About this role
Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Fellow
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Type: Fixed term
Duration: 12
Purpose for Fixed Term: Training Contract
This post is appointed on a fixed-term basis for the primary purpose of providing structured training and supervised clinical development. While the postholder will contribute to service delivery, the overarching purpose of the post is to provide defined educational opportunities, supervised clinical practice, and experience aligned to the relevant specialty training curriculum
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
UHS is the regional centre for complex spinal surgery, providing specialist adult and paediatric services across the Wessex region. The Wessex Spinal Service operates as a dedicated unit within the Wessex Neurological Centre, supported by spinal consultants from orthopaedic and neurosurgical backgrounds, its own adult ward and outpatient facilities, an experienced ANP team and a dedicated service manager.
We are seeking a Senior Spinal Fellow committed to a career in spinal surgery, bringing enthusiasm, initiative and compassion to the role. The fellowship offers broad training across the full spinal surgical pathway, including elective and non elective care, with exposure to complex procedures to support advanced skill development.
You will participate in the on call rota, gaining direct experience within the regional NEL pathway with support from the on call consultant. You will also take part in MDT, audit and management meetings, and will be encouraged to attend relevant training courses and conferences.
Training is tailored to the successful applicant, with consultant led clinics and operating lists providing exceptional opportunities for hands on learning and progression.
About us
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.
We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
Job description Job responsibilities
The Senior Spinal Fellow will support the management of elective, traumatic and complex spinal conditions in adults and children, working across inpatient care, theatres, clinics and MDT activity.
The role includes supervised operative experience, day to day ward leadership, active involvement in audit, research and quality improvement, and maintaining up to date knowledge of best practice.
Participation in the middle grade spinal on call rota is required, providing emergency and out of hours support alongside registrars and consultant spinal surgeons.
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents attached.
For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for. It outlines the essential criteria for the role and is designed to support you in preparing your application by helping you evaluate how your skills, experience, and professional background align with the requirements of the role.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Appointment will be made under local contractual terms and conditions of service for Trust appointed fellow doctors and dentists. Applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship should ensure they meet the Home Office application criteria prior to submitting an application.
Successful candidates will have an educational framework equivalent to training grade doctors, and there will be a named educational supervisor assigned at the start of the post. The opportunity for Continued Professional Development (CPD) is highly supported and encouraged by the Trust, with options available to take study leave.
Grades for Trust appointed fellows will be paid a basic salary at a nodal pay point linked to the grade, at the rate set out in the National Medical and Dental pay circular. Basic salary plus any additional remuneration (as applicable) for hours set out in the doctors work schedule (e.g. additional hours, weekend allowance, and any hours which attract enhanced pay)
Proposed interview date: TBC
This vacancy closes on or before 10th June 2026
Person Specification
Qualifications, Training & Experience Essential
MBBS or equivalent medical qualification FRCS GMC registration with a licence to practise Appropriate knowledge base, and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems Some prior spinal training Previous training within Orthopaedics and/or NS at registrar level to year 4
Desirable
CCT Evidence of completion of ATLS
Aptitudes and skills Essential
Evidence and ability to work effectively in multi-professional teams Understanding of equality and diversity and how this affects patients, visitors and staff Evidence and ability to communicate and liaise effectively with patients and colleagues (verbal and written communication skills in English). Demonstrate good organisational skills including ability to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines Demonstrate the ability to be calm, compassionate, and able to respond efficiently to various circumstances, which may change rapidly Evidence of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching Evidence of surgical aptitude Evidence of good clinical judgement Clear logical thinking showing an analytical scientific approach
Living Trust Values Essential
Patients First Always Improving Working Together
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 University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Address Southampton General Hospital
Southampton
SO16 6YD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)