Senior Clinical Fellow in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

NHS; Leeds; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious healthcare organization in Leeds is looking for a Senior Clinical Fellow in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery. The role involves clinical care in acute and elective cases, participation in on-call shifts, and opportunities for research and teaching. Candidates must have advanced laparoscopic skills and experience in upper GI surgeries. The position starts in June 2026, offering a pathway for professional growth and expertise.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years after full GMC registration.
• Completed Higher Surgical Training in General Surgery.
• Prior experience of upper GI cancer surgery and minimally invasive surgery.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical care for acute and outpatient cases under supervision.
• Participate in the general surgical out‑of‑hours senior registrar rota.
• Engage in clinical research, including ongoing trials.

Skills

Upper GI cancer surgery

Advanced laparoscopic skills

Teaching skills

Analytical abilities

Problem-solving skills

Education

MBBS or equivalent medical qualification

MRCS Part A

FRCS General Surgery Part III

Advanced Life Support Certificate

Job description

Senior Clinical Fellow in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

Leeds Teaching Hospitals, one of the largest Oesophago‑Gastric Surgery units in the UK, is recruiting a Senior Clinical Fellow for a 12‑month fixed‑term post in the Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Department at St James University Hospital. The successful candidate will have completed CCT or be at the final stage of training. The post will commence in June 2026 and will provide work with six consultant surgeons, offering exposure to oesophago‑gastric cancer resection surgery, minimally invasive benign upper GI and obesity surgery, as well as general and specialist outpatient care.

Contact: Mr Andy Cockbain – Lead Clinician, Upper GI Surgery ([e-mail]) – Tel: [phone]

Main duties of the post

• Provide clinical care for acute, elective and outpatient cases under the supervision of Upper GI Surgical Unit consultants, working alongside two speciality registrars.
• Participate in the general surgical out‑of‑hours senior registrar rota, including emergency care on general surgical wards, the high dependency unit and the intensive care unit, covering a 24‑hour on‑call shift and supporting junior registrars overnight.
• Support general and specialist outpatient clinics, theatre sessions, endoscopy sessions and day‑case surgery, gaining experience in the surgical management of upper GI cancer, complex benign upper GI disease, minimally invasive and bariatric surgery.
• Contribute to weekly departmental and multidisciplinary meetings and monthly audit meetings.
• Engage in clinical research, including ongoing trials and the collection and analysis of clinical data, with opportunities to publish or present findings.
• Teach medical students and supervise junior medical staff.

Person Specification

Experience

• At least 7 years after full GMC registration or equivalent.
• Completed Higher Surgical Training in General Surgery; able to perform at Specialist Registrar level in emergency surgery on‑call.
• Prior experience of upper GI cancer surgery, hiatal or bariatric surgery, and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery.
• Advanced laparoscopic skills, including suture and knot tying.
• Independent performance of intermediate general surgical procedures (e.g. laparotomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendicectomy).
• Evidence of clinical audit, quality improvement or formal research projects focused on patient safety and clinical improvement.
• Strong teaching skills with documented feedback and evidence of supervising junior staff.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem‑solving and leadership abilities, with the capacity to work effectively in multi‑professional teams.
• Upper GI endoscopy experience (JAG accredited) and experience as primary operator in upper GI surgical procedures.

Qualifications

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification, MRCS Part A.
• FRCS General Surgery Part III (or equivalent).
• Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (or within 1 year of achieving this).
• Current GMC registration and licence to practise, with eligibility to work in the UK.
• Advanced Life Support Certificate from the Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent, by intended start date.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check will be required to confirm no previous criminal convictions.