Clinical Research Fellow

Job summary

This role is open to all applicants. However, in line with Cornwall First recruitment principles, initial shortlisting will prioritise applicants from Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and the Integrated Care Board for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the South West Clinical School in Cornwall. We are looking to second a nurse, midwife, or allied health professional from primary care practice to a part-time Clinical Research Fellow position.

The South West Clinical School in Cornwall is an established collaboration between Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Plymouth's School of Nursing and Midwifery and School of Health Professions. It exists to nurture and grow clinical academic research careers and opportunities for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (NMAHPs) to be and remain research active. Its infrastructure included funded senior clinical academics from all collaborating organisations.

In 2026, project funding has been secured to extend the offer of the Clinical School to NMAHPs working in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly primary care services for an initial 10-months.

Main duties of the job

This Clinical Research Fellow will be supported by senior clinical academics from within the established Clinical School and University to deliver an externally funded implementation and evaluation project.

The Clinical School is looking for a self-motivated, dynamic and adaptable individual to work on this study. They need to be a primary care experienced nurses, midwife or allied health professions registrant and hold a master's degree.

Under the direction of the co-directors of the Clinical School and local leadership team, the postholder will work with a range of stakeholders to plan, prepare, and deliver the project using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research or CFIR. This will include, but not limited to evidence reviewing, securing study approvals, recruitment and delivery of focus groups, data analysis and reporting.

You will work closely with a multi-disciplinary project oversight group and receive mentorship and coaching, alongside training and development to successfully deliver the study, while growing new skills and competencies in research delivery. This is a part-time post working 15 hours per week. Hybrid working model is expected with time working form home, site visits and some time spent in the Clinical School team base on the RCH site

About us

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is at the heart of acute and specialist care for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We care for a population of around 470,000 people, a number that increases during visitor seasons. We employ around 6,700 staff, united by a shared commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care. We provide services across three main hospital sites, with around 780 inpatient beds:

Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro

St Michael's Hospital in Hayle

West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance

As a teaching hospital, we're proud to work in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, the University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School, supporting the next generation of health professionals. We're committed to staying at the forefront of medical advance; investing in our people, developing our facilities, and expanding the specialist care we can offer locally so more patients can receive the care they need closer to home. We have a growing reputation for research and innovation that helps shape better care for the future. The Knowledge Spa, located on our Truro site, is a vibrant hub for medical, nursing and professional education across clinical and non-clinical roles. It plays a vital role in attracting, developing and retaining highly skilled teams.

We are driven by one clear ambition, Outstanding Care for One and All, care that's safe, kind and high-quality. We are RCHT.