Consultant Virologist

Job summary

Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS) has an exciting opportunity for a medically-qualified virologist who holds FRCPath Part 2 or is within 6 months of being awarded GMC specialist registration by CCT or CESR to work at St Peter’s Hospital.

We are one of the country’s highest-performing, most integrated and most respected NHS Pathology networks.

BSPS serves six hospitals across five NHS Trusts: Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital, Wexham Park Hospital, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Royal Berkshire Hospital and East Surrey Hospital.

Applications are invited for a permanent full-time consultant virologist post (10 PAs, of which 8.5 are DCC and 1.5 are SPA). This is a new post created in recognition of the need to strengthen the resilience of the senior clinical team and to develop clinical virology services across our pathology network. We are looking for applicants with enthusiasm and drive, who are good communicators and team-workers, who foster productive working relationships with colleagues, and who are committed to patients, their safety and the quality of the services we provide.

INTERVIEWS FOR THIS POST WILL BE HELD IN PERSON ON 18/09/2026

Main duties of the job

To work productively and effectively as a team member with senior clinical virology colleagues and the virology laboratory BMS, MLA and administrative staff to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, safe, comprehensive virology service to the Trusts and communities of the BSPS network.

To validate, verify, authorise and interpret virology and related laboratory results.

To communicate critical/urgent results to clinical users and microbiologist colleagues.

To provide clinical advice on the management of patients with viral infectious diseases.

To engage with infection control and public health colleagues in the management of incidents and outbreaks.

To participate and lead on (where appropriate) the development of the repertoire of clinical virology services provided to the clinical teams of our Trusts.

To work according to the agreed job plan.

To uphold the principles of patient safety and confidentiality in line with regulations (e.g. GDPR) and published guidance (e.g. NICE, GMC Good Medical Practice).

To carry out clinical duties to the level of their clinical competence and in line with departmental SOPs and guidelines.

To conduct themselves according to the principles and precepts laid out in the GMC’s Good Medical Practice standards.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Medical Degree: MBBS or equivalent
• FRCPath or evidence of equivalent qualification
• Full and specialist registration (and a licence to practise) with the General Medical Council (GMC) (or be eligible for specialist registration within six months of interview
• Applicants who are UK trained, must also be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Virology, or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview. -Applicants who are non-UK trained will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT

Desirable

• MRCP
• Joint training (Virology and ID)

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Experience in Infection Control and management of outbreaks.
• Experience in clinical service delivery
• Experience of laboratory virology, including familiarity with common testing platforms, QMS, accreditation, the use of LIMS
• Thorough understanding of the principles of and experience in clinical audit
• Competence in the use of common IT systems and applications

Desirable

• Experience in developing effective and collaborative working relationships
• Experience in MDTs
• Experience in clinics and ward rounds

Attributes, Values and Behaviours

Essential

• Knowledge and awareness of diversity and human rights
• Ability to communicate effectively with other staff to ensure that care, treatment and support are not compromised
• Understanding of principles of clinical governance
• Evidence of ability to continuously improve patient and staff experience
• Ability to empathise with patients and their families and to treat them with compassion and sensitivity

Teaching

Essential

• Medical and non-medical undergraduate and postgraduate teaching experience

Desirable

• Postgraduate certificate in Education

Leadship and Management

Essential

• Understanding of NHS Policy and delivery of national performance targets (including hospital acquired infections)
• Flexible, pragmatic and a problem solving approach
• Ability to inspire and motivate others

Desirable

• Evidence of previous active participation in leadership and management activities

Research

Essential

• oExperience of research, particularly in collaboration with other clinicians

Closing Date: 15 August 2026