Position Details

College of Medical and Dental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £38,619 to £65,955

Clinical Post

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 4 years or CCT date, whichever is sooner.

Closing date: 8th May 2024

Please note: We are advertising 2 NIHR Clinical Lecturer posts in General Practice (4570) or Psychiatry (4572), however there is only one post available which will be awarded to the successful candidate at interview, from either speciality.

Background

The successful candidate in training will spend 50% of the working week in General Practice on a training scheme and the other 50% as a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Birmingham. Qualified GPs will spend 50% of their time as a Clinical Lecturer for the University of Birmingham and may work in practice on an honorary basis.

Role Summary

Description of research component of programme 

The theme of the post is Mental Health, and the research work undertaken should fit within this theme.

This Academic Clinical Lectureship offers an exciting opportunity for qualified GPs who wish to pursue a career in academic research and work in a multidisciplinary research team. The Centre for Primary Care Improvement is embedded within the Institute of Applied Health Research, focusing on applied and translational research and research methods. Our comprehensive range of programs covers an array of critical areas, including the prevention of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, chronic disease prevention, endocrine and metabolic diseases, maternal care, lifestyle modifications, and behaviour change. There are also several methodological areas including qualitative methods, clinical trials, biostatistics, health outcomes, evidence synthesis, health economics, and data science.

To support our research endeavours, we've made significant investments in research infrastructure, with a particular focus on the Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit. This state-of-the-art facility encompasses a dedicated Primary Care Clinical Research and Trials stream and collaborates closely with the Clinical Research Networks (CRN) Primary Care spoke. Furthermore, we boast established global health groups that offer exciting opportunities for international collaborations. Additionally, we're proud to house the esteemed Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research (CPROR) within our institute.

Our research has had a profound impact on medical practice, with notable achievements such as pioneering epidemiological cohorts like BLISS in COPD and BETS in thyroid dysfunction. We have also conducted influential trials that have shaped national and international guidelines, such as TASMINH for patient self-management in hypertension and Lighten Up for weight loss.

The department has a strong reputation for supporting early and mid-career researchers – a fast track for both clinical and non-clinical scientists and is proud of the impact we have nationally and internationally through the activities of our trainees past and present. The diversity of our research interest means that we can accommodate most clinical areas of interest and our close links with the Defence Deanery mean that our academic GP programme is enhanced by military GPs too. We encourage our academic GPs to reach their potential not only in clinical and academic areas but to take opportunities with other organisations (i.e. RCGP, SAPC).

Applicants will have a PhD and be either qualified as a GP or in GP training with a good track record of publications and conference presentations. They will have started to develop a research plan on their area of interest with some provisional academic links or involvement in the RCGP, or have undertaken supplementary education, research, leadership, or other academic training. It is hoped that the successful applicant will use the lectureship as platform for grant submission or applying for post-doctoral fellowships such as a Clinician Scientist fellowship. 

We value our academic staff and the existing academic trainee programme across all specialties at the University of Birmingham is a lively, flourishing group who meet regularly for peer support and learning. We have nationally, locally and ministry of defence funded trainees working together under the supervision of clinical academic tutors to ensure a diverse, stimulating environment in which they are supported to develop their own academic career. Whilst the University of Birmingham already has diverse research interests, we welcome new ideas. We encourage ACLs to become involved in wider activities including participating in undergraduate teaching and assessment as well as the more generic areas of academic life i.e. journal clubs and mentoring. There are plenty of training opportunities at the university including opportunities to attend Masters level courses in Research Methodology, Teaching, and Clinical and Public Health subjects relevant to Primary Care.

The University of Birmingham itself is a magnificent campus university and offers a host of attractions to clinical academic trainees. One of our strengths is the diverse nature of our collaborations with academics throughout the University and the city and its key hospitals and academic GP practices.

We encourage prospective applicants who are not familiar with the University to come and visit. Informal discussions prior to submitting an application are encouraged with senior academics, please contact Dr Brian H Willis b.h.willis@bham.ac.uk or Dr Shamil Haroon s.haroon@bham.ac.uk.

Description of clinical training component of programme 

For GP trainees still in training Clinical training will continue as part of the West Midlands GP training scheme

Academic Lead (University) for the IAT Programme

University: Dr Kristien Boelaert

IAHR: Dr Brian Willis, Dr Shamil Haroon, Prof Tom Marshall

Academic Supervisor (University) details 

To be appointed depending on academic interests of the candidate from current staff of the IAHR

Educational Supervisor (Trust) details 

Dr Brian Willis, Dr Shamil Haroon, Prof Tom Marshall

Deanery Programme Training Director details

Dr Fiona Sellens – Primary Care Dean, NHS England (West Midlands Team)

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Demonstration of acquisition of the level of knowledge and skills necessary for the achievement of Foundation and clinical (matched to the entry level) competencies or equivalent. 
• Demonstration of the potential for research independence and the ability to lead a research team. 
• Potential to become a leader in chosen field.
• Knowledge of the centre hosting the research and how this is best placed to support the research, education and training needs. 
• Prizes or distinctions.
• Presentation of work at a national or international meeting. 
• Significant publications in peer reviewed journals. 
• Demonstration of understanding, and commitment to, an academic career.
• Indication of medium and long-term career goals. 
• Demonstration of educational reasons for applying for the Clinical Lectureship Programme.
• Evidence of team working skills. 
• Evidence of leadership potential.

* All candidates should have submitted their final thesis to be eligible to apply and must have been fully awarded their higher degree in order to be able to take up the post (prior to September 1st 2025).

OH/DBS required 

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Dr Brian H Willis, email: b.h.willis@bham.ac.uk or Dr Shamil Haroon, email: s.haroon@bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.