Location
Colindale Scientific Campus, London Borough of Barnet, with occasional attendance at Birmingham HQ. Hybrid working is not available for this role.

Hours
Full time, standard working hours as per UKHSA policies.

Salary
£66,582 - £77,368 per annum (NHS AfC Band 8b) plus a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) of 15% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £4,870 and a maximum payment of £6,137 per annum, pro rata.

About the Role
The National Mycobacterial Reference Service (NMRS) operates two Containment Level 3 laboratories at Colindale and Birmingham, providing UKAS-accredited reference services for tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), including specialised NHS diagnostics and molecular testing unavailable in routine NHS laboratories. Since 2018, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been used for species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility prediction, and strain typing. NMRS is the sole provider of TB susceptibility testing and typing in England and delivers specialist testing, expert advice, and resilience support across the UK. The service also generates income through charged NHS testing.
As a World Health Organization (WHO) Supranational Reference Laboratory, NMRS contributes to global TB drug resistance surveillance and informs international policy.
The Principal Clinical Scientist will lead a specialist team within NMRS, reporting to the Regional Head of Operations and liaising with the Clinical Lead. Responsibilities include providing a comprehensive analytical service for diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and prevention of mycobacterial infections, working with Hazard Group 3 mycobacteria in a containment level 3 environment. The role involves identification, molecular and culture-based testing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and clinical oversight.
Additional duties include producing and disseminating laboratory reports, providing expert advice to medical practitioners, participating in scientific and multidisciplinary meetings, seeking external funding, establishing research programmes, collaborating with national and international partners, conducting clinical audits, and contributing to teaching and training of medical, scientific, and technical staff.
The post holder will maintain professional skills, attend relevant scientific meetings, participate in national UKHSA work, and undertake managerial duties as appropriate.
Professional development is supported through appraisal and training plans, including mandatory training such as fire safety and information governance.
Security clearance at Counter-terrorist Check level is required prior to appointment.

Experience
- Significant post-doctoral experience in medical microbiology or mycobacteriology
- Experience working in a clinical laboratory environment
- Proven ability to perform and interpret a wide range of diagnostic tests in mycobacteriology
- Good track record of publication in the field
- Experience in people management
- Understanding and experience of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team

About You
- Registered HCPC Clinical Scientist
- Good working knowledge of mycobacterial diseases and taxonomy
- Proficient in varied computer software applications
- Strong writing and presentation skills
- Commitment to equality of opportunity and fostering good working relationships
- Ability to provide expert advice to medical practitioners and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications
- PhD in a relevant area of medical microbiology or mycobacteriology
- HCPC Clinical Scientist registration is essential