Job summary
Applications are invited for a Clinical Fellow in Neurosurgery within Cardiff and Vale Health Board which is fixed term for 12 months from 30th November 2026.

The ward based aspect of the post involves being an active member of a team consisting of resident doctors, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners under the guidance of a neurosurgical consultant.

As well as operative experience and exposure to neurosurgical high care, the post offers the unique opportunity to gain experience across a number of neurosurgical sub speciality. The clinical fellow will work closely with all services within the Neurosurgery department to ensure continuity of care and development of treatment pathways. Other sub-speciality interests may be developed within the unit subject to mutual agreement. There will be an expectation to assist in the development of pre-admission assessment services.

This post has proven highly successful for previous post holders as a step towards their future applications for specialist training. The resident clinical fellows are encouraged to get involved in research as well as audit projects to present at monthly neurosurgical Quality and Safety meetings based at the University Hospital of Wales.

Cardiff & Vale is a teaching health board with close links to Cardiff University. The University boasts a high-profile teaching, research and development role within the UK and abroad. Together we are training the next generation of medical professionals.

Main duties of the job
The Clinical Fellow will undertake a broad range of clinical duties across the Neurosurgery service, including the neurosurgical wards and Neuroscience High Dependency Unit whilst participating in the departmental on call rota. This role provides excellent exposure to the assessment and management of complex neurosurgical patients, offering valuable experience in both acute and elective neurosurgical care within a tertiary neuroscience centre.

About us
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 15,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving around 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services.

Our mission is "Caring for People, Keeping People Well", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. As an organisation we are unashamedly ambitious for our population's health, rising to the challenges of today and tomorrow through our 10-year strategy, Shaping our Future Wellbeing. We are contributing to a healthier Wales with great emphasis placed on innovation and improvement, learning from around the world and leading the way in clinical research. Partnership working is strong at Cardiff and Vale, and we work closely with our staff and our community.

Cardiff, the thriving Welsh capital, is a fantastic city to live and work in with an abundance of sports, arts and cultural attractions. Situated to the west of Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan offers a combination of beautiful Welsh countryside and a dramatic natural coastline. Whether city life or rural living, Cardiff and the Vale offers the best of both worlds.

Details
Date posted: 05 November 2026
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Doctor - other
Salary: £56,925 to £64,170 per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 001-MP185.26

Essential Person Specification

• Effective communication skills - verbal and written
• Up to date with current medical practices
• MBBS or Equivalent
• Training in Radiation Protection or agreement to attend next available course
• Previous Surgical experience including responsibility for acute admissions
• Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-informed practice
• Demonstrates understanding of the basic principles of audit, clinical risk management, evidence based practice, patient safety and clinical quality improvement initiatives
• Able to work in multi-professional teams and supervise junior medical staff
• Motivated, initiative and enthusiastic
• Able to relate to patients, staff and medical colleagues
• Demonstrable interest in and understanding of the specialty
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Evidence of self-reflective practice
• Current GMC Certificate with a licence to practice
• Resident when on-call

Desirable Person Specification

• Audit
• Teaching
• Intercalated Degree
• MSc or PHD
• Academic Excellence (Prizes, merits, distinctions etc)
• MRCS
• Previous Neurosurgical experience including responsibility for acute admissions
• Evidence of involvement in teaching students, postgraduates and other professionals, with feedback
• Evidence of participation in relevant courses
• Evidence of participation at meetings and activities relevant to the specialty

Apply through our website
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.