Job overview
The basic salary is £38,831 to £73,992 per annum.
Additional allowances will be paid based on rostered hours and the frequency of your participation on the rota. The Trust is compliant with the European Working Time Directive.
This post is available from 7 October 2026 for a fixed term of 12 months. If two appointable candidates are interviewed we reserve the right to also appoint for the subsequent 12 months, commencing 6 October 2027.
The fellowship is based at St Richard’s hospital in Chichester, West Sussex. In 2016 it was approved by the Royal College of Surgeons of England as part of their Senior Clinical Fellowship scheme. It is aimed at surgeons who are preferably post- or possibly peri-CCT and have a career interest in Bariatric surgery. Over the last decade, the fellowship has helped all previous Senior Clinical Fellows secure consultant appointments in their chosen field. The fellowship is highly regarded internationally for its standard of training and we are therefore expecting a very competitive field.
Main duties of the job
The clinical duties of the post include the following:
• Day to day management of admitted patients with the extended bariatric team
• Management of bariatric emergencies, including liaison with local hospitals referring patients to St Richard’s
• Attendance at bariatric operating lists
• Attendance at bariatric new patient MDT and follow up clinics
• Attendance at gastric band clinics
• Supervision of junior doctors on the wards, in theatre and on call
• Out of hours on call for General Surgical admissions
• Involvement in teaching and research projects
On Call Commitment: 1 in 8 Out of Hours on call (evenings and weekends) only.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating.
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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post will be available as a full time (described below) or part time post. Job plan of a part-time post will be by agreement with the Supervisor of Post.
St Richard’s Bariatric Unit provides bariatric surgery services for the West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent and parts of Hampshire. We have been recognised by IFSO as an International Centre of Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. It is one of the longest established and busiest bariatric services in the UK. The service is geared towards treating over 300 patients per year. This includes primary, revision and emergency Bariatric surgery. Outpatient multi-disciplinary new patient and follow up clinics are conducted in the specialist Bariatric clinic. The service is supported by a dedicated specialist Bariatric physician, a team of specialist anaesthetists, 2 specialist nurses, a surgical care practitioner, a team of supporting dietitians, 2 psychologists and a dedicated administrative team. There is HDU and ITU support if necessary.
All new patients attend a one-stop multi-disciplinary bariatric clinic where they are assessed by a specialist physician, surgeon, anaesthetist, dietitian and specialist nurse. Psychology assessment is also available during the clinic. The bariatric fellow plays an active part in this clinic each week. If listed for surgery, patients are treated within the Department of Health’s 18-week pathway.
Most weeks there are at least 3 all day operating lists, as well as the new patient clinic, follow up clinics and, occasionally, endoscopy sessions. The Fellow’s time is protected to allow attendance at all Bariatric operating lists and new patient clinics. Duties also include inpatient care and the organisation of the care of bariatric emergencies which are often referred from other hospitals in our catchment area.
We have developed strong links with the Universities of Surrey and Chichester and there is an opportunity to be heavily involved in research and audit projects. The Trust has a very supportive R&D department.
The Fellow will be involved in the General Surgery on call rota at middle grade level (1 in 8). However, this is an out of hours commitment only and should not impact on exposure to Bariatric activity. Similarly, there is an opportunity for further exposure to all other aspects of general surgery, if desired, and to run independent operating lists, dependent on the experience and competence of the successful applicant. The post works along the lines of a Senior Registrar post, with responsibilities supervising the more junior residents on the Upper GI unit. Therefore, it is aimed at an Upper GI trainee with advanced laparoscopic skills (preferably including suturing) in their final year of training or, preferably, post CCT. Prior experience in Bariatric Surgery is preferred but not essential as we have successfully trained surgeons to independent practice in Bariatric Surgery with no prior experience.
Person specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. •Basic medical degree
2. •MRCS or appropriate specialist qualification
3. •Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice
4. •Advanced Life Support Certificate from the Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent
Desirable criteria
5. •FRCS / Post CCT
6. •Higher Degree
Clinical Skills and Experience
Essential criteria
7. •Training in General/Upper GI & Laparoscopic Surgery
8. •Understanding of clinical risk management
Desirable criteria
9. •Training in Upper GI endoscopy (JAG accreditation)
10. •Prior experience in Bariatric Surgery
Knowledge
Desirable criteria
11. •Breadth of experience in and outside specialty
Organisation and Planning
Essential criteria
12. •Experience and ability to work in multi-professional teams
13. •Understanding of: NHS / Clinical governance / Resource constraints
Desirable criteria
14. •Evidence of managerial skills: Achievements / Course attended
Teaching Skills
Essential criteria
15. •Evidence of an interest and commitment to teaching
Desirable criteria
16. •Recognised teaching qualification
Academic and Research
Essential criteria
17. •Evidence of participation in audit
Desirable criteria
18. •Research experience
19. •Publications
20. •Prizes and honours
Career Progression
Essential criteria
21. •Appropriate progression of career to date
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
22. •Evidence of:- Good communication skills both oral and written
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