Surgical Simulation Fellow

Job overview

Main duties of the job

• Develop/ expand their skills in simulation-based education and medical education
• Gain a qualification in medical education
• Contributing to the development and delivery of surgical education, with a focus on both traditional and technology-enhanced learning
• Support courses on surgical skills, alongside surgical drop-in sessions, providing hands-on training opportunities.
• Publish research on their chosen area of interest in simulation-based education, surgical education or more generally within medical education

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Surgical Simulation Fellow is a twelve-month, out-of-programme post based within the Simulation and Interactive Learning (SaIL) Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Open to surgical trainees at CT1–ST8 level, the role is designed for those who want to build a meaningful commitment to education alongside their clinical career. It sits within the Department of Medical Education and reports to the Head of Simulation, Interactive Learning and Technology, with accountability to the Director of Medical Education. The post runs at 40 hours per week, with no on-call commitments.

Education and Simulation Delivery

The core of the role is designing and delivering surgical simulation training. The Fellow will develop and run a range of courses covering both technical and non-technical skills, including surgical skills courses and regular drop-in sessions. They will take on a senior faculty role, acting as an advanced simulation debriefer and advising students, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and external stakeholders. Up to 20% of contracted time may be used for clinical work, but the expectation is clear — simulation must remain the primary focus.

Research and Professional Development

The Fellow is expected to engage actively in research. This includes generating new research questions, leading or contributing to projects, developing skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis, and presenting findings at national or international conferences. There is an established research programme with King's College London that the Fellow can contribute to. The post also includes funding support to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education or Clinical Pedagogy through the King's Learning Institute, with the option to progress towards a full MA or MSc.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

The role requires close working with a wide range of colleagues — internally across surgical departments, Medical Education, and the wider SaIL team, and externally with Health Education South London, Royal Colleges, Specialty Schools, and King's Health Partners sites. The Fellow will represent SaIL at conferences and contribute to publications and posters. They will also support other faculty members in developing their courses, assist with logistics and content development, and take part in regular centre meetings and committees.

Technology and Innovation

A distinctive part of this role is its focus on simulation technology. The Fellow is expected to test and evaluate new simulation innovations and, where appropriate, integrate them into GSTT's simulation provision. This includes working directly with high-fidelity manikin manufacturers and developing simulation-based training models. The role also has a management development strand — the Fellow will be encouraged to take part in educational management activities to build the skills needed for future senior roles such as Foundation Programme Director or Director of Medical Education.

Job advert may close early if we receive a high volume of applicants.