Virology Medical Consultant (RSV): Sponsorship Available

Job summary

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

The postholder will lead on virological surveillance of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) to develop the capability of the UK to undertake RSV strain surveillance, following the introduction of RSV vaccines. 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.

Main duties of the job

The appointee will support the development of virological surveillance of RSV as a cause of respiratory infections, including molecular and antigenic characterisation, and contribute to the development of new genomics or serological assays, vaccine effectiveness measurements and antiviral drug resistance tracking.

The post holder will be expected to

• Provide support to Science Group senior managers, including Deputy Directors, on work associated with RSV reference virology, viral genomics and virological surveillance.
• Participate in medical audit and quality improvement and other matters relating to clinical governance.
• Lead the virological investigation of RSV, including detailed characterisation of RSV strains, vaccine effectiveness and antiviral drug resistance.
• Lead the virological investigation of co-infections with RSV and 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.
• 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 particularly with reference to RSV.

For further details, please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• In line with legislation, inclusion in the GMC Full and Specialist Register with a license to practice at the point of application.
• If included in the GMC Specialist Register in a specialty other than public health medicine/dental public health, candidates must have equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of public health practice.
• Any public health speciality registrar applicants who are currently on the UK public health training programme and not yet on either the GMC specialist register must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they are within 6 months of gaining entry to a register at the date of interview Applicants going through the portfolio registration routes (GMC) are not eligible to be shortlisted for interview until they are included on the register. The six-month rule does not apply to these portfolio route applicants.
• If an applicant is UK trained in Public Health, they must ALSO be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview. If an applicant is non-UK trained, they will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT.
• Applicants must meet minimum CPD requirements (i.e. be up to date) in accordance with Faculty of Public Health requirements or other recognised body.
• Relevant PhD/MD in virology.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Training and experience in clinical virology, with relevant specialist experience of and expertise in influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.
• Public health experience, including working with other agencies, emergency planning, writing and formulating public health guidance.
• Experience of working at regional, national or international level in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Evidence and experience in staff management and training of both medical and non-medical staff.
• Demonstrates use of evidence-based practice

Desirable

• Research experience, presentations, publications, prizes and honours

Skills/Capabilities/Requirements

Essential

• Competent to work without direct supervision where appropriate; ability to organise self and own work and to prioritise clinical need, and to show awareness of their own limitations.
• Decisiveness/ accountability (ability to take responsibility, show leadership, make decisions, exert appropriate authority).
• Interpersonal skills (see patients as people, empathise, work co-operatively with others).
• Flexibility (able to change and adapt, respond to rapidly changing circumstances)
• Commitment to and focused on quality, promotes high standards in all they do.
• Consistently thinks about how their work can help and support clinicians and frontline staff deliver better outcomes for patients.
• Works well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others.
• Consistently looks to improve what they do, looks for successful tried and tested ways of working, and also seeks out innovation.
• Actively develops themselves and supports others to do the same.

Equality and Diversity

Essential

• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, and in relation to management systems

Closing Date: 22 November 2026