Clinical Microbiologist
Clinical Microbiologists (also known as Clinical Scientists in Microbiology), deal with identifying bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. This helps prevent epidemics and has a large influence on the clinical management of patients.
The work focuses on disease diagnosis, treatment and surveillance; clinical scientists often collaborate closely with health care professionals. There is some opportunity to carry out research and development projects in the specialisms of bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology, often working in collaboration with clinical or industrial colleagues.
Clinical Microbiologists are employed in diagnostic laboratories and pathology departments in larger hospitals and university medical schools. The Public Health Laboratory Service is the major employer of clinical scientists in microbiology, many of whom work in reference laboratories, and some work as epidemiologists.
Hospital Doctors, General Practitioners and Environmental Health Officers rely on the expertise of Clinical Microbiologists. Clinical Microbiologists can have an immediate effect on clinical management of patients, and on treatments or epidemiological surveys designed to protect the health of individuals.
Entry Requirements
The minimum qualification required is an honours degree in microbiology or another relevant biological discipline.
For entry to a degree course in Biological Science the usual requirement is three/four Highers (A-C) plus Standard Grades (1-3) in one/two other subjects. The Highers should include two Science subjects.
However, entry requirements vary between courses and alternative qualifications may be accepted – check individual university prospectuses for details
Training
Graduates, on completion of a relevant degree will then pursue a trainee period at Grade A and continue to study and train for qualifications in their chosen specialities. Training in Grade A involves a formal programme, with rotation between teaching and district general hospitals, overseen by a regional tutor. Completion of the Grade A training programmes will enable the trainee to apply for a Grade B position (in some cases this may be automatic).
This study can be undertaken either on a full-time or a part-time basis. It will sometimes lead to an MSc and provide part of the requirements for entry to the first stage of membership of the relevant professional body. The practical training normally takes place at a variety of different laboratories and both these aspects can last up to three years.
Career Prospects
Scientists who have completed Grade A training are eligible to compete for vacancies at Grade B, the main professional grade. Progress through Grade B posts is not automatic and salary will be linked to the job description.
Heads of department and deputies in larger laboratories are employed at Grade C, which is equivalent to medical consultant staff.
How to apply
Click here to see current NHS Scotland vacancies in Microbiology
Vacancies are also advertised in local and national press.
Further details and application forms for most Grade A training posts can be obtained from the Clinical Scientists Recruitment Centre.
Applications for degree courses are made through The Universities and Colleges Admission Services.
Further Information
For further information on a career as a Clinical Microbiologist, please contact:
The Society for General Microbiology
