Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Heart Failure Fellow
Start Date: August 2026
Contract Type: Fixed term
Duration: 12 Months
Purpose for Fixed Term: Training Contract
This post is appointed on a fixed-term basis for the primary purpose of providing structured training and supervised clinical development. While the postholder will contribute to service delivery, the overarching purpose of the post is to provide defined educational opportunities, supervised clinical practice, and experience aligned to the relevant specialty training curriculum
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
The posts are available from August 2026. The posts are ideally suited to a senior Cardiology SpR wishing to subspecialty train in heart failure and devices/ imaging. The posts are educationally approved. For further information, please contact Dr Cowburn, Consultant Cardiologist with a special interest in heart failure, on 02381 205906. We run general OP cardiology clinics, specialist HF clinics including BNP clinics, together with cardiomyopathy clinics.
Other specialist clinics include interests in amyloid, carcinoid and muscular dystrophy. We have a combined HF/ CRM MDT where we discuss complex mutual patients and device therapies. The heart failure cardiologists typically share 3 days per week in the cath lab and undertake complex device implantation, brady pacing and right heart catheterisation.
We have been training HF fellows since 2008 and the trainees have all gone on to be successful as consultants. Andrew Flett leads the research HF team and we take part in local and national trials. We were the largest recruiters for COAST, a registry of patients undergoing CardioMEMS implantation. Dr Flett and Dr Cowburn are participating in the FIRE 1 study, and were the first in the UK to implant these promising IVC sensors for remote management.
Andrew Flett has a number of MRI related research projects. Andrew now leads the BHF funded BRITISH study assessing whether ICDs reduce mortality in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy and myocardial scar.
About us
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.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be trained in advanced heart failure management. Training will include right heart catheterisation, pacing and where appropriate, in complex device therapies (CRT/ ICD). The post will also provide the opportunity to undertake further training in imaging (MRI and/or echo) to suit the candidates training needs. Training is available in cardiopulmonary exercise testing for interested candidates. The job is varied and involves in-patient and out-patient of management of heart failure patients, together with supporting the heart failure nurses in managing in-patients across the Trust and in the daily clinic in the Heart Failure Assessment Unit. It is expected that you will contribute to the on-call SpR Rota for Cardiology. The post is ideally suited to a senior Cardiology SpR or post CCT Fellow wishing to subspecialty train in heart failure plus devices or imaging.
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Appointment will be made under local contractual terms and conditions of service for Trust appointed 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 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: 6th May 2026This vacancy closes on or before the 23rd April 2026
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be trained in advanced heart failure management. Training will include right heart catheterisation, pacing and where appropriate, in complex device therapies (CRT/ ICD). The post will also provide the opportunity to undertake further training in imaging (MRI and/or echo) to suit the candidates training needs. Training is available in cardiopulmonary exercise testing for interested candidates. The job is varied and involves in-patient and out-patient of management of heart failure patients, together with supporting the heart failure nurses in managing in-patients across the Trust and in the daily clinic in the Heart Failure Assessment Unit. It is expected that you will contribute to the on-call SpR Rota for Cardiology. The post is ideally suited to a senior Cardiology SpR or post CCT Fellow wishing to subspecialty train in heart failure plus devices or imaging.
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Appointment will be made under local contractual terms and conditions of service for Trust appointed 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 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: 6th May 2026This vacancy closes on or before the 23rd April 2026
Person Specification
Qualifications, Training & Experience
Essential
- MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
- GMC registration with a licence to practise
- 24-36 months as SHO/ equivalent in various GIM specialties leading to completion of GPT
- Cardiology Trainee with at least 3 years experience as an SpR
Desirable
- Research experience in cardiology at MD/ PhD level
- Post would ideally suit a senior SpR in Cardiology seeking training in heart failure and devices/ imaging
Aptitudes and skills
Essential
- Will take part in the cardiology SpR rota so needs to be competent at managing cardiological emergencies. Should be competent at echocardiography, coronary angiography and pacing
- Good communication skills, oral and written. Must be calm, compassionate and able to respond efficiently to various circumstances, which may change rapidly
- Ability to work within and lead a multi- disciplinary team. Awareness of own limitations and strengths. Productive time management
- Understanding of equality and diversity and how this affects patients, visitors and staff
- Demonstrate good organisational skills including ability to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines
- Evidence of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
Desirable
- Evidence of higher training in devices or imaging
Living Trust Values
Essential
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Person Specification
Qualifications, Training & Experience
Essential
- MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
- GMC registration with a licence to practise
- 24-36 months as SHO/ equivalent in various GIM specialties leading to completion of GPT
- Cardiology Trainee with at least 3 years experience as an SpR
Desirable
- Research experience in cardiology at MD/ PhD level
- Post would ideally suit a senior SpR in Cardiology seeking training in heart failure and devices/ imaging
Aptitudes and skills
Essential
- Will take part in the cardiology SpR rota so needs to be competent at managing cardiological emergencies. Should be competent at echocardiography, coronary angiography and pacing
- Good communication skills, oral and written. Must be calm, compassionate and able to respond efficiently to various circumstances, which may change rapidly
- Ability to work within and lead a multi- disciplinary team. Awareness of own limitations and strengths. Productive time management
- Understanding of equality and diversity and how this affects patients, visitors and staff
- Demonstrate good organisational skills including ability to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines
- Evidence of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
Desirable
- Evidence of higher training in devices or imaging
Living Trust Values
Essential
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
