Job overview

We are looking for a Clinical Scientist in Virology to work with the existing clinical and laboratory teams in the delivery of the clinical (including infection control) and laboratory service (including service development and training).

There will be a requirement to join a weekend on-call service.  This is currently delivered remotely from home, although there may be the rare occasion that on-site attendance may be required.

The minimum entry requirements to this post are successful completion of Grade A or STP training, MSc in Microbiology or related subject and current registration with HCPC as a clinical scientist.

Coventry and Warwickshire Pathology Services (CWPS) is a Pathology Network, set up in 2008, and combining the Pathology Services of three Trusts, namely George Eliot NHS Trust (GEH) at Nuneaton, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW) in Coventry & South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) in Warwick.

The viral serology services are located at the GEH laboratory while the Molecular diagnostics laboratory services is centralised at the UHCW site in Coventry This is where the clinical team is based although travel to other sites will be required.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP. 

Main duties of the job

The role involves providing clinical, technical, and supervisory support within a diagnostic virology laboratory, under the guidance of senior consultants. The successful candidate will play a key role in clinical liaison, laboratory operations, and infection control, ensuring the accurate interpretation and timely reporting of laboratory results. The position also includes collaborating with clinical colleagues to manage patient care and contribute to the teaching of medical students, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, the role encompasses involvement in research, clinical audits, and departmental quality improvement activities, with opportunities to participate in leadership and policy development.

In a technical capacity, the role requires applying specialized knowledge in diagnostic virology to troubleshoot assays, ensure adherence to good laboratory practices, and maintain high standards of quality assurance. The candidate will prioritize workload to meet national and local performance targets and actively contribute to the development of new techniques, equipment, and working practices. Participation in pan-pathology projects, preparing reports, and updating standard operating procedures are also key aspects of the position. The role includes participation in the weekend rota and involvement in clinical incident reporting.

Working for our organisation

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.