Senior Specialty Fellow in Cardiothoracic Surgery

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS trust in the UK is looking for a Thoracic Fellow to provide care for thoracic surgical patients, develop independent practice, and participate in lung cancer multidisciplinary team meetings. This role includes regular theatre work and outpatient clinics alongside consultant supervision. The candidate will engage in audits and support junior colleagues while working in a collaborative environment. With generous paid holidays and opportunities for professional development, this position offers a unique chance to advance within thoracic surgery.

Benefits

35 days paid holiday (pro rata)

NHS discounts

Generous pension scheme

Continued Professional Development (CPD) support

Qualifications

• Experience at a senior trainee level (ST6-ST8) or post CCT level.
• Ability to support junior colleagues in their training.
• Previous experience in theatre settings is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Perform thoracic surgical procedures with consultant cover.
• Attend and contribute to outpatient clinics 1-2 days a week.
• Engage in ward rounds and support the care team.
• Participate in audits related to thoracic surgery.

Skills

Thoracic surgical care

Independent practice development

Lung cancer multidisciplinary team participation

Robotic surgical skills

Ward patient management

Education

Educational framework equivalent to training grade doctors

Job description

Overview

A Vacancy at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. The Thoracic Fellow position provides an excellent training opportunity in the care of thoracic surgical patients. You will develop independent practice while working alongside consultant surgeons in preparation for consultant practice. This will depend on the post holder's competencies and previous experience.

You can work at a senior trainee level (ST6-ST8) or post CCT level with a work schedule including independent operating lists (with covering consultant), lung cancer multidisciplinary team meetings and outpatient clinics. You will undertake non-resident on-call for thoracic surgery emergencies again with consultant cover, dependent on previous activity and local assessment.

The department runs 8 operating lists per week, including 3 double lists. We have access to three robots (2 x daVinci – Xi and X, 1 x CMR) and a hybrid theatre with on-table imaging capability. Robotic lists typically run 4 times/week. Operating lists for you are typically scheduled 1–2 times per week with consultant cover and will be tailored to the fellow’s level of competence. You will be expected to support the training of junior colleagues in and out of theatre when appropriate. Non-resident on-call for thoracic emergencies will be undertaken on a 1 in 5 day (24 hours) and 1 in 5 weekend basis with consultant cover, which will also involve undertaking emergency surgery in the CEPOD theatre.

About the Trust and Opportunities

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.

Location and Lifestyle

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 on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Recruitment Guidance

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.

Responsibilities

• Pure thoracic surgical work with no cardiac surgical on-calls
• Chance to develop independent practice
• Regular theatre work
• Outpatient clinics are scheduled 1–2 days per week and the fellow will be expected to prepare and review cases with consultant support
• Responsible for looking after the ward patients and supporting the team there
• Taking part in audit

Additional Information

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).

Note: This vacancy closes on or before 17th December 2025.

Proposed interview date: 15th January 2026