Clinical Research Fellow in Vascular Surgery

University Hospitals Sussex; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 67,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Clinical Research Fellow in Vascular Surgery to join our established vascular department in Brighton. The post combines clinical work with dedicated research activity and aims to develop academic credentials in collaboration with a university partner.

The role offers a structured environment, with limited on-call duties to maintain clinical experience, and a 12-month fixed-term contract in a supportive, multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Basic Medical Degree required.
• Full GMC registration and licence to practise.
• Advanced Life Support certificate required.
• Higher degree (e.g., MSc, PhD) pursued or completed.

Responsibilities

• Lead vascular research projects and support ongoing trials.
• Develop study protocols, ethics applications, and research outputs.
• Participate in audit, QI, and academic meetings; maintain documentation.
• Produce abstracts, manuscripts and presentations.

Education

Basic Medical Degree

Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice

Advanced Life Support Certificate from the Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent

Higher Degree

Job description

Clinical Research Fellow in Vascular Surgery

NHS Medical & Dental: Local Appointment nodal point 4a (MT04)

Main area Vascular Grade NHS Medical & Dental: Local Appointment nodal point 4a (MT04) Contract 12 months (Fixed Term) Hours Full time - 40 hours per week Job ref 279-MWRSCH-CFVASC-REG -109

Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Brighton Salary £67,325 - £67,998 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 11/11/2026 23:59

Job overview

This role offers an opportunity to work within an established vascular department while focusing primarily on research activity. The post provides a structured environment to develop academic skills, contribute to ongoing studies, and work towards a higher research degree in collaboration with a university partner. You will be part of a supportive team with access to a wide clinical network, with a limited on-call commitment to maintain clinical experience. This position would suit a self-motivated doctor with an interest in research who is looking to build academic experience alongside clinical practice.

Main duties of the job

Undertake and support vascular research projects, including developing study protocols, contributing to ethics applications, and producing academic outputs such as presentations and publications. You will participate in audit, quality improvement, and research meetings while maintaining accurate documentation. The role includes a limited clinical commitment through participation in the vascular on‑call rota, requiring sound clinical judgement and effective prioritisation. You will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing demands. Engagement in ongoing professional development and maintaining a research portfolio are key aspects of the role.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating.

Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Research responsibilities

• Lead vascular research projects and support ongoing trials.
• Develop study protocols, ethics applications, and research outputs.
• Participate in audit, QI, and academic meetings.
• Produce abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations.

Clinical responsibilities

• Participate in the 1:10 vascular on‑call rota, including 1:10 ward week cover.
• No routine clinics or theatre sessions.

Communication

• Maintain accurate documentation and communication within research and clinical teams.
• Engage in mandatory training and maintain a research portfolio.

Person specification

Experience & Qualifications

• Basic Medical Degree
• Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice
• Advanced Life Support Certificate from the Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent
• Higher Degree

Clinical Skills and Experience

• Confident in managing all general Vascular patients
• Experience in managing all acute Vascular clinical scenarios
• Able to independently review vascular patients in an outpatient clinic environment
• Good knowledge of vascular diseases and treatment
• Basic experience in open and endovascular surgery (under supervision)
• Experience of temporary pacing and pericardial drain procedures

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications

UHSussex values authenticity and encourages applicants to ensure that all application materials accurately reflect their own skills, experience, knowledge and motivations. Candidates may use AI and digital tools to support the preparation of applications, for example to assist with spelling, grammar, structure or accessibility needs. However, applicants remain responsible for the content submitted and should ensure that it genuinely represents their own abilities and experience. Where there are reasonable concerns that an application does not authentically reflect the applicant's own knowledge, skills, experience or suitability for the role, the Trust reserves the right to explore this further and, where authenticity cannot be satisfactorily demonstrated, to reject the application.

Bank Workers: Bank workers are welcome to apply for any of our vacancies but please note if you are successful at interview there will be a delay in confirming a start date due to the Trust's current financial controls.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.