At a Glance
- Tasks: Reacquire research skills and pursue a career in clinical research with funding support.
- Company: Medical Research Council, dedicated to improving human health through innovative research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, project funding, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in medical research while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered healthcare professional with a PhD and plans for a research career.
- Other info: Open to international applicants; excellent networking opportunities with leading organisations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Opening date: 15 January 2026, 9:00am UK time
Last updated: 19 January 2026
Apply for funding to reacquire research skills. Your research can focus on any area of Medical Research Council (MRC)’s remit.
You must:
- be a registered healthcare professional
- be a PhD graduate working outside of research, usually five or more years
- show plans to pursue a research career and be at an appropriate point in your clinical training to undertake the fellowship
Funding
We will fund your salary and project costs for three years. We will fund 80% of the full economic cost (FEC). You may also apply for joint funding from one of the collaborating organisations. This is an ongoing funding opportunity. Application rounds close every January, April and September.
Who can apply
This funding opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Applications are welcomed from applicants of all nationalities, including those not currently located in the UK. However, this is subject to the fellowship being based at an eligible UK organisation.
Who is eligible to apply
You can apply if you are a registered healthcare professional. This includes, but is not limited to:
- midwives
- allied health professionals
- clinical psychologists
- doctors
- dentists
Types of applicants
We welcome both professional doctorate and capacity building clinical research training fellowship (CRTF) applicants. This funding opportunity is for you if you have a PhD and want to apply for funding to reacquire research skills. Capacity building CRTF applicants are considered in open competition with professional doctorate applications.
If you already have a PhD, but have not been active in research since, this funding offers an opportunity to refresh your research skills and re-establish research momentum.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to apply for this funding opportunity you must:
- have received a PhD or equivalent, usually five or more years ago
- be at an appropriate point in your clinical training, with clear plans for completing your speciality training
- have not undertaken substantial periods of academic research since your PhD
We may also consider your application if you have a National Institute for Health Research academic clinical fellowship or similar since your PhD.
You must have the support of a sponsor who:
- is a senior member of the department where you are applying to host your fellowship
- acts as a supporter for the application and the fellowship (they do not have a supervisory role)
- has expertise in the research area and acts as guarantor for the quality of the proposed work, suitability of you as a fellowship candidate and the quality of training and development you will receive
What the fellowship gives you
This fellowship provides a competitive salary, giving you the chance to concentrate fully on your research, training and development. You may:
- spend up to six hours a week (pro-rated for part-time fellowships) on other commitments such as teaching, demonstrating, or other funded projects
- undertake up to two clinical sessions a week
We recognise the challenges faced by clinicians in combining research with the demands of a clinical career. We operate this fellowship as flexibly as possible.
Duration
Clinical research training fellowships usually last three years but never less than two years. For patient-oriented projects where additional time is needed to collect patient samples and complete follow-up assessments, you may request up to four years funding.
Funding available
There is no limit to the amount of funding you can request. However, all costs must be fully justified and demonstrate value for money. Your application must be for an amount that:
- is appropriate to the project
- you can justify in order to meet the objectives of your proposed research
We will fund 80% of the full economic cost and 100% of permitted exceptions.
What we will fund
The capacity building clinical research training fellowship will cover the full cost of your salary. The fellowship will also provide funding for:
- research consumables
- equipment
- training activities
- data preservation, data sharing and dissemination costs
- estates and indirect costs
- public partnerships and related activities, including, when they are associated with NHS studies
The award will also support a period of research overseas, at a second UK research organisation or in industry, whichever is most appropriate.
Joint funders
We collaborate with royal colleges and charity funders to offer jointly funded clinical research training fellowships. These awards offer the prestige of having the relevant organisation co-fund your fellowship and may offer additional opportunities to report on your project, present your work at meetings and take part in professional networking.
Capacity building: clinical research training fellowship in Swindon employer: NERC - the Natural Environment Research Council
Contact Detail:
NERC - the Natural Environment Research Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Capacity building: clinical research training fellowship in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the healthcare and research fields. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have a lead on a fellowship or can introduce you to someone who does.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to clinical research. Think about how your past experiences align with the fellowship's goals. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for research! When you get the chance to speak with potential sponsors or interviewers, share your vision for your research career. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference in human health.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’ve got resources to help you along the way, so make sure to take advantage of them!
We think you need these skills to ace Capacity building: clinical research training fellowship in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the fellowship requirements. Highlight your clinical experience and how it aligns with the research skills you want to reacquire. This will show us that you're serious about pursuing a research career.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your written responses to reflect the specific goals of the fellowship. Use the language from the job description to demonstrate that you’re a perfect fit for what we’re looking for.
Get Supportive Sponsors: Make sure you have at least one solid sponsor who can back your application. Their support is crucial, so choose someone who knows your work well and can vouch for your potential as a fellow. A strong sponsor can really boost your chances!
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to submit your application, do it through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important steps in the process. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at NERC - the Natural Environment Research Council
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in your proposed research area. Be ready to discuss how your clinical experience ties into your research plans and why this fellowship is the perfect opportunity for you to reacquire those research skills.
✨Showcase Your Clinical Experience
Highlight your clinical training and how it complements your research ambitions. Be prepared to explain how your background as a registered healthcare professional will enhance your research work and contribute to the fellowship.
✨Prepare Your Sponsors
Ensure your sponsors are on board and understand their role in your application. They should be able to vouch for your capabilities and the quality of your proposed work, so have a chat with them beforehand to align your goals.
✨Practice Common Questions
Anticipate questions about your career trajectory and future plans. Practise articulating your vision for your research career and how this fellowship fits into that picture. Confidence in your answers can make a big difference!
