About this role
Job summary
Clinical Research Fellow in Functional Neurosurgery (Deep Brain Stimulation)
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior research fellow at ST8/ post-CCT level to join the Department of Neurosurgery at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, for a period of 1 year in the first instance (renewable for a further years pending performance). This is to replace the current fellow at the end of contract.
The Department of Neurosurgery at KCH is part of one of the largest Regional Neuroscience Units in the UK and the appointee to this post will work closely with Prof Ashkan, the academic lead, and his team on a range of commercial and non commercial research projects and studies. The main focus of the research will be Deep Brain Stimulation although the fellow may at times be required to help with other neuroscience research.
For the purposes of this job description this clinical research fellowship is intended to allow an experienced neurosurgical trainee to obtain experience, both academically and clinically, over a two-three year period (pending performance in the first year) in functional neurosurgery (Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)). This post will provide experience sufficient to allow a successful fellow to offer himself/herself for appointment to a consultant position, with an academic interest, involving a substantial commitment to DBS. To achieve this the trainee will be given experience in the following broad areas:
Main duties of the job
1) The opportunity to conduct research into functional neurosurgery and publish research papers in peer reviewed journals. The research activities will include recruitment into clinical and basic science studies, investigations of anatomy and physiology of DBS targets, optimization of surgical workflow, optimization of DBS therapy, increased awareness and acceptability of the therapy amongst referrers.
2) The fellow will be expected to attend two national/ international meetings each year and present abstracts, critical to enhance to international reputation if the department.
3) The assessment, investigation and treatment of patients undergoing functional neurosurgery in particular those with movement disorders and intractable pain, and experience of the operative techniques involved in treating these patients.
The participation in a multi-disciplinary team consisting of functional neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists and specialist nurses.
About us
The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. In June 2026, we launched our new strategy for 2026-31. Our vision is to transform healthcare, and we have agreed six strategic ambitions to help us improve care for patients, and the working lives of our staff.
Our six strategic ambitions are deliveringhigh-quality patient care; creating a great place to work; leading pioneering research, innovation and education; building strong and successful partnerships; providing timely and efficient care; and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
We have also agreed four new organisational values - Caring, Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative - and these underpin everything we do, and how our teams interact with the patients under our care.
We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.
King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
Job description Job responsibilities
The successful candidate will join Prof Ashkans experienced research team and will work on multiple ongoing projects. There will also be opportunity to develop own research. The appointee will have the opportunity to attend clinical sessions and take part in the on call rota pending agreement of the research and clinical teams.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details of the main responsibilities of the role.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification Essential
Eligible for registration with the GMC MB BS (or equivalent) FRCS (Neurosurgery) CCT
Desirable
PhD, MD (original research)
Knowledge and Experience Essential
Substantial experience in general neurosurgery At least close to completion of CCT
Desirable
Exposure to functional neurosurgery Commitment to a career in functional neurosurgery
Skills and Competencies Essential
Knowledge and experience in elective and emergency neurosurgery Ability to prioritize clinical need Ability to organise oneself & own work Evidence of participation and active involvement in audit projects/ research Experience and ability to work in multi-professional teams- Understanding of clinical risk management
Desirable
Previous publications/ presentations
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to 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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill
London
SE5 9RS
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)