Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Senior Research Fellow in Rheumatology
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Contract Type: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Purpose for Fixed Term: Short term funding
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.
What You’ll Do
Detailed job description and main responsibilities.
* Join a team of research fellows supporting other research within the CRF.
* Depending on the fellow’s previous knowledge and experience, play roles in managing, coordinating and safety governance for specific studies.
* Be responsible for study‑related medical decisions within their expertise, providing medical cover for studies and study visits, as well as out of hours advice and emergency cover (on a rota) as part of the 24‑hour cover for participants on research studies.
* Work in teams with research nurses, allied health professionals and project management to plan and deliver primarily vaccine studies, with opportunity for involvement in other non‑vaccine and non‑covid studies as appropriate.
* Be supported by more senior fellows in the CRF and the Principal Investigators of the respective studies in these activities.
Key Requirements
* Good communication skills as this is essential in maintaining trust with our research participants.
* Demonstration of excellent teamwork as this role requires working and communicating with a wide range of individuals from different teams (e.g. pharmacy, lab, admin, nursing etc).
* Completed Foundation training (or equivalent) and ability to function independently, with support as required, appropriate to the individual’s level of previous experience.
* MBBS or equivalent medical qualification.
* GMC registration with a licence to practise.
* Rheumatology experience.
* Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems.
* 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).
* Evidence of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
* Have a minimum of six years of specialty training.
* Hold a relevant higher specialty exam (e.g. FRCP, FRCA, FRCS).
* A portfolio of evidence that demonstrates they meet the criteria for progression (in line with the Curriculum for the specialty).
Desirable Criteria
* Current or recent NHS experience.
Appointment and Compensation
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. 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).
Salary will be assessed based on experience and skills. Eligibility criteria for appointment to a Nodal Point 5:
* Have a minimum of 6 years of specialty training.
* Hold relevant higher specialty exam (e.g. FRCP, FRCA, FRCS).
* A portfolio of evidence that demonstrates they meet the criteria for progression (in line with the Curriculum for the specialty similar to deanery trainee).
Benefits and Working Arrangements
UHS employees are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), a generous pension scheme, and access to a range of NHS discounts. The Trust supports flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service.
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. We are rated ‘Good’ by the CQC, and we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement in the latest NHS Staff Survey.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work, with an international airport and direct trains to London.
Living Trust Values
* Patients First
* Always Improving
* Working Together
Contact Information
Professor Chris Edwards – cedwards@soton.ac.uk
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