UK Health Security Agency

Trainee Consultant Clinical Scientist

The closing date is 28 April 2026

Job summary

The Mycology Reference Laboratory (MRL) provides a comprehensive national diagnostic and reference service to assist with the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and surveillance of fungal infection and antifungal drug resistance. This includes the isolation and identification of fungi from clinical material, serological, phenotypic, proteomic, molecular and biomarker tests, examination of histopathological sections, antifungal drug assays and susceptibility tests. The MRL is also responsible for the provision of expert advice in the diagnosis, treatment and management of superficial and invasive fungal infection. The MRL is responsible for the UK National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi (NCPF). Together with the Quality Assurance Laboratory, the MRL is responsible for the UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS) for identification and susceptibility testing of fungi. The MRL conducts formal training courses in mycology as well as providing individual training to visitors from the UK and abroad.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will deputise in the absence of the Head and Deputy Head of the Mycology Reference Laboratory in managerial, scientific and clinical matters, including participating in the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic and reference service for the management of fungal infection in the UK. The holder of this post will be responsible to the Head of the Mycology Reference Laboratory for the development of an extensive research program evaluating genomic approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infections in humans. They will also, under the guidance of the Head of the Laboratory, explore fungal WGS approaches for the characterisation of novel and emerging fungal pathogens and historically important clinical isolates stored in the NCPF.

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To 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 through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Details

Date posted

14 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£66,582 to £77,368 a year Per Annum, Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-JI-301484-EXT

Job locations

Lab - Southmead Hospital

Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol

BS10 5NB


Job description

Job responsibilities

  • To participate in the provision of a comprehensive and cost-effective analytical service for the diagnosis, treatment, surveillance and prevention of fungal infection. This will include identification services, histopathological examination, serological tests, molecular tests and tests with antifungal drugs.
  • To participate in the production, reporting and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics and to help maintain all quality procedures.
  • When fully trained, to provide expert and effective advice to medical practitioners on the appropriateness of laboratory investigations and the interpretation of the results obtained, as well as on the use of antifungal drugs and the interpretation of drug test results. This will include attendance at the relevant antifungal stewardship and multi-disciplinary team clinical meetings in hospitals of the United Bristol Healthcare Trust, North Bristol Trust and elsewhere as appropriate and feasible.
  • To collaborate with the staff of the Mycology Reference Laboratory, other mycology centres, epidemiologists at HCAI, fungal, AMR, AMU and sepsis division in Colindale and consultant clinical microbiologists in devising and performing surveillance of fungal infections and antifungal drug resistance.
  • To devise and perform clinical audit as appropriate.
  • To participate in the teaching and mycological training of medical, scientific and technical staff from within the Bristol Infection Sciences Laboratory and outside. To participate in activities such as training courses directed to maintaining or upgrading national mycological standards, and undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at various academic institutions.
  • To supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects on relevant scientific and clinical problems.

*This list of duties is not exhaustive*

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:

  • Medical, scientific and biomedical staff within the UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory, Infection Sciences and NBT
  • Senior staff of UKHSA, NBT Pathology and other divisions of the organisations.
  • To attend and participate in relevant meetings and updates on an ad hoc basis.
  • Medical, scientific and biomedical staff within the South West of England region.
  • Hospital and Trust staff serviced by the laboratory, other clinical and primary care staff.
  • Staff from external bodies including accreditation bodies, NHS, local authority, university, MHRA and other users/collaborators, national and enforcement bodies, commercial companies and professional groups as required.

Essential criteria

  • PhD in an area relevant to medical mycology or molecular microbiology
  • Significant post-doctoral experience in medical mycology or molecular microbiology
  • Good working knowledge of fungal diseases
  • Ability to perform and interpret a wide range of diagnostic tests in medical mycology or a proven desire to train in medical mycology
  • Good track record of publication in mycology or molecular microbiology
  • Good people-management skills
  • Good working knowledge of varied computer software applications
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Understanding and experience of LIMS
  • Good writing and presentation skills
  • Experience of working in a clinical laboratory
  • HCPC registration as a clinical scientist
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
  • Good working knowledge of fungal taxonomy

Desirable criteria:

  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Selection Process Details (Competency based)

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 14 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 1250 word supporting statement.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words. We will not consider any words over 1250 words.

