About the job

Job summary

This role is a consultant level post for the medical and scientific lead of the Respiratory Virus Unit of the Virus Reference Department, UKHSA Colindale.

The postholder will lead on influenza, coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, and other respiratory viruses to improve the capability of the UK to respond to public health threats. They will contribute to ensuring UKHSA remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and that the evidence base for intervention in, and prevention of outbreaks, is world leading.

This is national leadership role with the opportunity for developing an international leadership role in respiratory virology.

Job description

The appointee will provide medical and scientific leadership to the Respiratory Virus Unit. They will contribute to the consultant clinical service for the Virus Reference Department, including participation in the out of hours duty doctor rota (currently 1:8 frequency). They will lead responses to outbreaks, incidents, events and queries relevant to the Virus Reference Department and the wider Science Group; including acting as the co-lead for Virology Cell when established in response to national incidents.

The appointee will lead the virological investigation of influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses emerging as causes of respiratory infections, including molecular and antigenic characterisation, and contribute to the development of new genomics or serological assays, vaccine effectiveness and antiviral drug resistance.

Person specification

To provide medical and scientific leadership to the Respiratory Virus Unit;

To provide medical and scientific support to the Enteric Virus Unit and Poliovirus Reference Service;

To support the UKHSA’s national programme of work related to the development and improvement of surveillance, investigation, prevention and control of respiratory virus infections through writing of guidance, advising on national programs and policy, and other activities.

Applicants are strongly advised to use the criteria in the Person Specification of the Job Description as sub-headings in their application to make it clear how they meet each of the selection criteria.

The successful candidate will be appointed to the point of the Consultant salary scale appropriate to their years of seniority or if from a background other than medicine to NHS Agenda for Change Band 8d.

Inclusion in the GMC Full and Specialist Register with a license to practice (or be eligible for registration within six months of interview)

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

UK Health Security Agency promoted diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunities employer

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.