Main area Medical Microbiology Grade NHS Medical & Dental: YC72 Contract Permanent: plus on calls Hours Full time - 10 sessions per week (Plus On Calls Cat A 3%) Job ref 302-26-8145977-MHR-M
Site Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Town Wigan Salary £113,565 - £150,569 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 04/08/2026 23:59
Job overview
WWL is excited to invite applications for two permanent full-time Consultant Microbiologist positions within our expanding and forward-thinking Microbiology and Virology service. These appointments represent an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic team delivering high-quality clinical microbiology and virology services across the Trust and wider healthcare community.
We are seeking enthusiastic, motivated and clinically excellent microbiologists who are passionate about delivering outstanding patient care, driving service improvement, supporting antimicrobial stewardship, and contributing to teaching and research activities within a progressive NHS organisation.
Applicants must be on the GMC Specialist Register, or be eligible for entry and expected to obtain their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) within six months of the interview date.
The successful candidates will join a supportive and experienced consultant body committed to innovation, collaboration and the delivery of safe, effective and patient‑centred care.
Main duties of the job
The Microbiology department at WWL delivers clinical microbiology and virology services to the trust, Primary Care and community services. The department provides an extensive range of bacteriology, serology and mycology services.
Successful applicants will make use of the laboratory services located at Salford Royal Hospital, delivered to both Trusts as part of a joint venture - Pathology at Wigan and Salford or “PAWS”.
Key interdependencies for the microbiology service include:
- Clinical liaison service, including strong links with critical care
- Laboratory support
- Infection Prevention & Control team
- Antimicrobial stewardship
- MSK surgical services provided at Wrightington Hospital
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The main duties and responsibilities of the post include:
- Providing a comprehensive microbiology & virology service
- Sharing responsibility with colleagues at Wigan and Salford for providing a 24-hour, 7 day on‑call service
- Deputising for the infection control doctor, where applicable
- Contributing towards antimicrobial stewardship
- Complying with RCPath recommendations on appraisal and CPD
- Contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate medical education where applicable
- Adhering to Wrightington Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust’s policies on Clinical Governance.
The successful applicant will be expected to provide clinical advice by phone and e‑mail, manage positive blood cultures and other urgent clinical samples, attend ward rounds, multi‑disciplinary team meetings and relevant management and governance meetings, and to provide occasional support to laboratory scientific staff and members of the infection prevention and control team. The successful applicant will be encouraged to develop a relevant subspecialty interest and to participate in research, subject to resources and local priorities.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Full GMC Registration with a current Licence to Practice
- Inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register/CCT or evidence of Higher Speciality Training leading to CCT or be within 6 months of confirmed entry to the Specialist Register from the date of interview.
- FRCPath or equivalent
- MRCP/MD/PhD/Other relevant diploma
Experience
- Ability to work at consultant level in Clinical Microbiology
- Ability to offer an expert opinion in Infection Control
- Ability to offer an expert opinion in public health microbiology
- Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of teaching medical students, and/or other relevant professional groups
- Experience of working as an Infection Control Doctor
- Ability to offer an expert opinion in a specialist clinical area in line with service needs
- Experience of leading a multidisciplinary team
- Experience in orthopedic infection
Skills
- Ability to use a computer and the internet
- Ability to follow laboratory protocols
- Proven organisational skills
Knowledge
- Evidence of participation in CPD over the past 12 months where relevant
Additional
- A willingness to accept flexibility to meet the changing needs of the NHS
- Effective communicator and negotiator
- Demonstrate effective leadership
- Open and non‑confrontational
- Speak English to an appropriate standard relevant to their role, i.e. with confidence and accuracy, using correct sentence structures and vocabulary, and without hesitation
- A willingness to develop special interests which conform to the needs of WWL
Our preferred method of application is online. If you experience any difficulties submitting your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01942 773823 for support.
Consultant Microbiologist in Wigan employer: Wwl
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff while delivering high-quality healthcare services to a diverse community. With a strong commitment to professional development, including support for CPD and research opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow within a collaborative and engaging work culture. Located in Wigan, the Trust fosters a supportive environment where every team member's contribution is valued, ensuring that both staff and patients thrive together.
