Senior Research Fellow in Paediatrics in Southampton

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Below is the detailed job description of the role.

Paediatric Senior Clinical Research Fellowships: NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF) Paediatric Senior clinical research fellow in the field of vaccines, infectious diseases, respiratory or immunology. Paediatric fellowships are open to those training in or wishing to develop a clinical or research interest in these areas. This will be a Senior role depending on experience and level of current training.

At least 50% of your time will be spent on research service provision providing medical support and cover to adult and paediatric studies occurring in the CRF and at the Wessex Research Hubs in Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Weymouth. The remaining time will be study-based support for NIHR HTA funded trials. Depending on the desires of the fellow, there will be support for an application to be made for a formal externally funded research training fellowship and registration for study towards a higher degree (usually PhD or MD). The post will be appointed for 1 year in the first instance, depending on the candidate’s needs. Where appropriate, funding may be extended by fixed time periods where academic progress is considered satisfactory.

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.

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

The primary role of this post is to assist the Directors and investigators in the running of clinical studies for patients in the CRF and Wessex Research Hubs including early phase clinical trials of vaccines, biological agents and other new drugs. You will therefore be expected to engage as appropriate with all aspects of the development and conduct of studies, including the submission and maintenance of regulatory documents, the recruitment of subjects and providing medical cover.

Working patterns are flexible depending on the study and visit requirements. Some out of hours working is required and contribution to an on-call study phone rota is required.

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). 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 speciality similar to deanery trainee)

Proposed interview date: TBC

This vacancy closes on or before: 15th February 2026

Person specification

Qualifications, Training & Experience

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• MRCPCH or equivalent
• Completion of Foundation Programme or Core Medical Training or equivalent
• Beyond 2 years Paediatric experience
• Appropriate knowledge base, and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
• Minimum of two years post registration General/Acute Internal Medicine/Paediatric experience
• 18 months must involve admission of acute emergencies and at least 6 months acute unselected take
• Some research experience or demonstrated interest in research
• Evidence of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching

• Undergraduate Awards Higher Degree
• BSC (or other intercalated degree) other degrees/qualifications

• Evidence and ability to work effectively in multi-professional teams
• Proven ability to manage acute paediatric emergencies
• Understanding of equality and diversity and how this affects patients, visitors and staff
• APLS Provider
• Evidence and ability to communicate and liaise effectively with patients, their carers and colleagues (verbal and written communication skills in English)
• Proven competence in venous sampling and cannulation in children

• Able to demonstrate behaviours that meet the Trust Values: Patients First, Always Improving, Working Together