Job overview
Applications are invited for a Senior Clinical Fellow post in Orthopaedic Hand Surgery starting from 1st October 2026 for 12 months.
Our Senior Fellow Posts are all full-time posts at 48 hours per week; this includes time each week for research and quality improvement projects as well as traditional teaching. Allocated research time may be increased to meet the needs of our fellows should they undertake more extensive projects in discussion with the fellowship supervisors. The post holder will have limited on-call duties at the Level 1 MTC at RSCH and will therefore be expected to be up to date with the management of complex trauma. Possession of FRCS (T&O) and ATLS is a requirement for the post.
Main duties of the job
This job will include adult elective and trauma practice within the hand unit at UHS (East). The post holder will work closely with Mrs Lisa Leonard (lead), Ms Laura Hamilton, Ms Riem Johnson, Mr Simon Bellringer and Ms Fiona Bintcliffe (Consultant Orthopaedic Hand Surgeons).
The Hand Fellow together with up to two Orthopaedic Specialist Registrars will have responsibility for overseeing care of patients under the care of the Unit. The post holder will be closely supervised in outpatients and in the operating theatre. It is expected that over the tenure of the post the successful candidate will undertake an increasing level of independent practise dependent upon progress.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Hand Fellow is a post-CCT role preparing the surgeon for a job as a Consultant in Hand & Wrist surgery. The Fellow will work with the hand team to manage all aspects of hand and wrist surgery in this busy tertiary referral centre. All hand trauma is managed by the orthopaedic hand team, including soft tissue nerve injuries and complex polytrauma. The department is also a tertiary referral centre for complex elective hand patients, including tendon transfers and all forms of arthroplasty. The Fellow will be a part-time member of the Registrar on-call rota for the Major Trauma Centre. They should therefore have up to date ATLS and have experience working with major trauma. The Fellow will be expected to lead the other hand Registrars and co-ordinate teaching and research projects
Person specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Basic Medical Degree
2. Postgraduate qualification or appropriate specialist qualification
3. Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice
4. Valid Advance Trauma Life Support Certificate (ATLS)
Clinical Skills and Experience
Essential criteria
5. Competencies equivalent to completion of ST6 as a minimum
6. Completion of FRCS(Orth) or equivalent
Desirable criteria
7. Certificate of completion of Training (CCT)
8. Demonstrate interest in hand and wrist surgery
Organisation and Planning
Essential criteria
9. Experience and ability to work in multi-professional teams
10. Understanding of: NHS / Clinical Governance / Resource constraints
Desirable criteria
11. Evidence of managerial skills: Achievements / Course attended
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications