What is a junior clinical fellow?

A junior clinical fellow (JCF) is a doctor working in a non-training post, usually at SHO or middle-grade level. The role involves the same clinical duties as a specialty trainee but sits outside the deanery training programme. Some trusts use alternative titles including trust-grade doctor, clinical attachment, or locally employed doctor (LED). JCF posts are common in competitive specialties where doctors want to build experience before applying for training.

How much do junior clinical fellows earn?

JCF pay follows the same medical and dental pay circular as training grades, though individual trusts set the exact nodal point. Most SHO-level JCFs are paid at CT1-CT2 equivalent (approximately £46,000-£53,000 basic). Registrar-level JCFs are paid at ST3-ST5 equivalent (approximately £53,000-£58,000). On-call supplements, weekend frequency, and London weighting are added on top.

Do junior clinical fellow posts count towards specialty training?

JCF experience does not automatically count towards CCT. However, time spent in a JCF post can count towards portfolio evidence for specialty applications, and some posts are recognised for CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) purposes if the supervisor agrees to provide structured sign-offs. If training credit matters to you, clarify with the trust before accepting whether the post is CESR-compatible and whether a named educational supervisor will be assigned.

Can I get visa sponsorship for a junior clinical fellow post?

Many trusts sponsor Skilled Worker visas for JCF posts, and medical roles commonly use the Health and Care Worker route where the employer is an approved sponsor. Check the advert for sponsorship eligibility and confirm the visa route before accepting, because salary thresholds and fees depend on the current Home Office rules and the exact job code. Trusts that sponsor typically require an offer letter before starting the visa process, and lead times are usually 6-12 weeks.

How long do junior clinical fellow contracts last?

Most JCF contracts are fixed-term, typically 6 or 12 months, with some trusts offering extensions. A few trusts advertise substantive (permanent) JCF posts in departments with ongoing staffing needs. The fixed-term nature means you should plan ahead for your next role, especially if your visa is tied to the post.

How does a JCF post compare to a specialty training post?

Training posts come with a national training number, structured curriculum, ARCP assessments, and automatic rotation through subspecialties. JCF posts do not offer these, but they give you flexibility to choose your specialty, location, and employer. Some doctors prefer JCF posts for lifestyle, to build a portfolio in a competitive specialty, or to stay in a preferred location while applying for training. The clinical experience is comparable, but progression requires more self-direction.

Junior Clinical Fellow Jobs in the NHS

Junior clinical fellow (JCF) posts are non-training grade doctor roles, typically at SHO or registrar level. Trusts also advertise similar jobs as trust-grade doctor, locally employed doctor, junior doctor, or clinical fellow posts. Trusts use them to fill rota gaps, expand services, or offer experience in competitive specialties. JCFs do similar clinical work to trainees but are not on a nationally coordinated training programme. Posts are usually fixed-term (6-12 months) and advertised directly by trusts through NHS Jobs and Trac.

21 live vacancies across 18 NHS employers · updated hourly

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Recent junior clinical fellow vacancies from this role hub, with employer, location, and closing-date context.

Planning a Junior Clinical Fellow job search in the NHS

Job Clerk tracks live junior clinical fellow vacancies across NHS employers so you can compare role level, employer mix, location, salary, contract type, and closing date before deciding where to spend time on an application.

There are currently 21 live junior clinical fellow roles across 18 NHS employers in this index. Use the band and city links below to move from the broad profession market into pages with tighter salary, seniority, and local employer context.

Recent salary data for junior clinical fellow roles ranges from about £41,750 to £80,730 per year, depending on band, employer, rota pattern, and high-cost area supplements.

Evidence to prepare

Clerking, assessing, and managing acute admissions
Ward rounds and ongoing inpatient care under consultant supervision
Procedural skills relevant to the specialty (cannulation, lumbar puncture, chest drains, suturing)
On-call cover including nights and weekends on the department rota

Common requirements

GMC registration with a licence to practise
Foundation competences or equivalent (ALS, basic procedural skills)
Evidence of previous NHS or equivalent clinical experience at SHO level or above
MRCP, MRCS, or equivalent postgraduate exams depending on specialty (desirable, not always essential)

Employer mix

Recent listings include employers such as NHS Lothian, NHS Tayside, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust. Check each source advert for person-spec wording and early-close warnings.

Where Junior Clinical Fellow Jobs Are Hiring Right Now

London, London3 jobs

Birmingham, West Midlands2 jobs

Dundee, Scotland2 jobs

Edinburgh, Scotland2 jobs

Leeds, Yorkshire & Humberside2 jobs

Weston-super-mare, South West1 jobs

Glasgow, Scotland1 jobs

Kirkcaldy, Alba / Scotland1 jobs

Wrexham, Wales1 jobs

Blackpool, North West1 jobs

Preston, North West1 jobs

Redhill, South East1 jobs

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