Medical Consultant in Clinical Countermeasures with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Important Visa Information
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship to eligible international candidates. However, all applicants must verify their visa/work permit eligibility directly with UK Health Security Agency before applying. Even with sponsorship, visa requirements may vary based on your country of origin and professional qualifications.
About UK Health Security Agency
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is the executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care responsible for protecting the public from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. We are committed to being an inclusive employer that values diversity and actively encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including international candidates.
Job Overview
We are seeking a Medical Consultant in Clinical Countermeasures to join our Epidemic & Emerging Infections Directorate. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of public health protection, focusing on developing clinical countermeasures for emerging infectious diseases. The post will be split between the Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) unit and the Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (EIZ) unit within the Tuberculosis (TB) Acute Respiratory, Zoonoses, Emerging infection, and Travel health division (TARZET).
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead the development of clinical countermeasures for emerging infectious diseases. You will work closely with infection horizon scanning programs to understand the landscape of emerging infections and develop approaches using existing and novel vaccines and therapeutics. The role involves collaborating with academics, clinical trials units, and modellers to understand infection trajectories and how interventions could modify these trends.
Core Duties Include:
- Developing and integrating therapeutics and vaccines horizon scanning with divisional infections scanning
- Leading surveillance programs to monitor appropriate use of therapies and vaccines
- Providing expert public health advice during emergency situations
- Working with government advisory groups including NERVTAG, ACDP, and JCVI
- Collaborating with NHS to plan deployment of therapeutics and vaccines in emergencies
Essential Criteria
Applicants must be included in the GMC Full and Specialist Register with a license to practice or be eligible for registration within six months of interview. Alternatively, you must be on the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) for Public Health Specialists. If included in the GMC Specialist Register in a specialty other than public health medicine/dental public health, microbiology, virology or infectious diseases, you must have equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of public health practice.
Person Specification
Applicants will be assessed based on their application form and a 1500-word Statement of Suitability. This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role. The selection process includes an initial sift against essential criteria, followed by a competency-based interview.
Application Process
To apply, you must complete both an application form (including the Employer/Activity history section) and a 1500-word Statement of Suitability. The application form will be scored together with your statement. Please note that you cannot upload a CV – all information must be entered directly into the application form.
Interview Process
Interviews will be held remotely on 9th March 2026. Selected candidates will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation on the subject of novel therapeutics. The interview will assess your knowledge, experience, and skills using the Civil Service Competency framework.
Working Arrangements
This role is offered with hybrid working based at any of our Core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London) or at our scientific campus site at Colindale. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) at one of these locations. If based at a scientific campus, you will require a Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) security clearance.
Benefits and Support
We offer competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and support for professional development. The post is offered as a fixed-term contract for 3 years with potential for extension. International candidates will receive support with the certificate of sponsorship process and onboarding.
How to Apply as an International Candidate
Step 1: Verify your eligibility with UK Visas and Immigration before applying. Ensure you meet the skilled worker visa requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your professional qualifications and credentials for verification.
Step 3: Complete both the application form and statement of suitability, highlighting any international experience and qualifications.
Step 4: Include details of any criminal record certificates required by UKVI if applicable.
Required Documents for International Applicants
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants have had to present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Please ensure you obtain these certificates well in advance of your application.
Professional Registration Requirements
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information, please visit the NHS Careers website for overseas health professionals. The UKHSA will provide support with the registration process where possible.
Equal Opportunities
UKHSA is committed to equality of opportunity and actively encourages applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. We particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
Contact Information
For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Richard Puleston (Head of Team and Consultant Epidemiologist) at richard.puleston@ukhsa.gov.uk. Please include the reference number 919-KP-62103761-EXT in your subject line.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 15 February 2026. Please ensure you submit both your application form and statement of suitability before this deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
Next Steps
Successful candidates will be invited to an interview in March 2026, with a proposed start date of April 2026. The post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory references and security clearance.
Further Information
For more information about UK Health Security Agency and our work, please visit our website at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency. You can also find more information about our careers at https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers.
Privacy Notice
UKHSA complies with data protection regulations. Your personal information will be used solely for recruitment purposes. For detailed information about how we process your data, please read the UK Health Security Agency’s privacy notice available at https://www.gov.uk/help/privacy-notice.