Clinical Research Fellows

Clinical Research Fellows - Surgery

Job Purpose

This role will allow the development of research skills and production of data which the postholder should use to develop a research thesis leading to an MD or PhD degree. The data may also be used to compete for external funding. Although research will form the major component of this post, participation in associated clinical duties and a small amount of teaching will be incorporated into the role. Postholders will be expected to register and undertake a higher degree (MD/PhD).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, design and implement projects or parts of projects, in conjunction with collaborators and grant holders as appropriate research that leads to a higher degree (MD/PhD).
• Write and submit applications for Ethics and Research Management approval, as appropriate and in conjunction with PIs.
• Manage data handling and interpretation of research results and take the lead in writing papers for publication in appropriate peer-reviewed journals.
• Prepare research reports, thesis, and submit at least three manuscripts of material for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and departmental research group activities.
• Present work at internal and external seminars and national/ international conferences as appropriate to enhance the profile of the research group.
• To deliver teaching materials and supervise undergraduate/postgraduate student projects and contribute to the academic progress of students.
• Contribute to the organisation of project- related workshops, seminars or conferences.
• Undertake some clinical work under an NHS honorary contract as detailed below. 
• To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan – Inspiring People – Changing the World. 

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

• MBChB or equivalent. Applicants must hold GMC registration with a licence to practise, or be eligible to obtain GMC registration and a licence to practise prior to commencing the role.
• National Training number in Surgery.

Desirable:

• BSc or equivalent intercalated degree. Evidence of distinction in career to date e.g. prizes, awards, bursaries.

Skills

Essential

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collegially to achieve a common goal/Institute objectives.
• Evidence of self-motivation, originality, innovation and the ability to work independently.
• Good organisational including the ability to manage research projects.
• Excellent communication both oral and written.

Experience

Essential

• Sufficient clinical experience in medicine or related specialties, relevant to the Institute.

Desirable

• Previous experience in research is desirable.
• Previous experience in undergraduate teaching or postgraduate teaching is desirable.

General Information

Clinical Research Fellowships offer medical graduates the opportunity for training in a range of research methodologies relevant to modern biomedical research in Medicine and related specialities. Most Clinical Fellows will undertake research training to consolidate career prospects, by participating in relevant research, which will usually form part of a further qualification or Higher degree (MD, PhD). Registration for an MD will be strongly encouraged and the research will be planned with successful attainment of a degree in mind. The post should make individuals competitive for future NHS teaching hospital appointment or Academic Lecturer/Clinician Scientist awards.

Research Training

All Clinical Research Fellows will have a mentor assigned at the time of appointment. The mentor will usually become the supervisor for any matriculated Higher degree (see below). Clinical Research Fellows are encouraged to attend workshops and training in generic transferable skills organised by the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School. 

Higher Degrees

Clinical Research Fellows will undertake study towards a Higher Degree, ordinarily an MD, in the University of Glasgow. In addition to an academic supervisor, all postgraduate students will have an independent adviser. Either the adviser or supervisor must be a member of full-time University academic staff.

Clinical Work

For registered medical practitioners an honorary grading will be sought from the relevant NHS Service. This will usually be at the grade of Honorary ST3 (or equivalent). Clinical activities may be limited to those required for research training such as recruitment to trials and conduct of clinical research. However, limited additional clinical experience will usually be available subject to the agreement of the supervisor and NHS Services Clinical Director, with in-patient and out-patient experience in Medicine and relevant Specialties. Where any clinical activities of a Service nature extend beyond the usual working week, confirmation in advance of any such responsibilities and agreement on additional payments must be obtained from appropriate NHS Services management. The individual will have a contract with the NHS Services via the appropriate directorate/division, which will specify the agreed amount of clinical work and the level of remuneration. Since the funding for this post does not include an element for clinical training or NHS service work, any such clinical work must be arranged to avoid impacting substantially on research time.

Funding Sources

The duration of funding is as specified in the post-specific information. It will be awarded on the basis of individual career achievement to date and the likelihood of the fellow contributing to an effective, existing research team. Salary will be on ST3 equivalent scale. As noted above, there may be opportunities for additional salary supplements providing NHS cover in Surgery and related specialties (by negotiation with local NHS management and subject to prioritisation of research). In relation to such supplements, the University will act as Paymaster only.

Research Training Base

The Clinical Research Fellow will be based at the University of Glasgow but may work at other clinical sites e.g Glasgow Royal Infirmary

Research Supervision

Details of the Institute and supervisorial pool can be found on the Institute’s webpages, as per the post specific information.

Teaching

Research fellows are encouraged to contribute to both problem-based learning and clinical teaching sessions for undergraduate medical students when research commitments allow.

Assessment of Progress

All those matriculated for Higher Degrees will be subject to the Postgraduate School of the College for progress monitoring. This is completed according to the regulations set down in the University Calendar. Written progress reports on projects on a monthly basis. Research in Progress presentations, at least annually, to the Institute. Reports/manuscripts of results of clinical trials undertaken, as appropriate.

General assessment during clinical work and meetings. Annual interview by independent assessors.

Future

Research fellows will either return to run-through training, be supported for further internal or externally funded fellowship to complete a MD or PhD, or may become eligible for an academic training post.

Standard Terms & Conditions

Salary will be on the Clinical Research Fellow scale: £50,341– £74,591 per annum

This post is full time and fixed term for 2 years (start date 5 August 2026).

Although this activity constitutes part of the job, the management of the clinical activity will be the full responsibility of the NHS Organisation. In the unlikely event that the NHS Organisation withdraws the honorary contract, the University will not be able to continue this post and notice of termination will be served.

Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG)

The University of Glasgow is committed to safeguarding children and protected adults by ensuring that individuals in regulated roles are appropriately vetted and monitored.

The University of Glasgow’s PVG policy aligns with the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 and reflects the legal requirements effective from 1 April 2025, including the mandatory PVG Scheme membership for regulated roles.

The post for which you are applying is considered to be a regulated role under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. Under the Act, individuals working in a regulated role must be a PVG Scheme member before employment. If you are successful in your application, the offer of employment will be conditional subject to a satisfactory PVG Scheme record check. We will be in touch regarding requirements related to this.

Disclosure Scotland The post for which you are applying is considered to be a child care position in terms of The Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003. It requires the successful applicant to undergo a satisfactory Disclosure check through Disclosure Scotland prior to appointment. This check is necessary to ensure that the University of Glasgow fulfils its legal duties under the Act. If you are successful in your application, the offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure Report. The University will make a Disclosure application to Disclosure Scotland, which will reveal any past criminal convictions (spent or unspent) or inclusion on the Disqualified from Working with Children List. Any non-conviction information held locally by the police may also be disclosed should this be considered relevant to the position.

Please note it is a criminal offence to apply for a child care position if you are on the Disqualified from Working with Children List.

It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.