We’re looking for medically or clinically-qualified professionals who have a higher research degree and need support to progress to independent investigator.
We are looking for proposals that will focus on any areas of MRC’s scientific remit, ranging from basic studies with relevance to mechanisms of disease to translational and developmental clinical research. We expect your clinical work will help to inform and strengthen your research work.
Science areas include:
- infections and immunity
- molecular and cellular medicine
- population and systems medicine
- neurosciences and mental health
- translation
- global health
- methodology
- public health
We also welcome proposals for interdisciplinary approaches or research which will address global health issues and be of benefit to those living in low and middle-income countries.
The clinician scientist fellowship provides support for up to five years. We expect you to take advantage of the full five years’ funding available. If you are intending to apply for a shorter period, you should contact the programme manager – fellows@mrc.ukri.org – before submitting a proposal.
This fellowship scheme 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, other funded projects, or you may undertake up to two clinical sessions a week.
For surgeons and fellows undertaking patient-orientated projects where the clinical sessions undertaken will be of direct relevance to the research, applicants may request to undertake up to four clinical sessions a week.
We may allow greater flexibility on the time dedicated to non-fellowship activities (for example, those detailed above or obtaining grant support) during the second half of a fellowship. Email the programme manager at fellows@mrc.ukri.org to discuss your plans.
The clinician scientist fellowship award will cover the full cost of your salary as well as:
- support for research staff
- consumables expenses
- travel costs
- appropriate capital equipment
This award will also support a period of research overseas, at a second UK institution or within industry, whichever is most appropriate. We encourage successful applicants to take advantage of the opportunities this will provide to establish collaborative networks and cross-sector development.
There is no limit to the amount of funding you can request under this scheme, but requests must be appropriate to the project and you must be able to justify the amount you need to meet the objectives of your research proposal. Awards are made under the full economic costing framework.
You cannot hold a salaried position and a fellowship at the same time. If you are awarded a fellowship, you will need to give up the permanent position for the duration of the fellowship or change to a proleptic appointment.
If you want to retain an existing position and combine this with research funding, we recommend you look at one of our grant scheme funding opportunities instead. Check our Funding finder for current funding opportunities.
Apply for a jointly-funded clinician scientist fellowship
MRC collaborates with other funders to offer jointly-funded clinician scientist fellowship awards. As well as the prestige of having these organisations co-fund your award, you may also have opportunities to report on your project, present your work at meetings and take part in professional networking.
To apply for joint funding, you must include the joint funding form (Word, 65KB) as part of your cover letter.
Joint-funding does not alter the assessment process. We will offer all jointly-funded fellowships under standard MRC terms and conditions except where the co-funder has specified extra terms and conditions.
If you apply for a jointly-funded award which is not available for any reason, we will automatically consider you for a standard MRC fellowship instead.
We are inviting applications for the following four jointly-funded clinician scientist fellowship schemes:
- MRC/Motor Neurone Disease Association Lady Edith Wolfson Fellowships
These awards support clinicians who want to pursue research into the pathogenesis and treatment of motor neurone disease. The Motor Neurone Disease Association and MRC will co-fund successful applicants.
If you have any queries about this fellowship or your proposed research area, contact Dr Brian Dickie – brian.dickie@mndassociation.org
- MRC-Kidney Research UK Professor David Kerr Clinician Scientist Award
This award supports clinicians who have already achieved a higher degree and who want to continue their research into kidney disease. Kidney Research UK and MRC will co-fund successful applicants. The award will be offered in the 2020 and 2021 MRC clinician scientist funding rounds.
Successful applicants will also be able to attend Kidney Research UK’s annual fellows day and have access to workshops through automatic membership into the alumni programme.
For further information about this award, email Elaine Davies, Director of Research Operations – elainedavies@kidneyresearchuk.org
- MRC/Versus Arthritis Fellowship
Versus Arthritis (VA) invests in breakthrough treatments, providing information and support for the 10 million people with arthritis in the UK. The organisation’s remit covers all conditions which affect the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain and osteoporosis, supporting basic discovery research through to clinical and applied health research.
We welcome applications from clinicians whose research will make a positive and tangible change for people with musculoskeletal conditions. As a Versus Arthritis jointly-funded fellow, you will be invited to attend VA’s annual fellows day and have access to workshops for public and patient involvement and the communication of research to a wider audience.
You can find out more about this funding opportunity by emailing Versus Arthritis – research@versusarthritis.org
- MRC/Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Fellowship
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health trains and educates paediatricians throughout their careers to the highest professional standards, and promotes research and child health policy in the UK and worldwide. Its mission is to transform child health through knowledge, innovation and expertise, and its vision is a healthier future for children and young people across the world.
The Children’s Research Fund has been established to increase child health research capacity in the UK and to reverse the decline in the number of paediatric academics and researchers.
We welcome applications from clinicians and non-clinical academics in any area of child health research. As well as this jointly-funded clinician scientist fellowship opportunity, MRC also administers clinical research training fellowships and career development awards with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
For further information regarding the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, email – research@rcpch.ac.uk
