Senior Clinical Research Fellow | Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT)


Company:	North Bristol NHS
Salary:	£67,325 - £76,582 pa pro rata
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Bristol, BS10 5NB
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	31 Jul 2026
Closing date:	30 Aug 2026

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Summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic Neurosurgery Research Fellow to join our Functional Neurosurgery Unit. This 1-year research-focused fellowship is ideal for neurosurgical trainees who are about to or have completed their residency. The fellow will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team specializing in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and essential tremor.

This role provides an opportunity in taking part in clinical research, surgical planning, and patient care related to DBS for movement disorders. You lead a research project(s) which involves data collection, analysis, peer reviewed research publications, and hands-on experience in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery.

• Design and undertake clinical research in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and advanced therapies for movement disorders.

• Support patient assessment, surgical planning, DBS programming, and the pre- and post-operative management of DBS patients.

• Contribute to research publications, conference presentations, and academic activities within the Functional Neurosurgery Unit.

• Participate in quality improvement, audit, service development, and the development of DBS protocols and clinical guidelines.

• Attend and contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, journal clubs, and teaching programmes.

• Provide specialist advice to DBS Nurse Specialists regarding the physical, psychological, and social needs of patients undergoing Functional Neurosurgery.

• Review and optimise treatment plans in collaboration with neurologists and specialist nurses.

• Support the development and implementation of local and national policies and standards relating to Functional Neurosurgery and movement disorders.

• Identify opportunities to improve patient care, outcomes, and service delivery for patients with movement disorders and their carers.

• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues to advance clinical practice, research, and innovation within Functional Neurosurgery.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of 2.6 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom.

Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for what we call our Four Ps:

• Better outcomes for our Patients

• More opportunities for ourPeople

• Fairer more consistent care for our Population

• Best Value forPublic Purse

Our vision for five years from now:

• Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high-quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live.

• We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources.

• More care will be delivered nearer to patients, in their homes or the community.

• Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care.

• Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work.

• We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career.

• Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly.

• We will contribute to system financial balance

The post holder will be expected to:

• Design and conduct clinical research focused on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and advanced therapies for movement disorders.

• Assist with patient assessment, surgical planning, and DBS programming, contributing to the delivery of high-quality patient care.

• Support the clinical activities of the Functional Neurosurgery Unit, including the pre-operative and post-operative management of patients undergoing DBS.

• Contribute to the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present work at national and international conferences.

• Lead and participate in quality improvement initiatives, service evaluations, and the development of clinical protocols for DBS programmes.

• Attend and actively contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, journal clubs, and academic presentations.

• Participate in the teaching and training activities of the Functional Neurosurgery service.

• Act as an expert advisor to DBS Nurse Specialists regarding the assessment and management of the physical, psychological, and social support needs of patients undergoing functional neurosurgical procedures.

• Review patient treatments and implement changes in accordance with recommendations from the responsible neurologist or specialist nurse, as appropriate.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of local and national policies, guidelines, and standards of practice relating to Functional Neurosurgery and movement disorders.

• Identify opportunities to enhance the treatment, care, and support provided to patients with movement disorders and their carers, contributing to ongoing service development and innovation.

• Work collaboratively with neurology, neurosurgery, research, and allied health colleagues to improve patient outcomes and advance clinical practice in the field of Functional Neurosurgery.

This advert closes on Friday 14 Aug 2026

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