Consultant Neurologist with interest in Huntington’s Disease & Ataxia with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Information
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust welcomes applications from international candidates and is pleased to offer a Certificate of Sponsorship for this position. This sponsorship allows eligible overseas healthcare professionals to work in the UK. Please note that while sponsorship is available, candidates must still meet all visa requirements and eligibility criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration. We recommend verifying your eligibility before applying and contacting our recruitment team with any specific sponsorship-related questions.
Job Summary
We are seeking to recruit an additional Consultant Neurologist to join our existing team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. This exciting opportunity is ideal for a medical professional with a special interest in Huntington’s Disease & Ataxia. The post-holder will be responsible for delivering outpatient clinics, inpatient ward rounds, and on-call duties. Plymouth is a national GIRFT exemplar site for acute neurology services, providing an exceptional environment for career development and professional growth.
Company Information
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is a leading healthcare provider in the South West of England, committed to delivering excellent clinical care to our patient population. As one of the largest acute teaching trusts in the UK, we offer a dynamic and supportive working environment with opportunities for professional development, research, and innovation in neurological care.
Location Details
The position is based at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, located at Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH. Plymouth is a vibrant coastal city with a rich maritime history, offering an excellent quality of life with beautiful coastline, countryside, and excellent transport links to the rest of the UK. The city boasts a diverse cultural scene, excellent schools, and affordable housing compared to other major UK cities.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per annum, in accordance with the Hospital Medical and Dental Staff pay scale. In addition to the basic salary, the Trust offers a comprehensive benefits package including the NHS Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, access to the NHS Occupational Health Service, and opportunities for continuing professional development and research.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time position (10,000 annualized hours) with opportunities for flexible working arrangements. The Trust is committed to supporting work-life balance and offers various flexible working options. We encourage applicants to discuss potential flexible working arrangements during the application process. The on-call requirements will be discussed with the successful candidate based on the needs of the department.
Employment Type
This is a permanent contract of employment, offering security and stability. The successful candidate will be employed directly by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust as a substantive Consultant Neurologist with full membership of the NHS Consultant contract. This includes access to the NHS pension scheme and other benefits associated with permanent NHS employment.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must hold MRCP (UK) and be registered on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist register. This can be achieved through one of the following routes: a) Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) with a proposed CCT date within 6 months of the interview, b) Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), or c) European Community Rights. Essential evidence of ample acute neurology experience must also be demonstrated.
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, the following qualifications and achievements are highly desirable: higher degree or completion within 12 months of submission, attendance at appropriate courses, fellowships or equivalent, postgraduate prizes and awards, and evidence of ongoing professional development in the field of neurology, particularly in relation to Huntington’s Disease and Ataxia.
Essential Experience
Candidates must demonstrate substantial experience in acute neurology, with a proven track record in managing complex neurological conditions. Essential experience includes working as a specialist registrar or substantive neurology consultant, with direct involvement in acute neurology services, stroke care, and the management of movement disorders. Experience in teaching junior medical staff and participation in audit and research activities are also essential requirements.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering outpatient clinics, inpatient ward rounds, and on-call duties. They will play an active role in the development and management of the department, participate in training and education of medical students, junior doctors, nursing staff, and allied health professionals, and contribute to hospital grand rounds, regional academic meetings, audit meetings, and journal clubs. The post-holder will also be expected to maintain professional standards and contribute to service development.
Clinical Responsibilities
Clinical responsibilities include providing expert neurological care to patients with a range of conditions, with a particular focus on Huntington’s Disease and Ataxia. This will involve diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of patients, as well as participating in multidisciplinary team meetings and contributing to the development of specialized services for these conditions.
Education and Training
The successful candidate will be expected to participate in the training and education of medical students, junior medical staff, nursing staff, and allied health professionals. This includes supervision of trainees, contribution to teaching programs, and involvement in the assessment and appraisal of junior staff. The post-holder will also be expected to contribute to departmental grand rounds and regional academic meetings.
Management and Leadership
The post-holder will play an active role in the development and medical management of the department, with opportunities to lead service improvements and contribute to strategic planning. Experience in management processes, either service or research-based, is essential, with desirable evidence of effective multidisciplinary team working and leadership skills.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate evidence of a research interest and clinical audit activities, with desirable presentations at local/regional/national/international meetings, relevant audit projects, and publications as first author in peer-reviewed journals. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential, with desirable evidence of enthusiasm and experience in teaching, IT technology skills, and leadership abilities.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 216-G1-NEU7616858. The application process requires completion of an online application form, including details of your qualifications, experience, and supporting statement addressing the person specification. International applicants should also include information regarding their visa status and eligibility for sponsorship.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, please ensure you have: completed all sections of the online application form, provided details of your GMC registration and specialist qualifications, included a supporting statement that addresses all aspects of the person specification, arranged for references to be submitted, and uploaded any relevant certificates or documentation. International applicants should also verify their eligibility for sponsorship and include any relevant visa documentation.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Dr Elizabeth Househam (Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Director) via email at victoriaisaacs@nhs.net or by phone at 01752431929. For technical assistance with the application process, contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. If you require reasonable adjustments during the application process due to a disability, please contact the recruitment team as soon as possible.
Supporting Documents
The following documents are available for download from the NHS Jobs website: Job description and person specification (PDF, 907 KB). These documents provide detailed information about the role, responsibilities, and required qualifications. We recommend that all applicants carefully review these documents before submitting their application. Additional information about the Trust and the department can be found on our website.
Privacy Notice
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is committed to protecting your personal data and complying with data protection legislation. For detailed information about how we process your personal data, including how long we retain your application information, please refer to our privacy notice available at https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/privacy-notice. Your information will be used solely for recruitment purposes and will not be shared without your consent.
Employer Details
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. The Trust holds Disability Confident Leader accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to supporting disabled employees and candidates.
About the Employer
We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence, and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment.
Employer’s Website
For more information about University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, our services, and working with us, please visit our website at https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/. The website contains detailed information about the Trust, our values, our services, and current vacancies. It also provides information about Plymouth as a place to live and work, including information about housing, schools, and leisure facilities.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 13 March 2026. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy before the advertised date if sufficient applications are received. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within four weeks of the closing date. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted for this position.
Next Steps
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The interview process will include a clinical component, a presentation, and panel interviews. International candidates may be interviewed via video conference if traveling to the UK is not feasible. The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive induction program and will be supported by a mentor during their initial period with the Trust.
Career Development
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is committed to the continuing professional development of all staff. As a Consultant Neurologist, you will have access to a wide range of educational opportunities, including conferences, courses, and research programs. The Trust has strong links with Peninsula Medical School and other academic institutions, providing opportunities for teaching and research activities.
Work-Life Balance
We recognize that work-life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full-time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. Plymouth offers an excellent quality of life with beautiful coastline, countryside, and a range of cultural and leisure activities.
Diversity and Inclusion
We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. The Trust has a range of staff networks that support different groups, including networks for BAME staff, LGBT+ staff, and staff with disabilities. We welcome applications from candidates who can contribute to our diverse and inclusive workplace culture.