Multiple Long-Term Conditions PhD Programme for Health Professionals Fellow

The Clinical PhD Research Fellowships are fixed term 3-year appointments offering training, mentoring and support to health professionals undertaking a PhD on the topic of multiple long-term conditions (MLTC), also known as multimorbidity. The posts will be based in either the University of Glasgow, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh or the University of St Andrews with potentially up to seven fellowships available across the four institutions this year.

Our aim is to develop the next generation of leaders in MLTC research through identifying and developing highly skilled clinical practitioners into researchers who understand and use multidisciplinary research to answer important clinical questions. The core post is a cohort-based 3-year PhD starting in August 2027 which funds a full-time salary, PhD fees and research costs. The successful candidate is expected to undertake a PhD during the term of the post.

We include health care professionals from the following professions:

• Medicine
• Nursing/Midwifery
• Allied Health Professions (e.g., Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Dieticians)
• Pharmacy
• Dentistry
• Clinical Psychology
• Healthcare Scientists

Where possible a 6-month preparatory period should begin at the start of February where successful candidates will work closely with allocated supervisors to develop the selected PhD project. We will work with Fellows and their employers to try to organise release from their current clinical duties for an equivalent of one day a week (20% protected academic time). Alternatively, based on Fellow needs, a slightly early start may be available to enable structured research skills development.

Medical applicants are welcome from ALL medical and surgical specialties (including General Practice). Medical applicants must be doctors in training (holding a National Training Number and be eligible for higher clinical training where relevant for their specialty) or be General Practitioners who have completed their training (post-CCT) normally within the last 4 years (full-time equivalent i.e. may be >4 calendar years accounting for part-time working). Dentists, either in a training programme or within 4 years full-time equivalent of completing their training programme are eligible to apply.

Clinical work during the PhD will be limited to a maximum of one day per week, or up to two days for craft specialities. Doctors and dentists who are still in training will need to gain permission for time out of training from their Postgraduate Dean and must still be in training at the time of starting their PhD. We encourage UK registered NMAHP, pharmacists and other clinical disciplines to apply providing they have a minimum of 2 years full-time equivalent experience after full registration at the point of application. Healthcare science professionals clinically active in the NHS are also welcome to apply. Healthcare science assistants and healthcare science associates are NOT eligible.

Please note that candidates can apply to this PhD Programme on a maximum of 3 occasions. For all applicants, we will be looking for candidates with evidence of research or other relevant equivalent activity (for example, working in improvement/innovation, policy or management) before application. Research activity may include work undertaken as an undergraduate; holding an intercalated BSc; by completion of a relevant Master's degree or other post-graduate qualification in an area of clinical relevance; or by participating in research including writing papers.

All applicants must be registered with their appropriate discipline specific professional body within the UK (e.g. General Medical Council, Nursing & Midwifery Council, Health and Care Professions Council) and already be licensed to practice in the UK.

IMPORTANT Candidates should select two of the advertised projects in order of preference. Candidates MUST discuss their first preference project with the relevant supervisory team prior to submitting a formal application. Details on the projects and supervisory teams are on the programme website.

All applicants will be appointed to a clinical salary, which will be negotiated after appointment in line with the ‘UK clinical academic training in medicine and dentistry: principles and obligations' document. The core principle is that academic salary will be commensurate with your existing NHS salary within the limits of the funding available to the programme. For pre-CCT medical and dental trainees, salary will be at an appropriate point on the CAT-I Clinical Lectureships/PhD Fellowships ACN2 scale. For post-CCT GPs and dentists, starting salaries will be dependent upon career stage but will not exceed point 9 of the ACN2 Clinical Scale (£77,389 per annum). For NMAHPS, Healthcare scientists, and professionals from other clinical disciplines, starting salaries will be dependent on career stage and the expected maximum salary offered for NMAHPS, Healthcare scientists, and professionals from other clinical disciplines is Band 7, Point 34 of the Agenda for Change.

Applicant Webinar: 24 September 2026 2pm - 3pm

Proposed online interview dates: 9 and 10 December 2026

Closing date: 22 October 2026 @23:45

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.