Role Summary
Applications are invited for the post of Senior Fellow in Hip and Knee Surgery (Clinical and Research) at the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter UK. This is a fixed term post for 12 months, commencing in the 1st week of August 2025 until the 1st week of August 2026. The post will involve 6 months as a Fellow with the Hip Unit and 6 months with the Knee Unit.
Applicants should have completed a general training in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery and by the time of taking up the post have obtained the FRCS(Orth) examinations or equivalent and be eligible for CCT (or equivalent). The Fellowship is International in nature and applications from outside the UK are welcomed. Such applicants however must ensure that they are eligible to work in the UK. If uncertain in this regard please contact Medical Staffing onrduh.medicalstaffingsurgery@nhs.net in the HR department for further information.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
The fellowship is a clinical and research training position for a period of 12 months. During this time the fellow will work for 6 months with the Hip Team (6 Consultants, 1 Associate Specialist) then a further 6 months with the Knee Team (7 Consultants), or in reverse order, depending on the other fellowship rotations within the unit. The aim of the fellowship is to prepare the individual for a sub specialist career in complex arthroplasty of the lower limb, and it is expected that by the end of the 12 months the fellow should be able to plan and independently execute primary and complex hip and knee arthroplasty cases. Candidates whose main aim is a subspecialist hip or knee revision surgery practice would be better served to apply for one of our 12 month fellowships in either specialist hip or specialist knee surgery (advertised separately – next availability Hip: Feb 2026, Knee: Aug 2026. There will also be exposure to soft tissue and sports knee surgery, trauma surgery of the hip and knee, hip arthroscopy, osteotomy and other joint preservation procedures. Exeter was one of the first centres in the UK to have a Mako robot, with robots located at both the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and at the Exeter Nuffield Hospital, which are used by both the Hip and Knee teams. Fellows also have a commitment to the general orthopaedic trauma on call rota and fracture service.
The Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre at the RD&E has a long history of orthopaedic innovation and excellence. It is an academic department with significant subspecialty expertise and is affiliated to the University of Exeter Medical School. There is a significant research component in the fellowship and it is expected that the fellow will complete at least two supervised research projects for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and write at least one review article for publication in a journal or book.
There are up to 3 fellows working with the Hip Team and 3 with the Knee Team at any one time. One post is available, spending 6 months with the Hip team and 6 months with the Knee team.
The Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital is a Teaching Hospital based in the historic cathedral city of Exeter in the heart of the South West of England. As such it enjoys a wealth of sporting and cultural resources along with access to the many beaches of Devon and Cornwall and the open moorland of Exmoor and Dartmoor. Situated as it is on the motorway and rail networks, Exeter enjoys excellent travel links with the rest of the United Kingdom. Exeter is just over two hours from London by train and has a major regional airport.
We are committed to Equal Opportunity for all and encourage flexible working arrangements including job sharing. The Trust is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse workforce and so we welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. The Trust expects all staff to behave in a way which recognises and respects diversity in line with the appropriate standards.
In submitting an application form you authorise the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Electronic Staff Record Inter Authority Transfer process, should you be appointed to the post.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will contact previous employers to confirm employment history to cover a period of at least 3 years.
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday, however there will be an On Call commitment, which can be discussed at interview.
Interview Date: TBC
For further information please contact: Mr Matthew Hubble, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon on 01392 408401, matthew.hubble@nhs.net or Mr Ben Waterson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon on 01392 404774, benwaterson@nhs.net
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 34 days plus bank holidays depending on grade and years of service.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
