Consultant Microbiologist in Watford

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking to appoint a full-time (10 PA) Consultant Microbiologist to join a well-established and supportive microbiology team within the Pathology Directorate. This post provides expert clinical microbiology advice across the Trust, supporting the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infection, alongside strong involvement in infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship. The successful candidate will work closely with clinical teams, the Infection Prevention and Control service, and laboratory partners to deliver high-quality, safe, and effective patient care. The role includes participation in the daily consultant rota, on-call service, clinical governance activity, service development, and education of trainees and multidisciplinary staff. This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-looking Trust with a strong commitment to innovation, quality improvement, and flexible working. Applicants with interests in IPC leadership, OPAT, or service development are encouraged to apply. Core service hours are Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00, with weekend and on-call working on a rota basis. Full details will be discussed at interview.

Main duties of the job:

• The post holder will provide specialist clinical microbiology advice for the management of infection across all Trust sites, including daily laboratory liaison, ward-based consultation, and multidisciplinary team input.
• Responsibilities include participation in the consultant on-call rota, infection prevention and control activity, antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, and outbreak management.
• The role involves close collaboration with the Infection Prevention and Control Team, Health Services Laboratories, pharmacy colleagues, and clinical teams to ensure effective diagnostics, safe prescribing, and compliance with national guidance.
• The post holder will contribute to clinical governance, audit, policy development, and service improvement, and support the training and supervision of junior doctors and other healthcare professionals.
• Strong communication skills, sound clinical judgement, and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams are essential.

Working for our organisation:

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.

If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

The Consultant Microbiologist will deliver a comprehensive clinical microbiology service, including advisory support for infection management, laboratory result interpretation, IPC leadership input, and antimicrobial stewardship. The role includes participation in the 24‑hour on‑call rota, clinical ward rounds, MDT meetings, governance forums, and liaison with UKHSA and partner organisations as required. The post holder will contribute to service planning, workforce development, education, and quality improvement, and may undertake additional leadership responsibilities such as specialist service leads, subject to experience and interest. Core departmental hours are Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00, with weekend working and on‑call commitments on a rota basis. Job planning will be agreed in line with the Consultant Contract and reviewed regularly.

Person specification:

• Full and specialist registration (and a licence to practise) with the General Medical Council (GMC) (or eligible for registration within six months of interview).
• Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists or equivalent qualification via dual training or solely HST Microbiology training.
• Holder of Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or within six months of award of CCT or equivalent by date of interview.
• Applicants that are non-UK trained will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT.
• MD or PhD.
• MRCP or evidence of equivalent qualification.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.