Junior Fellow in Surgical High Dependency (SHDU)

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS Trust in Southampton is seeking a Junior Fellow in Surgical High Dependency to gain critical care experience. The role involves managing surgical high dependency patients and participating in teaching and clinical research. Candidates must have a medical qualification, GMC registration, and relevant experience in acute specialties. Opportunities for professional development and support for study leave are highly encouraged. This position offers a range of NHS benefits and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

NHS discounts

Minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata)

Generous pension scheme

Support for Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Qualifications

• At least 2 years post qualification.
• Minimum of six months NHS experience in intensive care or surgical critical care.
• Completion of foundation competencies or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Manage surgical high dependency patients and critical care patients.
• Attend ward rounds and participate in clinical research trials.
• Maintain meticulous record keeping.

Skills

Communication skills in English

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Calm under pressure

Basic IT skills

Education

MBBS or equivalent medical qualification

GMC registration with a licence to practise

Current ALS / ATLS certification

Job description

Junior Fellow in Surgical High Dependency (SHDU)

The closing date is 28 December 2025

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

The post will provide training and experience in Critical Care Medicine in a surgical critical care unit admitting approximately 1500 patients per year.

This post is intended for Junior Fellows who wish to gain experience in the management of critical care patients, with a focus on surgical critical care.

Preference will be given to those who have previous experience in Intensive Care Medicine and/or Anaesthesia.

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 responsibilities

The Junior fellows are primarily involved in the daily management of surgical high dependency patients and critical care patients. Attendance at ward rounds is expected. Routine work is shared among the junior medical staff.

Fellows will be expected to adjust organ support measures after receiving appropriate training. Attention to record keeping must be meticulous. It is expected that clinical handover to colleagues must be comprehensive.

A comprehensive induction is provided with emphasis on learning practical procedures using the simulator. Teaching is organised weekly and attendance at the multidisciplinary weekly meeting is also encouraged. Opportunity to gain experience in teaching and improving presentation skills will be provided.

Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in the clinical research trials and audits currently underway. Support for study leave will be given.

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.

Appointment will be made under local contractual terms and conditions of service for Trust appointed (non-training 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 (non-training) 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: 19th January 2026. This vacancy closes on or before 28th December 2025.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Training & Experience

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• GMC registration with a licence to practise
• Appropriate knowledge base, and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
• At least 2 years post qualification
• Previous experience in an acute speciality
• Minimum of six months NHS experience working in either intensive care or surgical critical care
• Completion of foundation competencies or equivalent
• FRCA / MRCP / FRCS / MCEM or equivalent
• Current ALS / ATLS certification

Aptitudes and skills

• 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
• Basic IT skills

Living Trust Values

• 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.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust