
The Trust has a reputation for award-winning research and innovation. Last year our research teams recruited over 16,000 participants into clinical trials and this effort led to PHU being ranked the top recruiting large acute trusts.
We are seeking a self-motivated and driven individual to join our cohort of research fellows with a special interest and experience in Colorectal surgery.
We have a strong, successful track record of delivering research studies and have supported MRes/MD/PhD research fellows with an aim for them to achieve their higher degrees and peer reviewed publications. We undertake numerous local and national research studies, and the fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to these.
It is anticipated that the successful candidate will achieve publications in peer reviewed journals and presentations at national and international meetings. In addition, they will conduct multi-centre portfolio studies and unique original research as part of the project. You will work closely with the lead clinicians in robotic surgery and wider team of trial staff to set up, deliver and develop research studies. As part of our University Hospital partnership, we also work closely with University of Portsmouth Colleagues and members of the public to co-produce grant applications and study protocols.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious trainee surgeon to gain experience of delivering clinical research under the supervision of Prof Jim Khan (specialist colorectal surgeon with comprehensive training in general, colorectal, robotic and laparoscopic surgery) and team.
This will be for a full-time fixed term post for 12 months.
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Desirable
We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.
For more information, please see our People and OD Strategy 2026

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is the first NHS trust on the English mainland to provide community, mental health and acute hospital services. We work with health and social care partners in Somerset to ensure that we deliver outstanding services that meet the needs of our population, and this was highlighted at the Health Service Journal Awards 2021, where we were awarded Mental Health Trust of the Year.
Our trust was formed on 1 April 2020 when Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust merged, bringing together innovative and successful teams who have a track record of providing community and mental health services across the whole of Somerset and acute hospital services in the north, west and centre of the county and beyond.
We are privileged to work with over 9,000 colleagues who deliver or support our patient services. From therapists to nurses, doctors, researchers, scientists, porters, cleaners, kitchen staff, accountants, those who teach the next generation of clinicians and the receptionists who welcome our patients, the contribution of all our colleagues is invaluable.
Working together we provide services from the cradle to the grave, including:
• Services delivered in your own home such as Somerset’s Rapid Response service that cares for patients to support them during a period of crisis and avoided over 1,000 patients going to hospital in its first year
• Primary care from three GP practices
• A range of services from 13 community hospital including outpatient and diagnostic services, 190 inpatient beds and seven Minor Injuries Units.
• A range of specialist mental health services
• Specialist healthcare for adults with learning disabilities
• Community dental health services
• Regional, specialist and hospital services from Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton including medical and surgical care, maternity services and cancer treatment services