Consultant Microbiologist

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.

• 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.
• Participate in the consultant on‑call rota, infection prevention and control activity, antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, and outbreak management.
• Collaborate 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.
• Contribute to clinical governance, audit, policy development, and service improvement.
• Support training and supervision of junior doctors and other healthcare professionals.

• Strong communication skills, sound clinical judgment, and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience or interest in IPC leadership, OPAT, or service development is encouraged.

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.

We offer a variety of flexible working options and prioritise staff wellbeing and development. The Trust is committed to innovation, quality improvement, and the use of digital healthcare to improve clinical care, outcomes, and patient experience.

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. Our vision is excellent patient care, together, and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional, and inclusive.