Job overview
Are you an aspiring surgeon eager to build a competitive academic and clinical portfolio? Join us as a Junior Clinical Research Fellow and gain hands‑on surgical exposure, structured academic development, and the opportunity to contribute to high‑impact research within a respected Academic Surgical Unit.
Based on the site of Epsom General Hospital, the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC) is a partnership commissioned by the four South West London acute hospital Trusts (Epsom St. Helier, Kingston, Croydon and St. Georges). SWLEOC provides routine and complex elective and non-urgent emergency orthopaedic surgery services to patients aged over 18. It is rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality commission (CQC) and is an exemplar unit for Getting it right First Time (GIRFT).
SWLEOC is the highest volume hip and knee replacement centre in the UK and one of the largest in the world, performing around 6,300 procedures per year. Sub-specialties include Hip and Knee Arthroplasty and Revision Surgery; a Young Adult Hip Service; Shoulder and Elbow soft tissue and arthroplasty surgery, Hand, Spinal and Foot and Ankle surgery.
There are six elective laminar flow operating theatres in the Theatre complex, which run six days per week. There is a 27-bed inpatient ward and a 17-bed Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU), which includes a Day Case Unit, all of which are covered on a 24 hour basis by consultant intensivists.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job
The post-holders will spend 2.5 days per week in theatre as first assistant to the Consultant Surgeons. The rest of the week will be spent undertaking research, and contributing to audit and quality improvement projects.
The core streams of research work include Artificial Intelligence, NIHR studies, and Outcomes Data, all aimed at advancing research and improving patient care. There is also the opportunity to contribute to weekly teaching for St. Georges University Medical School.
The post is full time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday and does not include any on call commitment. Additional theatre work on Saturdays is available on a voluntary ad hoc basis.
Working for our organisation
St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George’s Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post-holders will spend 2.5 days per week in theatre as first assistant to the Consultant Surgeons. The rest of the week will be spent undertaking research, and contributing to audit and quality improvement projects.
The core streams of research work include Artificial Intelligence, NIHR studies, and Outcomes Data, all aimed at advancing research and improving patient care. There is also the opportunity to contribute to weekly teaching for St. Georges University Medical School.
The post is full time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday and does not include any on call commitment. Additional theatre work on Saturdays is available on a voluntary ad hoc basis.
Person specification
Qualifications and training
Essential criteria
1. MBBS or equivlent medical qualification
2. Full GMC registration (with an IELTS score that meets GMC criteria for IMGs +/- plab
3. Visa and work permit for UK
4. 2+ years working in clinical role in NHS
Desirable criteria
5. Additional degree or qualification
Clinical experience
Essential criteria
6. Completion of Foundation Programme Training or equivalent post-graduate clin. ex.
7. Relevant post-registration clinical experience
8. Evidence that the level of achievement & performance is commensurate with the totality of the period of training
Desirable criteria
9. Additional orthopaedic or Research Experience
Teaching and Clinical Governance
Essential criteria
10. Commitment to continuing medical education
11. understanding of clinical governance
Desirable criteria
12. Experience teaching under graduates
13. Presentations (podium or poster) at post graduate meetings
Commitment to a career in surgery
Essential criteria
14. commitment to pursuing a career in surgical specialties
15. Aspiration to enter higher surgical training
Desirable criteria
16. Possesses realistic insight into the roles & responsibilities of a Surgeon
Management & administrative experience
Essential criteria
17. Good IT skills including word processing, spreadsheets, powerpoint and databases
18. Demonstrate an understanding of NHS management & resources
19. Evidence of effective multi-disciplinary team working and leadership, supported by multi-source feedback/other workplace-based assessments
Desirable criteria
20. Knowledge of referencing software package and statistical packages
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
21. Ability to work in a milti-disciplinary team
22. Good interpersonal skills
23. Enquiring, critical and flexible approach to work
Desirable criteria
24. Evidence of achievement outside Medicine
25. Evidence of organisational skills- not necessarily in Medicine, eg grant applications/bursary applications, organisation of a university club, sports etc
Other requirements
Essential criteria
26. Reliable work record
Desirable criteria
27. Evidence of altruistic behaviour, e.g voluntary work
Academic & Research Skills
Essential criteria
28. Demonstrate understanding of the basic principles of evidence-based practice, patient safety and clinical improvement initiatives
29. Understanding of research principles
30. Evidence of active participlation in audit
Desirable criteria
31. Involvement in QI projects, formal research project, or other relevant activity
32. Evidence of relevant academic & research achievements e.g Degrees, prizes, awards, distinctions, publications, presentations, other achievements
Learning and Development
Essential criteria
33. Demonstrate critical & enquiring approach to knowledge acquisition
34. Commitment to self directed learning
35. Reflective/Analytical approach to practice
Values & Behaviours
Essential criteria
36. Putting the patient first by being helpful, caring, respectful & professional
37. Always taking opportunities to improve, encouraging excellence
38. Work as one team: communicate, collaborate & share
39. Demonstrate respect for all by being polite, pleasant and listening
Our mission: ‘to put the patient first by delivering great care to every patient, every day.’
There’s never been a better time to join the Epsom and St Helier team. Our hospitals are facing a bright and busy future, and our staff have a proven track record in providing high quality, compassionate care for our patients.
Boasting incredible staff benefits and dedicated training schemes, working for us will not only take your career forward, but could help to transform the lives of our patients and visitors.
We offer all employees some fantastic staff benefits, and are the only hospitals in Surrey to offer staff the London high cost area supplement. Our hospitals also benefit from great locations, so whether you're attracted to the bright lights of the city or the countryside of Epsom Downs, both are within easy reach.
FURTHER INFORMATION
**PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS POSITION MAY CLOSE EARLIER THAN THE STATED CLOSING DATE IF A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED. IF YOU WISH TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, YOU ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE**
**PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CONTACT ALL APPLICANTS VIA EMAIL AND NOT BY POST. YOU ARE ADVISED TO CHECK YOUR RECRUITMENT SYSTEM ACCOUNT ON A REGULAR BASIS. YOU CAN ACCESS THIS ACCOUNT VIA OUR WEB SITE> Work for Us > Current Vacancies > My Job Account**
For new entrants into the NHS, your pay under the Agenda for Change or Medical & Dental Pay Bands, will normally be set at the minimum of the pay band as advertised.
If you apply for this position and do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been short-listed for interview on this occasion.
ESTH values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Internal applicants from underrepresented minority groups are encouraged to seek development support such as work shadowing and interview skills coaching.