This is a 12-day structured research experience taken flexibly over 12 months for early career professionals to become embedded in an established research team in higher education and/or the NHS to participate in a broad range of research activities. The individual will have an identified research mentor who will also provide support to explore career development opportunities beyond the funded period.
We have identified 36 ‘First Steps’ opportunities for application in 2024, which are available across six universities and NHS Lothian. Some of the studies may take place in other Health Boards. Full details can be accessed in the table below. These opportunities may not always match a professional’s specialism but should be seen as an opportunity to gain insight and experience into research and to promote the acquisition of transferable knowledge and skills. Some opportunities are at universities outside the Lothian area, however, these should still be considered as much of the contact with the mentor, research team and research activities can be done remotely.
Prospective candidates are also able to propose their own ‘First Steps’ opportunity. This require extensive engagement with a host research team, a process that would be led by the candidate. In addition to the standard application form candidates wishing to do this would be required to submit a ‘First Steps into Research Opportunity’ form completed by the host team, which confirms the full details.
These awards fund the salary costs of 12 days study leave (subject to a cap of £3,500 per award) plus each successful ‘First Steps’ candidate will be awarded £500 funding that can be put towards a recognised research development opportunity; this could be a Masters level research module, attendance at a research conference, introductory research methods course. All candidates will be invited to attend Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training.
The funding awarded can be applied flexibly over a 12 month period in terms of when the study days are taken.
Applications should be submitted by 25th March 2024.
To identify early career NMAHPPS professionals who demonstrate interest and potential for a clinical academic research career
To create a rich and realistic introduction to a research career by providing experience of participating in an existing research study or supporting the development of a funding application.
To provide mentorship and support regarding the next steps on clinical academic research career pathway.
Target Group
NMAHPPS employed by NHS Lothian who are keen to develop research relevant skills and knowledge
Applicants are likely to be early career, however, more experienced NMAHPPs may be considered
Ideally undergraduate NMAHPPS students should be made aware of the prospect of the award during the final year of their learning programme and should be encouraged to make links with the respective NHS Lothian research leads at an early stage of their employment.
Criteria for Application
In a substantive post employed by NHS Lothian
Identification of research interest within personal development plan
Criteria for Award
Support from immediate line manager to be released for study leave
Clarification from candidate and line manager that any identified area of research interest is relevant to NHS Lothian priorities
Expected Outcomes
There are a range of outcomes that could arise from this award:
Engagement in research tasks associated with an ongoing research project (e.g. recruitment, consenting, data collection, data analysis, report writing etc.)
Participation in systematic reviewing processes (e.g. database searching, screening, data extraction etc.)
Networking activities (e.g. conference attendance for presenting a poster/abstract etc either as first or co-author etc)
Named author on publication associated with the research project (this may come at a later stage after the end of the funded award)
Next Steps
Candidates could be considered for an ongoing academic home with the research team (see Lothian NMAHPPS Clinical and Academic Home Framework)
There may be opportunities to apply for MRes Gateway or, if the candidate has sufficient academic experience a Pre-doctoral Gateway
Candidates will be invited to join the NMAHPPS Doctoral Network for ongoing peer support and networking
CONTACT NHS LOTHIAN
Lothian NHS Board
Waverleygate
2-4 Waterloo Place
Edinburgh
EH1 3EG
