Clinical Research Fellow

NHS; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed children’s healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Clinical Research Fellow to join their dynamic Research Delivery Team. This role involves leading research projects, acting as a Sub-Investigator, and contributing to paediatric clinical trials across various specialties. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of post-graduate clinical experience, a strong commitment to child-centred care, and the ability to work collaboratively. This position offers a unique chance to make significant contributions to children’s health and academic publications.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension schemes

Health and wellbeing programmes

Exclusive discounts

Qualifications

• 2 years post-graduate clinical experience, including 6 months in paediatrics.
• Interest and experience in clinical research.
• Competence in clinical trial procedures.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on experience in paediatric clinical trials.
• Act as a Sub-Investigator, recruiting patients and prescribing medicines.
• Develop and support your own research project.

Skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Excellent communication

Understanding of safeguarding

Clinical governance knowledge

Education

MBBS or equivalent

GMC registration

GCP certification

Postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc, PhD)

Job description

Clinical Research Fellow

The closing date is 03 December 2025

Fixed Term: Until 31 March 2026 (possibility of being extended)

We are looking for a Clinical Research Fellow to join our dynamic Research Delivery Team. This post is aimed at doctors at ST1‑3 level.

You will be gaining hands‑on involvement in Phase 1‑3 clinical trials, the opportunity to serve as a Sub‑Investigator, and the chance to lead your own research project with potential for publication and teaching.

You’ll be working at the forefront of paediatric clinical research within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that fosters growth and innovation.

Interviews are expected to be held on Wednesday 17th December 2025.

Main duties of the job

Reporting into the Director for Research, your responsibilities will include:

• Hands‑on experience in paediatric clinical trials. These will include a portfolio of commercial trials across different specialties (including gastroenterology, rheumatology and endocrinology)
• Opportunities to act as Sub‑Investigator, from patient recruitment to prescribing investigational medicines.
• The chance to develop your own research project, with support for publications and conference presentations.
• Exposure to a multidisciplinary network across paediatric specialities.
• Teaching, supervision, and professional development.

About us

At Sheffield Children’s, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children’s Health.

We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.

We’re proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children’s as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England – and the top‑ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire – in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values – Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence – to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we’re excited to keep building our leadership in children’s health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts – helping you thrive at work and beyond.

Job responsibilities

Please see the person specification and Job description for full details of the responsibilities and requirements.

For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.

Please note that Sheffield Children’s uplifts pay to meet the Real Living Wage, which is £12.60 per hour.

Diversity Statement

At Sheffield Children’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone's success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.

Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at [e-mail]. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• GMC registration
• GCP (Good Clinical Practice) certification
• Postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc, PhD, or equivalent) in a relevant field

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates a commitment to child‑centred care, working collaboratively with children and their families to develop care pathways tailored to their individual needs

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years post‑graduate clinical experience (including at least 6 months in paediatrics)
• Demonstrated interest and ideally experience in clinical research
• Understanding of research governance and ethics
• Experience working in a clinical trial setting and competence in clinical trial procedures
• Publications or presentations in peer‑reviewed settings

Knowledge and skills

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
• Awareness of safeguarding and child protection principles
• Knowledge of clinical governance and audit processes
• Understanding of the principles of clinical audit and quality improvement
• Evidence of participation in audit or quality improvement projects.
• Ability to deliver effective teaching and feedback.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust