Clinical Fellow in Dermatopathology

Clinical Fellow in Dermatopathology

The closing date is 12 March 2026

Applications are invited for an innovative post of Clinical Fellow in Dermatopathology within the Histopathology Department at Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust in Dorchester. The post will be complemented by separate additional sessions at the nearby private laboratory Poundbury Cancer Institute. The latter will require a separate employment contract, but will not require a separate interview/application.

The post is aimed at doctors who have either completed, or are within 6 months of completing, training in Dermatology or General Histopathology. It will enable the successful candidate to develop Dermatopathology as a subspecialist interest and work towards the Royal College of Pathologists Diploma in Dermatopathology. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a department with an efficient and high-quality laboratory, supportive colleagues, and a culture of continual improvement.

The clinical fellow post is a 5PA contract within the Department of Histopathology at Dorset County Hospital and is fully supervised by Dr Taibjee. The appointee will:

• Preview cases and draft skin histology reports, and sit with a consultant to finalise and authorise reports, including complex second‑opinion cases.
• Assist and advise biomedical scientists in macroscopic dissection of skin specimens and order ancillary tests such as immunohistochemistry and molecular tests when appropriate.
• Participate in clinical audit, CPD and quality assurance programmes.
• Play an active role in teaching and educational activities, including cataloguing the skin histopathology archive, supporting publications, and presenting at national and international meetings.
• Support development of a reliable and expeditious service, with the possibility of exposure to Dermatology clinics if required.

At DCHFT we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients and on the culture we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applications from under‑represented groups.

Our mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways that matter to them, and our vision is that Dorset County Hospital will be at the heart of improving the well‑being of our communities.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.

Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

• Full GMC registration with licence to practise.
• A relevant higher qualification.
• CCT in Dermatology or Histopathology (or within 6 months) or equivalent specialist training overseas.

• Evidence of broad training and experience in either Histopathology and / or Dermatology.
• Previous exposure/experience in specialist Dermatopathology work.
• Experience of working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience of working in regional networks.
• Experience of managing and developing services.

• Knowledge and appropriate skill in Histopathology and / or Dermatology.
• Ability to update clinical knowledge and skills.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based practice.

• Effective communication with clinical colleagues, pathology staff and support staff.
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English.
• Ability to present effectively to an audience and respond to questions.
• Aptitude for teamwork and building relationships with all staff levels.
• Awareness of personal and professional limitations.
• Ability to work under pressure and cope with setbacks.
• Aptitude for leadership and taking responsibility.
• Adaptability to changing circumstances.

• Understanding of clinical governance and responsibilities it implies.
• Knowledge of principles of and experience in clinical audit.
• Participation in continuing professional development (CPD) and quality assurance programmes.

• Enthusiasm for Dermatopathology and willingness to share knowledge and experience.
• Experience of teaching technical and nursing staff.
• Experience of teaching medical students.

• Knowledge of principles involved in research.
• Publication in peer‑reviewed journals.

• Meets professional health requirements.
• Willingness to travel to and work in other sites as required by the role.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust