Specialist Grade Doctor Microbiology with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship for UK work authorization, all international applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. Immigration requirements can change, and the employer will confirm if they can sponsor your specific visa category.
About the Position
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an enthusiastic and driven Specialist Grade Doctor in Microbiology to join their clinical team. This is an excellent opportunity for international medical professionals looking to establish their career in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Why Choose This Role
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the microbiology service while developing your career in one of the UK’s leading healthcare systems. The trust is committed to supporting professional development, including assistance with the CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) portfolio process.
Location and Workplace
The position is based at University Hospital of North Durham, with potential work locations at Darlington Memorial Hospital as needed. The trust serves a population of 600,000 residents across County Durham and Darlington, providing comprehensive hospital services from two acute sites and numerous community locations.
Compensation and Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary ranging from £100,870 to £111,441 per annum on the MC70 pay scale, with a 1.4PA on-call premium. The position includes 10PA’s (practitioner whole-time equivalent) with opportunities for professional development and career progression within the NHS.
Contract Details
This is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, working full-time. The position includes a compulsory on-call commitment as part of the role, with the expectation to work autonomously within three months of appointment.
Key Responsibilities
The appointee will be responsible for providing a comprehensive diagnostic and clinical microbiology service, including bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology. Key responsibilities include providing clinical advice, interpreting test results, participating in infection control services, and supporting the laboratory’s day-to-day operations.
Clinical Duties
Clinical responsibilities include providing appropriate advice and interpretation of test results, liaising with clinicians regarding patient diagnosis and management, attending ward rounds in intensive care units, and maintaining specialist knowledge in clinical microbiology.
Laboratory Involvement
The role involves all aspects of the Clinical Microbiology laboratory’s day-to-day operations, reporting laboratory results, and providing medical interpretation. You will work closely with laboratory technical staff and contribute to the introduction of new methods and techniques.
Infection Control
As part of the Infection Control team, you’ll participate in providing infection prevention and control services to the trust and other users. This includes investigating infection control incidents, participating in outbreak management, and implementing action plans to reduce hospital-acquired infections.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must hold MBBS or equivalent medical qualification, have passed RCPath part 2 examinations, possess full GMC registration at the time of appointment, and demonstrate eligibility to work in the UK.
Essential Experience
The successful candidate must have previous experience in a Clinical Microbiology laboratory at Specialty Doctor level or equivalent. You should have extensive postgraduate clinical experience with significant experience in relevant specialties and proven ability to work effectively in different clinical settings.
Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential skills include practical laboratory abilities, capacity for research and audit activities, computer literacy, and the ability to manage clinical authorization and decision-making. Practical technical skills using a wide range of laboratory techniques are required.
Desirable Attributes
While not essential, a proven publication record in clinical microbiology, demonstrated interest in general microbiology and another specialty area, and working towards CESR would be advantageous for this position.
Certificate of Sponsorship
The employer is willing to provide a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. This sponsorship is crucial for obtaining a UK work visa. However, applicants must meet specific criteria and should verify their eligibility directly with the employer.
Application Process
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number C9439-2526-1418-1. Previous applicants need not apply. Ensure you submit all required documents, including proof of qualifications, GMC registration, and evidence of relevant experience.
Required Documentation
When applying, you must be prepared to produce ALL certificates stated as essential in the person specification. Failure to provide these documents will prevent completion of pre-employment checks.
Interview Process
If selected for interview, you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue with your application, even if you have previously arranged with the hiring manager. The interview will assess both your clinical expertise and suitability for working within the NHS.
UK Registration Requirements
International applicants must ensure they have current UK professional registration. For detailed information about working in the UK as an overseas healthcare professional, please refer to the NHS Careers website. The General Medical Council (GMC) oversees medical registration in the UK.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be conducted to verify any previous criminal convictions. All candidates must be prepared to undergo this standard pre-employment screening.
Equal Opportunities
The trust particularly welcomes applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as these groups are currently under-represented within the organization. All applications will be treated with equal consideration.
About the Employer
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. The trust has achieved several accreditations including Age Positive, Apprenticeships, Armed Forces Covenant, Carer Friendly Employer, CQC Good rating, and Disability Confident Leader status.
Contact Information
For questions about this position, please contact Veena Raviprakash (Consultant Microbiology) at veena.raviprakash1@nhs.net or by phone at 07575776056. Please note that due to high application volumes, response times may vary.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is March 18, 2026. Early application is encouraged as this position may be filled before the deadline. All applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website to be considered.
Additional Resources
For more information about the trust, please visit their website at https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/. The website provides details about services, facilities, and working conditions. Additional information about the UK’s visa and sponsorship requirements can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.