At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clinical diagnostics and provide expert advice on rare and imported infections.
- Company: Join the UK Health Security Agency's innovative Rare & Imported Pathogens Laboratory.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on research and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public health by tackling dangerous infectious diseases.
- Qualifications: Experience in infection control and a passion for public health.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 52800 € per year.
About RIPL
The Rare & Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) provides frontline clinical diagnostics, specialist diagnostics, and clinical advice for rare, imported or hazardous infections. The RIPL clinical/science team has 19 staff (16 whole time equivalent) including medical consultants, a clinical scientist, senior scientists, and registrars/clinical fellows. Operational management and a dedicated diagnostic development unit are provided by associated units on the Porton site. A key programme is the National Imported Fever Service, a joint venture between RIPL and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (part of UCLH) and the Royal Liverpool Hospital's Tropical and Infectious Diseases Unit. RIPL is also the National Laboratory for Lyme disease and provides a specialist clinical advice service.
Scope of the Reference Service
RIPL provides reference diagnostic services for a wide range of zoonotic, imported, and dangerous pathogens including viral haemorrhagic fevers, arboviruses, hantaviruses, rickettsia and coxiella, anthrax, leptospirosis, tularaemia and other biothreat agents.
Research and Collaboration
RIPL team members are highly research-active and work closely with the wider research teams across UKHSA, including on biosafety and containment, diagnostics, vaccine and therapeutic development, and public health research studies. UKHSA Porton hosts an environmental laboratory that tests samples for a range of pathogens from potentially contaminated sites. The site also includes facilities for studies on disease pathogenesis, for testing vaccines and therapeutics against dangerous infectious diseases, and hosts a small vaccine production unit. The post-holder is expected to work closely with relevant teams at Porton and other UKHSA sites.
Consultant Responsibilities
In addition to supporting the clinical work of the Imported Fever Service, the consultant will gain experience in working with dangerous infectious organisms, in risk assessment and management for infectious agents, and aspects of preventing contamination, environmental sampling and decontamination. This knowledge is used to advise hospital staff on how to apply these principles rationally in their setting to allow both safe and effective working in the interests of patients and carers. The Consultant in Infection will provide expert consultant support for RIPL and the Imported Fever Service. The work covers a wide range of imported bacterial and viral agents, zoonoses and vector borne diseases in the UK, and the consultant will be a key part of the team offering advice on diagnosis, management, and infection control for these agents. As an expert in control of infection and antimicrobial resistance, the consultant will bring this expertise to RIPL and UKHSA as required.
Inclusive Workplace and Equality
We pride ourselves as an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promotes equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all staff and stakeholders. We create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this by celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Consultant in Infection, Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) employer: UK Health Security Agency
At the Rare & Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL), we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where every team member can thrive. Our collaborative culture encourages professional growth through research opportunities and hands-on experience with rare and hazardous pathogens, all while contributing to vital public health initiatives. Located at the Porton site, our state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to equality make RIPL an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in infectious disease diagnostics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Consultant in Infection, Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at RIPL on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of rare and imported pathogens. Show us you’re passionate about the field and ready to tackle those tricky questions!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings; be proactive! Keep an eye on our website and apply as soon as a position pops up. The early bird catches the worm, right?
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Consultant in Infection, Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Consultant role at RIPL. Highlight your relevant experience in infection control, diagnostics, and any work with rare or imported pathogens. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with RIPL and how your expertise can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Research Experience:Since RIPL is highly research-active, make sure to highlight any relevant research projects you've been involved in. Discuss your contributions and what you learned, as this will show us your commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Health Security Agency
✨Know Your Pathogens
Familiarise yourself with the specific pathogens and diseases mentioned in the job description. Understanding the nuances of zoonotic infections, viral haemorrhagic fevers, and antimicrobial resistance will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative projects. Highlight any instances where you’ve successfully worked with multidisciplinary teams, especially in clinical or research settings.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about how you would handle risk assessment and management for infectious agents, and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Equality
Given the emphasis on an inclusive workplace, be ready to discuss how you promote equality and diversity in your work. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to creating an inclusive environment in previous roles.
