Important Visa Information
The UK Health Security Agency offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible international candidates. However, all applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. Immigration regulations may change, and the employer will confirm if sponsorship is available for successful candidates.
Job Summary
UK Health Security Agency is seeking a Clinical Fellow to join the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) at Porton Down. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain expertise in the recognition, diagnosis and management of imported and zoonotic diseases. The role is particularly suited to medical trainees who have completed at least ST3 level in microbiology, virology, infectious diseases or relevant combined specialty training.
About UKHSA
The UK Health Security Agency is an inclusive employer that values diversity and actively encourages applications from all backgrounds. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice where everyone matters, and we promote equality of opportunity. Our ethos is to create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities.
Location and Working Environment
The position is based at UKHSA Porton in Salisbury (SP4 0JG), a specialist facility dedicated to the study of rare and imported pathogens. The laboratory environment provides state-of-the-art facilities for working with dangerous pathogens while maintaining the highest standards of biosafety. The location offers good transport links and is within reasonable distance of major cities.
Position Details
Salary
The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £65,048 to £70,425 per annum, pro rata. The salary will be determined based on the successful candidate’s level of training and experience, with potential for flexibility for those already receiving a higher salary.
Contract
This is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of extension depending on operational requirements and funding availability.
Working Pattern
UKHSA offers flexible working arrangements including full-time, part-time, job share and flexible working options. The successful candidate can discuss their preferred working pattern during the interview process.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Services
The Clinical Fellow will provide specialist clinical services and advice within the scope of RIPL’s activities. This includes care and treatment of patients, infection control, environmental sampling, and acting as a primary point of contact for clinicians. You will interpret and report laboratory results and liaise with healthcare professionals on all aspects of patient management.
Research and Development
You will participate in scientific research activities within the RIPL service and facilitate joint working on novel and dangerous diseases across UKHSA and in collaboration with other relevant infection specialists. The role also involves supporting the development and introduction of new diagnostic methodologies.
Education and Training
Through example, discussion and daily working practice, you will educate and encourage junior staff in the interpretation and significance of laboratory work for patient management. You will contribute to incident or outbreak investigations as required.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Applicants must hold a recognized medical degree meeting UK requirements for registration and be registered for a UK or equivalent international medical specialist trainee programme in microbiology, virology, infectious diseases or a relevant combined programme. GMC registration or eligibility for registration is required.
Essential qualifications include knowledge in clinical interpretation of complex laboratory tests for infectious diseases, including molecular and serological methods. Experience in the clinical presentation and management of infectious conditions and practical experience in bacteriology and virology are essential.
Applicants must demonstrate good communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team. Familiarity with Excel and PowerPoint is required, along with the ability to assimilate varied information and solve complex problems.
Desirable Criteria
While not essential, experience working with imported or tropical diseases would be advantageous. Additional experience in laboratory management and quality assurance would also be beneficial for this role.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the application form via the NHS Jobs website. When applying, international candidates should:
- Verify visa eligibility with the employer before submitting your application
- Prepare a supporting statement (maximum 1000 words) that clearly demonstrates how your skills, experience and knowledge meet the essential criteria
- Ensure your application form is completed in as much detail as possible, as you will not be able to upload a separate CV
- Use the criteria in the Person Specification as sub-headings in your application to make it clear how you meet each requirement
The application process involves two stages: initial sift based on your application form and supporting statement, followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates. Interviews will be held from 10th February 2026, and may be face-to-face or remote in exceptional circumstances.
International Applicants Information
UK Registration Requirements
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information about UK registration requirements for international medical graduates, please visit the NHS Careers website.
Criminal Records Check
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate 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.
Security Clearance
This role requires a Counter-terrorism Check (CTC) security clearance. To obtain meaningful National Security Vetting checks, applicants should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years. In exceptional circumstances, UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting, but applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder for further advice.
Employment Benefits
UKHSA offers a comprehensive benefits package including competitive pension scheme, generous annual leave entitlement, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for professional development. The organisation is committed to supporting the wellbeing of its staff through various health and wellbeing initiatives.
Contact Information
For informal discussions about this post, please contact Dr Claire Gordon, Head of Rare and Imported Pathogen Clinical Services, at [email protected]. All applications must be submitted through the NHS Jobs website by the closing date of 18 January 2026.
Further Information
For more information about UKHSA and this role, please visit our website at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency. Our careers site at https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers contains additional information about working at UKHSA and the wider benefits of joining our organisation.
Application Process Repeat
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the application form via the NHS Jobs website. When applying, international candidates should:
- Verify visa eligibility with the employer before submitting your application
- Prepare a supporting statement (maximum 1000 words) that clearly demonstrates how your skills, experience and knowledge meet the essential criteria
- Ensure your application form is completed in as much detail as possible, as you will not be able to upload a separate CV
- Use the criteria in the Person Specification as sub-headings in your application to make it clear how you meet each requirement
The application process involves two stages: initial sift based on your application form and supporting statement, followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates. Interviews will be held from 10th February 2026, and may be face-to-face or remote in exceptional circumstances.
UKHSA is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks including right to work in the UK and security clearance.
The UK Health Security Agency is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. We provide integrated science and health protection services, preparedness and response capabilities, and specialist public health advice to the UK.
As an employer, we offer a supportive working environment with opportunities for professional development and progression. We encourage applications from candidates who are passionate about public health and committed to making a difference to the health and wellbeing of the population.
The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, and public health specialists. The role provides an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in rare and imported pathogens, with exposure to a wide range of challenging cases and cutting-edge diagnostic technologies.
Training and development will be tailored to the individual’s needs, with opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, and courses relevant to the field. We support continuous professional development and encourage staff to pursue further qualifications and specializations.
The laboratory operates under strict biosafety protocols, ensuring the safety of all staff working with hazardous pathogens. Candidates will receive comprehensive training on safety procedures and will be expected to adhere to all laboratory guidelines and regulations.
UKHSA values work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements where possible. We recognize the importance of supporting staff with caring responsibilities and have policies in place to accommodate various needs.
All employees are required to adhere to the NHS Code of Conduct and the UKHSA Code of Practice. This includes maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all aspects of work.
The post is based at Porton Down, which is approximately 3 miles from Salisbury city centre. The site has excellent facilities including a gym, restaurant, and free parking. Regular bus services connect the site to Salisbury and surrounding areas.
For more information about working at UKHSA, including our benefits package and employee support services, please visit our careers website. We look forward to receiving your application.
