Job Summary
An opportunity has arisen to join our team at the Ipswich base within ESNEFT. We are inviting applications for a full-time substantive post in the ESNEFT infection service, suitable for candidate on the specialist register with a qualification in Medical Microbiology, consultants dual accredited in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases or Consultant Clinical Scientists who have completed a training programme in Medical Microbiology. Candidates applying as Consultant Clinical Scientists are expected to have completed a recognised Higher Speciality Scientific Training programme (HSST) in Medical Microbiology and to have completed the FRCPath(UK) examinations for infection training. Our Enhanced Welcome package includes an additional £20,000 lump sum plus 1.5 SPA time for 12 months and relocation costs to thank you for choosing to work at our trust and to help you with your new journey with ESNEFT.
Main duties of the job
This job description is intended to cover the main parts of the post only. Applicants are invited to enquire regarding any point(s) they are unsure about.
* To provide leadership in the management, provision and development of Microbiology and Infection Control Services for the department.
* To undertake laboratory work including advice regarding diagnostic samples, validation and interpretation of results and involvement in agreeing policies and procedures for the examination of samples.
* To participate in the diagnosis and management of individual patients by liaison with patients, clinicians and other hospital and community staff.
* To be involved in business planning, introduction of new methods and forward planning for staff and equipment.
* To regularly and systematically review all departmental policies, SOPs and protocols in line with Trust policy on document control and risk management strategy.
* To maintain effective communication and engagement with clinical colleagues and other service users, including consultants in communicable disease control and health protection.
* To advise on Infection control issues in conjunction with microbiology and infection control nursing colleagues.
About Us
We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients' own homes. We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff. We offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offers a variety of services. We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic, delivering a digital transformation for ESNEFT.
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you. Find out about living and working here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A
Details
Date posted: 02 February 2026
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Consultant
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 a year on experience
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 432-MI2811
Job locations: Ipswich, Heath Road, Ipswich, IP4 5PD
Job responsibilities
* To work with colleagues in setting and delivering the clinical governance agenda, including accreditation through UKAS.
* To participate in clinical and laboratory audit and maintain an appropriate level of participation in a recognised programme of Continuing Professional Development and to participate in the teaching of medical undergraduates and other groups of healthcare staff.
* To participate in appraisal and job planning in accordance with Trust policy.
* To make an appropriate contribution to setting and achieving directorate strategic goals and performance targets, aiming for year on year improvement.
This is a whole-time post consisting of 11.5 Programmed Activities (or equivalent for Consultant Clinical Scientist) which can include on-call commitments. This post attracts 8 PA for direct clinical care (DCC), 2 SPA, and an additional 1.5 PA is paid for the out-of-hours on-call commitment (1:5) at the highest frequency rate. The team work closely together and all have infection control responsibilities as part of normal clinical duties. Specialist roles such as Infection Control Leads and Antimicrobial Stewardship leads are rotated around clinical colleagues and factored into DCC for job planning. If a candidate cannot work full-time, modification of the job content will be discussed; part-time arrangements may be considered with substantial dedication to duties. Consultants not required to be on-site for clinical duties may work remotely, with some Ipswich site services provided remotely on rotation.
Person Specification
Essential
* Full and specialist registration (and a licence to practise with the General Medical Council (GMC) or eligible for registration within six months of interview)
* For Consultant Clinical Scientists: Completion of HSST training programme in Medical Microbiology/Infection
* Medical Degree: MBBS or equivalent
* FRCPath or equivalent
* Ability to participate in general microbiology on call cover rota
* Experience in Infection Control
* Thorough understanding of the principles of clinical audit
* Broad experience of the clinical and laboratory aspects of Microbiology and/or Virology
Desirable
* Experience in developing effective and collaborative working relationships
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a DBS disclosure.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered. For details, refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers for details.
Employer details: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Ipswich, Heath Road, Ipswich, IP4 5PD. Website: https://www.esneft.nhs.uk/
#J-18808-Ljbffr