Longlisting:In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile that meets ALL essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

  • HCPC registration as a clinical scientist

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview - Competency Based

You will be invited to a single face to face interview. When face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Eligibility Criteria

External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants)

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Westbury On Trym, Bristol. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a baseline disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC).

You will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  • To participate in the provision of a comprehensive and cost-effective analytical service for the diagnosis, treatment, surveillance and prevention of fungal infection. This will include identification services, histopathological examination, serological tests, molecular tests and tests with antifungal drugs.
  • To participate in the production, reporting and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics and to help maintain all quality procedures.
  • When fully trained, to provide expert and effective advice to medical practitioners on the appropriateness of laboratory investigations and the interpretation of the results obtained, as well as on the use of antifungal drugs and the interpretation of drug test results. This will include attendance at the relevant antifungal stewardship and multi-disciplinary team clinical meetings in hospitals of the United Bristol Healthcare Trust, North Bristol Trust and elsewhere as appropriate and feasible.
  • To collaborate with the staff of the Mycology Reference Laboratory, other mycology centres, epidemiologists at HCAI, fungal, AMR, AMU and sepsis division in Colindale and consultant clinical microbiologists in devising and performing surveillance of fungal infections and antifungal drug resistance.
  • To devise and perform clinical audit as appropriate.
  • To participate in the teaching and mycological training of medical, scientific and technical staff from within the Bristol Infection Sciences Laboratory and outside. To participate in activities such as training courses directed to maintaining or upgrading national mycological standards, and undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at various academic institutions.
  • To supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects on relevant scientific and clinical problems.

*This list of duties is not exhaustive*

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:

  • Medical, scientific and biomedical staff within the UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory, Infection Sciences and NBT
  • Senior staff of UKHSA, NBT Pathology and other divisions of the organisations.
  • To attend and participate in relevant meetings and updates on an ad hoc basis.
  • Medical, scientific and biomedical staff within the South West of England region.
  • Hospital and Trust staff serviced by the laboratory, other clinical and primary care staff.
  • Staff from external bodies including accreditation bodies, NHS, local authority, university, MHRA and other users/collaborators, national and enforcement bodies, commercial companies and professional groups as required.

Essential criteria

  • PhD in an area relevant to medical mycology or molecular microbiology
  • Significant post-doctoral experience in medical mycology or molecular microbiology
  • Good working knowledge of fungal diseases
  • Ability to perform and interpret a wide range of diagnostic tests in medical mycology or a proven desire to train in medical mycology
  • Good track record of publication in mycology or molecular microbiology
  • Good people-management skills
  • Good working knowledge of varied computer software applications
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Understanding and experience of LIMS
  • Good writing and presentation skills
  • Experience of working in a clinical laboratory
  • HCPC registration as a clinical scientist
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
  • Good working knowledge of fungal taxonomy

Desirable criteria:

  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Selection Process Details (Competency based)

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 14 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 1250 word supporting statement.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words. We will not consider any words over 1250 words.

Longlisting:In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile that meets ALL essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

  • HCPC registration as a clinical scientist

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview - Competency Based

You will be invited to a single face to face interview. When face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Eligibility Criteria

External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants)

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Westbury On Trym, Bristol. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a baseline disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC).

You will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Person Specification

Application form and supporting statement

Essential

  • Application form and supporting statement

Interview

Essential

  • Questions on knowledge, experience, skills & abilities
Person Specification

Application form and supporting statement

Essential

  • Application form and supporting statement

Interview

Essential

  • Questions on knowledge, experience, skills & abilities

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Lab - Southmead Hospital

Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol

BS10 5NB


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Lab - Southmead Hospital

Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol

BS10 5NB


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Resourcing Officer

John Inglis

john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

14 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£66,582 to £77,368 a year Per Annum, Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-JI-301484-EXT

Job locations

Lab - Southmead Hospital

Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol

BS10 5NB


Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)