At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clinical diagnostics and provide expert advice on rare and imported infections.
- Company: Join the Rare & Imported Pathogens Laboratory, a leader in infectious disease diagnostics.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, opportunities for research collaboration, and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to innovative solutions in healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public health by tackling dangerous pathogens.
- Qualifications: Experience in infection control and diagnostics is essential.
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.
Senior Consultant, Infection & Imported Pathogens Diagnostics employer: UK Health Security Agency
At the Rare & Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL), we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. Our location at Porton offers unique opportunities for professional growth in the field of infectious disease diagnostics, supported by a collaborative culture that encourages research and innovation. As an employer of choice, we prioritise equality and actively promote diversity, ensuring that all staff can thrive while contributing to vital public health initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Consultant, Infection & Imported Pathogens Diagnostics
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of infection and imported pathogens diagnostics. Attend relevant conferences or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of zoonotic diseases and infection control. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can contribute to RIPL’s mission. Practise common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for public health and infectious disease management. When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your insights on current trends and challenges in the field. This will demonstrate your commitment and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at RIPL and contributing to our important work.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Consultant, Infection & Imported Pathogens Diagnostics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Consultant. Highlight your experience with infectious diseases and any relevant research you've done. We want to see how your background aligns with what RIPL is all about!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with rare and imported pathogens. Let us know how your skills can contribute to our mission at RIPL.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since collaboration is key at RIPL, make sure to mention any experiences where you’ve worked in a team setting. We love seeing how you can bring your expertise to support others in the lab!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Health Security Agency
✨Know Your Pathogens
Make sure you brush up on the various pathogens mentioned in the job description, like viral haemorrhagic fevers and zoonoses. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Since RIPL values research collaboration, be prepared to talk about any relevant research you've been involved in. Highlight how your experience can contribute to their ongoing projects and how you can work with other teams effectively.
✨Understand the Role of a Consultant
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a consultant in infection control. Be ready to discuss how you would approach risk assessment and management for infectious agents, as well as how you would advise hospital staff on best practices.
✨Embrace Inclusivity
RIPL prides itself on being an inclusive workplace. Be prepared to share your thoughts on diversity and how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive culture. This will resonate well with their ethos and demonstrate your alignment with their values.
