Job Description

Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

With increasing degree of sub-specialisation in colorectal surgery there has been a growing demand for advanced training in rectal cancer surgery. The colorectal unit at Portsmouth Hospitals University (PHU) has hosted the Robotic TME fellowship for over 8 years. The fellowship is offered for 6 or 12 months and is aimed at peri-CCT trainee or early year consultant. This job offers an excellent opportunity to acquire advanced skills needed for Robotic TME surgery. PHU is a high-volume unit with the largest experience in the UK for robotic colorectal surgery. Exposure to robotic CME surgery, multi-visceral resections, lateral pelvic lymph node dissection is also offered on a dual console system. The fellowship is accredited and approved by the Royal College of the Surgeons of England.

The unit has the largest experience of minimal access rectal cancer surgery within the UK with >1000 Lap/ Robotic TME cases. We operate on 400 colorectal cancers per year which includes around 100 rectal cancers. Over 92% of colorectal resections are performed laparoscopically or robotically. Exposure in a high-volume centre with hands-on training provides invaluable training with ample opportunities for research and publications. There is also an opportunity to become part of multicentre trials. This post is available from October 2026 and will be for a period of 6-12 months. We may appoint two or three applicants for 6 months each, in succession.

During this placement the trainee will be exposed to a large volume of elective and emergency laparoscopic & robotic colorectal work. Main areas of interest will include rectal cancer surgery, Lap TME, Robotic TME, pouch surgery, TEMS and APER. Primary clinical focus of the job will be operative exposure in theatre, postoperative care of inpatients, outpatients’ clinics with one stop flexible sigmoidoscopy service, and day case surgery.

Interested candidates are invited to contact Mr Jim Khan jim.khan2@nhs.net for an informal discussion.

Qualifications

• Full GMC registration with a licence to practice
• Completion of Surgical Training (CCT) or within 6 months of completion date.
• MBBS or equivalent
• FRCS or equivalent
• ATLS

Clinical Experience

• Higher professional training in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery (significant experience, CCT desirable)
• Experience of working within the NHS (desirable)
• Higher degree or research experience

Clinical Skills

• Experience in laparoscopic colorectal surgery
• Good communication skills
• Good understanding of clinical risk management
• Advanced life support provider

Knowledge

• Able to demonstrate appropriate level of clinical knowledge
• Willing to seek timely assistance from senior colleagues when appropriate
• Knowledge and use of evidence based practice
• IT skills
• Effective, confident presentation ability
• Experience in and outside speciality

Other

• Ability to function successfully under pressure
• Able to adopt the objectives of an existing team
• Evidence of participation in audit
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Track record of publications
• Publications and experience in clinical Research
• Prizes and honours
• Logical thinking, good problem solving and decision making

Additional Information

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