist scientific service and advice in Virology science.
• Participating in the interpretation and validation of test results of the department to achieve independent practitioner status.
• Ensuring that investigations or actions for scientific testing are identified, and anomalies or complex/urgent problems are resolved to standards.
• Resolving complex and urgent problems within the laboratory and assist in resolving complicated problems involving other departments and service users.
• Preparing and presenting regular reports on the progress of training and any associated research project as required, verbally, in writing and via presentations.
• Preparing scientific research papers for publication.

About us

At NHS Blood and Transplant, were incredibly proud of the many talented people who come together every day to make our organisation the very best it can be. We have clearly defined values that are centred around offering exceptional care to our donors and their families. We take care of each other too and we focus on building our expertise so we can change lives, provide quality support and offer fulfilling careers. Its an opportunity to contribute to a unique team as part of a service that saves lives 365 days a year. We offer brilliant benefits including 27 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), a comprehensive induction and training programme, and competitive pension scheme.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with and positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever