Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, UK

Job Description

Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, UK

DAI Is seeking a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist to support implementation of four Fleming Fund country grants. The Fleming Fund works to address critical gaps in surveillance of antibiotic resistant bacteria in low and middle-income countries (LMIC).

The Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, based in London, will develop and implement a strategy for increased level of engagement between physicians and laboratories to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Working with Fleming Fund counterparts and country grant teams in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nigeria and Pakistan, the consultant clinical microbiologist will: 

• Develop consistent global guidance and associated tools to enhance clinical engagement between clinicians and laboratory microbiologists.  Guidance and tools must conform to international best practices and take into account resource constraints of low- and middle-income countries;
• Provide technical expertise and mentorship to support the four country technical teams apply and adapt the global guidance to their country context. 
• Provide additional clinical microbiology support (e.g, review SOPs, clinical protocols, laboratory bench aids, etc.)
• Provide technical assistance in developing monitoring strategies for laboratory performance, in particular those relevant for the clinicians (e.g. sample throughput, turnaround times, communication of critical results)
• Assist in the identification and training of clinician champions at hospital sites (non-infection specialist who can be supported to lead AMR surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programmes)

• Support development of evidence-based behavior change programmes which incorporate the use of laboratory diagnostics and data to improve antimicrobial prescribing
• Provide technical inputs for initiatives to integrate analysis of laboratory, clinical and prescribing data to support the economic case for investment in bacteriology laboratories
• Develop innovative ways to engage medical staff in microbiology laboratory improvement programmes and improve communications between the clinicians and laboratory staff
• Development of phlebotomy training programmes for blood cultures to improve sample throughput and reduce contamination rates
• Support development of AMU surveillance programmes at hospital site level (e.g. Point Prevalence Surveys / audit)

• Desired Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will be a medical doctor with specialization in clinical microbiology, or infectious diseases where training has included a significant microbiology component, significant clinical experience and professional experience working in LMIC settings. The successful candidate will also have proven success engaging and working with multi-disciplinary teams and proven ability mentoring technical staff.

• Excellent communications skills
• Practical laboratory experience in clinical bacteriology, including in low-income settings
• Understanding of laboratory information systems, including WHONET
• Experience in surveillance for antimicrobial use at facility and/or national level

• Teaching / Mentoring experience highly desirable

About the Organization

DAI is an international development company. For 40 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 80 countries. Our development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.