Clinical Research Fellow

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS pension scheme

Flexible working

Learning and development opportunities

Blue Light Card

Car lease scheme

Staff networks

Job summary

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is seeking a clinician at ST4-6 (or equivalent) to join a growing research team focused on psychiatry, dementia and translational neuroscience.

The role blends clinical care with research, offering opportunities for protocol development, ethics submissions and potential publications while working with senior clinicians and academic partners.

Qualifications

• MBBS degree or equivalent.
• Full GMC registration with valid licence to practice.
• Relevant clinical and/or research experience in psychosis, mood disorders and dementia.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams, and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of clinical research across mental illness and dementia studies.
• Recruit participants and conduct psychiatric and cognitive assessments.
• Coordinate studies and ensure adherence to protocols and ethics approvals.
• Develop research capabilities with supervision and opportunities for authorship.
• Engage in training on GCP, research governance and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Skills

Psychiatry experience

Research experience

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

MBBS degree or equivalent

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity 12 month fixed-term contract for a clinician at higher speciality training level ST4-6 or equivalent, who is seeking to join a dynamic and expanding research team at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. The post is designed for a motivated individual with a strong interest in psychiatry, dementia, and translational neuroscience, offering a unique blend of clinical and academic experience.

The post holder will support the delivery and development of high-quality clinical research in mental illness and dementia. This includes involvement in a diverse portfolio of innovative studies, such as blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, psychosis research, circadian rhythm studies, and ultra-low-field MRI. Responsibilities will include participant recruitment, study coordination, and data collection, while actively contributing to the growth and impact of the research portfolio.

You will work closely with senior clinicians, researchers, and academic partners to deliver research that has direct relevance to patient care. The role provides excellent opportunities for professional development, including involvement in protocol development, ethics submissions, and opportunities for authorship on publications. You will also gain practical experience in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research governance, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for supporting the delivery of clinical research across a range of studies in mental illness and dementia. Key responsibilities include participant recruitment, conducting psychiatric and cognitive assessments, and ensuring adherence to study protocols and ethical standards.

This post is ideally suited to a clinician who is seeking to develop a career in academic psychiatry or neurology, The post holder will be supported by experienced clinical and academic supervisors and will have access to mentorship, continuing professional development, and engagement with postgraduate medical education (PGME).

You will apply clinical judgement to assess eligibility, obtain informed consent, and monitor participants for adverse events. The role involves working across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills. You will liaise with multidisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, neurologists, MRI specialists, and research staff to coordinate study delivery.

Additional duties include contributing to the development of new research projects, supporting ethics applications, and maintaining accurate documentation in line with GCP and sponsor requirements. You may also provide mentorship and guidance to trainees and assist with training activities to build research capacity within the Trust.

About us

We are Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust providing vital mental health, learning disability, and specialist services to a population of 1.8 million people across Kent and Medway.

Join our extensive network of medical professionals and contribute to making a positive impact. We offer exceptional professional development opportunities, allowing you to develop your skills while enjoying the high quality of life in the picturesque Garden of England.

Collaborate with the prestigious Kent and Medway Medical School, be at the forefront of integrated care, and prioritise individual well-being. If you're passionate about research, join our internationally recognised team and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare.

You will join a diverse and inclusive team committed to delivering outstanding care through collaboration and continuous learning.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For detailed information regarding the role, please refer to the attached job description and person specification. The job description will provide you with the main duties and responsibilities of the role. The person specifications will detail the qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience required for the role.

• Our Benefits
• Easy access to inhouse research team and academic opportunity through Kents own Medical school
• Generous annual leave and study leave entitlement and access to the fantastic NHS pension scheme
• Holiday of a Lifetime Scheme Bank your annual leave to save up for that all important extended break
• Flexible working - just ask and we will try to help
• Excellent Learning and Development opportunities - We offer doctors at all grades the chance to engage in leadership, educational, research, quality improvement development and seek growth opportunities tailored to their areas of interest
• Free access to an independent counselling service
• Blue Light Card - A discount service for the NHS, with thousands of amazing discounts
• Car lease scheme
• A variety of staff network forums which empower, support and encourage network members and allies, to reflect KMPT values and promote equality and diversity.

If you would like further information, or to know the full terms of the Recruitment Bonus and/or Relocation Allowance, then please contact our Medical Staffing Team: [e-mail]

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• MBBS degree or equivalent
• Full GMC registration with valid licence to practice

Experience

• Relevant clinical and/or research experience, particularly in psychosis, mood disorders, and dementia

Knowledge

• Skills and experience relevant to the recruitment and clinical assessment of patients with psychiatric disorders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as within multidisciplinary teams Good organisational and time management skills, including ability to prioritise and work to deadline
• Good organisational and time management skills, including ability to prioritise and work to deadline

Desirable

• Evidence of good academic potential and trajectory (e.g. prizes, distinctions, publications depending on career level, prior presentation of research findings, grant funding)
• Experience with recruitment and delivery of clinical research in psychiatry

380-MED-26-031