Visa Note
While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship, all applicants must verify their visa and work permit eligibility directly with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust before applying. Immigration requirements can change, and confirmation from the employer is essential.
About the Position
We are seeking to recruit a Consultant Physician to join a dedicated team working within General Medicine at Manchester Royal Infirmary and the Rheumatology Department at North Manchester General Hospital. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified rheumatologists looking to relocate to the UK with the security of a certificate of sponsorship.
The role involves providing expert clinical care across both hospital sites, with opportunities to develop specialist services in areas such as inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue diseases, and metabolic bone disease. You will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team comprising rheumatology nurses, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and research staff.
Why Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust?
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest rheumatology providers in the UK and is commissioned by NHS England under the specialised rheumatology framework. We unite multiple hospitals and providers of community services, delivering care to approximately 750,000 people across 10 hospital sites. Our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester is the largest health academic campus in Europe.
Our rheumatology department is renowned for its innovative research programs and cutting-edge treatments. We have strong academic links with the University of Manchester and participate in numerous national and international clinical trials, offering consultants opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research while maintaining a clinical focus.
What We Offer
This permanent, full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per annum. We provide comprehensive support for international relocating staff, including assistance with the visa application process through our certificate of sponsorship program.
In addition to financial benefits, we offer a comprehensive relocation package that covers assistance with finding suitable accommodation, settling-in allowances, and support for dependents. Our staff benefits include membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, private healthcare insurance, and generous annual leave allowance.
Key Responsibilities
The successful appointee will be expected to continue the development of specialist services, work closely with other consultants in the rheumatology department, and help share departmental workload. You will ensure the delivery of quality standards in medical care, including key areas of inpatient care, and provide clinical leadership in Inpatient Medicine.
Specific duties will include managing complex rheumatology cases, participating in outpatient clinics at both hospital sites, contributing to the on-call rota, and supervising junior medical staff. You will also be expected to participate in departmental meetings, audit activities, and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this position, you must have GMC Registration, MRCP or equivalent, and entry in the GMC Specialist Register for Rheumatology via CCT (proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of interview) or CESR. Clinical skills in Rheumatology equivalent to completion of Higher Speciality Training are also essential.
You must demonstrate substantial experience in managing a wide range of rheumatological conditions, including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory arthritis, and metabolic bone disorders. Experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings is required, along with evidence of working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
While not required, evidence of research, service development, and training in specific areas of specialist Rheumatology would be advantageous. Postgraduate qualifications or experience in Clinical Research and evidence of commitment to CPD in Rheumatology are also desirable.
Experience in developing new service pathways or participating in clinical trial research would be particularly valued. Candidates with additional qualifications such as a PhD or MD, or those with publications in peer-reviewed journals, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Management and Teaching Experience
Experience in clinical audit/patient safety initiatives is essential for this role. Desirable management experience includes service improvement and leadership. For teaching, experience with medical and non-medical staff is essential, with experience of organizing/teaching courses and postgraduate qualifications in medical education being desirable.
You will be expected to contribute to the training and development of junior doctors and other healthcare professionals. This includes participating in the trust’s teaching programs, supervising trainees, and potentially leading educational sessions within the department.
Personal Attributes
We are looking for candidates with good organizational ability and a willingness to be flexible in accordance with the demands of the team. Experience of working in a cross-boundary clinical team with good communication and management skills is essential. Presentation skills would be a desirable asset.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership qualities, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. You should be able to work effectively under pressure and maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and reference job number 349-MRI-7605625-RL4. When applying, please ensure you include:
- Proof of your medical qualifications
- GMC registration documentation
- Evidence of your rheumatology training and experience
- Curriculum Vitae including any publications or research
- Contact details for professional references
Please repeat these Apply Instructions when submitting your application: Complete all sections of the application form thoroughly, provide all requested documentation, and ensure your CV is up-to-date with your most recent experience. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
International Applicant Guidance
As an international applicant, we strongly recommend that you contact our Clinical Lead, Rikesh Patel, at rikesh.patel@mft.nhs.uk before submitting your application to discuss your specific circumstances and verify eligibility for the certificate of sponsorship.
We can provide assistance with the GMC registration process, including the PLAB test if required, and guidance on English language proficiency requirements. Our international recruitment team will support you throughout the application process and offer pre-arrival assistance for successful candidates.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, which requires a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
All applicants must be prepared to undergo an enhanced DBS check. Any information regarding criminal convictions must be disclosed at the application stage. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in withdrawal of an offer or dismissal from employment.
UK Registration Requirements
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information about UK medical registration, please visit the GMC website or contact the NHS Careers team. Our recruitment team can provide guidance on the registration process for international medical graduates.
The GMC requires proof of English language proficiency for overseas-trained doctors. This typically involves passing either the IELTS or OET examination. We can provide information on preparation resources and test centers in your home country.
Certificate of Sponsorship Details
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer a certificate of sponsorship to eligible candidates who meet the UK Visas and Immigration requirements for skilled workers. This sponsorship is essential for obtaining a UK work visa if you are not already permitted to work in the UK.
The certificate of sponsorship will be issued for a Skilled Worker visa under the Health and Care Worker visa route. This route offers benefits including a reduced visa fee, faster processing times, and the possibility of settlement in the UK after five years of continuous employment.
Relocation Support
We understand that relocating to a new country can be challenging. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust offers a comprehensive relocation package for international staff, which includes assistance with finding accommodation, guidance on the UK healthcare system, and support for dependents.
Our relocation assistance includes an initial settling-in allowance, assistance with shipping household goods, and support in finding suitable housing. We also provide orientation sessions covering UK culture, healthcare systems, and practical aspects of living in Manchester. For families with children, we offer guidance on local schools and childcare facilities.
Professional Development
As one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, we are committed to the professional development of our staff. We offer numerous opportunities for continuing professional development, research, and academic advancement. Our consultants are actively encouraged to participate in teaching and training activities.
Our trust has strong links with the University of Manchester, and consultants can apply for honorary academic positions. We provide funding for attendance at national and international conferences, as well as support for pursuing higher degrees or professional qualifications.
Equal Opportunities
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity, and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their background.
We have a range of staff networks supporting underrepresented groups, including BAME, LGBTQ+, and disability networks. Our trust is working towards achieving the NHS Employers’ Disability Confident Leader status and the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.
Contact Information
For questions about the job or the application process, please contact Rikesh Patel, Clinical Lead, at rikesh.patel@mft.nhs.uk. The Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy policy can be found on their website.
All inquiries will receive a response within five working days. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial interview, which may be conducted virtually. Final interviews will be held in Manchester with opportunity to visit the workplace.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 06 February 2026. We encourage early applications as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. All supporting documents should be submitted with your initial application to ensure timely processing.
Late applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Please ensure all required documentation is submitted by the deadline to avoid delays in processing your application.
Work-Life Balance
We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Our consultants are encouraged to take their allocated annual leave and we have a flexible working policy where applicable. The trust promotes a culture where staff wellbeing is prioritized through initiatives such as the Staff Wellbeing Hub and access to counseling services.
Research Opportunities
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust has a strong research environment. We have collaborations with the University of Manchester and other research institutions. Consultants are encouraged to engage in research and can apply for research time. Our department has ongoing studies in areas such as biologic therapies and novel imaging techniques.