NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Neurology (Digital Research)

Overview

This NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer post in Neurology has been awarded to the Division of Neuroscience at The University of Sheffield as part of the prestigious UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC)/ Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) integrated academic training pathway.  The post forms an integral part of the Neurology clinical academic training programme led by the Training Programme Directors Dr Simon Bell and Professor Pamela Shaw. The Academic Head of Division is Professor Heather Mortiboys.

Further details of the NIHR IAT pathway can be found at:

https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/academy-programmes/integrated-academic-training.htm

Information about the structure and management of the School is available on the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) website https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/sitran . SITraN is closely linked with the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre which has Translational Neuroscience as a strong theme.

The post represents an exciting opportunity to combine clinical training in Neurology with a programme of post-doctoral research, providing 50% clinical and 50% academic time, which will be achieved through a rotational system, with dedicated periods devoted to research. The Postgraduate Dean has confirmed that the post has the required educational and staffing approval and will come with an Academic National Training Number [NTN(A)] in Neurology.

The post is ideally suited to individuals wishing to build an academic career in Neurology, and in particular those who have already undertaken research and who now wish to continue to develop their research career whilst pursuing further clinical training.

Further details of the UKCRC/MMC integrated academic training pathway can be found at www.nihr.ac.uk/

You will have evidence of academic achievement and will hold a PhD or equivalent.  You will have MRCP or equivalent and be eligible to hold an NTN, or may already hold an NTN, having undertaken some training at Specialty Registrar level.  The post is aimed at an individual of ST3 level or above. Applicants are expected to have already gained expertise relevant to the specialty and theme outlined in the job description. This can include both preclinical (e.g. model systems, drug screens, identification of therapeutic targets) and clinical (e.g. trial design, imaging, biomarkers, disease stratification) expertise. This post forms part of the NIHR research priority themes of “digital research”. The research elements of the post will include the application of big data approaches, artificial intelligence and machine learning to neurodegenerative disease drug design or biomarker development. SITraN has multiple big data platforms for researchers to explore in multiple neurodegenerative diseases.

Objectives of the Integrated Academic Training Programme

1. To obtain a CCST or undertake post-CCST training (as appropriate) in Neurology

2. To undertake a programme of research

3. To identify an area of academic and clinical interest upon which to base an application for an externally-funded fellowship or a Clinician Scientist Award

The Postgraduate Dean and Training Programme Director in Neurology have confirmed that this post has been approved for specialty training. The post has the requisite educational and staffing approval for specialty training leading to a CCST and Specialty Registration with the General Medical Council (http://www.gdc-uk.org ).  Advice will be sought from the SAC as necessary.

Please be sure to attach your CV and the completed NIHR Supplementary Questions to the online application. Additional information and forms can be downloaded at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1i7-uG4Z659z1pzlKyEn5DXSFWBuwQEkW

Main duties and responsibilities

Key points are made in the description that follows, but this is not exhaustive and the applicant should refer to “2024 NIHR Clinical Lectureship (Neurology) Guidance For Recruitment and Appointment”) for a comprehensive description.

The primary purpose of a Neurology CL is to provide a clinical and academic training environment for a trainee Neurologist to further develop their postdoctoral research portfolio and establish themselves as an independent researcher and leader in their chosen field. Applicants for a NIHR CL must be able to demonstrate that they have outstanding potential for development as a clinical academic in research and/or educational research.

• Develop a specific research interest to achieve the status of a national / international expert.  Your area of research interest will be in line with the Research Strategy of the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN).  Expertise in translational biomarker development will be especially welcomed.
• Secure peer-reviewed competitive funding for research projects.
• Achieve an optimal standard of academic contribution by publishing research findings in high ranking scientific and specialty journals, and routinely appraising the literature.
• Obtain funding for a research fellowship, e.g. Intermediate/Advanced Fellowships towards the end of training.
• Gain experience and expertise in giving academic seminars and lectures.
• Develop time-management skills, and achieve a balance between clinical, research and teaching duties throughout the appointment and beyond.
• Contribute to the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes of the school. 
• Undertake assessment of students and have personal mentoring responsibilities for a small group of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• You will be committed to developing further research in Translational Neuroscience from within this post.  You must present a credible research programme to be pursued during the tenure of the lectureship, that includes digital research approaches.  This research programme should have clear aims and a realistic and practical strategy for delivery of outcomes in the form of high-impact peer-reviewed research publications and further grant submissions.  You should also demonstrate a clear funding strategy for the research programme, during and beyond the tenure of the lectureship.
• You will work in sessions of either clinical training (undertaken as specific training modules) or research and teaching time.  The academic job plan will be flexible and will be agreed jointly in discussion with senior academic supervisor and hospital staff (Clinical Lead and Training Programme Director).
• Active involvement in clinical governance and audit programmes (training will be provided).
• Keep a logbook of cases reported and seen by you for appraisal and assessment.  The format of the logbook will be as approved by the Specialty Advisory Committee in Neurology.
• Contribute fully as teacher, researcher and leader, in fulfilment of the ideals of the ‘Sheffield Academic’.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

Person Specification

Applicants for this post will be required to meet the relevant Clinical and Academic eligibility criteria for the appropriate specialty and level listed at:  

https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/person-specifications/person-specifications-2025

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• Benchmarked at the Neurology National Recruitment or currently be or previously have been enrolled on an approved training post with an NTN (benchmarked prior to 2025).  Also note that the successful candidate must be able to take up this position by 11 August 2025 at the latest. (Application)
• MBBS/MBchB or equivalent.  (Application)
• Evidence of academic achievement and holding an MD/PhD or equivalent.  (Application)
• The candidate must also have MRCP or equivalent and be eligible to hold an NTN, or may already hold an NTN, having undertaken some training at specialty registrar level.  (Application)
• Completed core training sufficient for entry into specialty training grades (Application)
• Full registration with UK General Medical Council (Application)
• Completed broad based training such as two years’ Medical Foundation training, or recognised equivalent (Application)
• Previous UK based experience in Neurology in a recognised training position  (Application/Interview)
• Experience in clinical Neurology (Application/Interview)
• Experience of teaching clinical skills (Application/Interview)
• Demonstrate commitment to further research (Application/Interview)
• Demonstrate evidence of knowledge of external grant funding bodies and application procedures (Application/Interview)
• Track record of research productivity in terms of peer-reviewed publications (Application/Interview)
• Organisational and time management skills (Application/Interview)
• The ability to communicate accurately and concisely, verbally and in writing (Application/Interview)
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a collaborative manner (Application/Interview)
• Demonstrate the ability to engage in their own learning in an independent and proactive manner in accordance with the training requirements.  (Application/Interview)
• Demonstrate desire and capability to engage in clinical governance via audit and/or service evaluations, including evidence of completed audit projects or service evaluation/developments (Application/Interview)

Desirable criteria

• Intercalated degree (Application)
• Experience in teaching undergraduate students and other research supervision, and an understanding of current directions in undergraduate dental education (Application/Interview)
• Previous experience of digital research approaches including using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Further Information

Grade: Clinical Lecturer £49,909 - £70,425 per annum (pro rata for part time).

Duration: Fixed term for a maximum of 4 years or until CCT is reached, whichever is the sooner.  Start date no later than 11 August 2025

Line manager: Professor of Neurology – Professor Pamela Shaw

For informal enquiries about this job contact:

Professor Pamela Shaw email pamela.shaw@sheffield.ac.uk

Dr Simon Bell email s.m.bell@sheffield.ac.uk

Dr Sian Price email sian.price2@nhs.net

 
Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in May/June 2025.If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact foh-staffing@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

An enhanced with barred lists DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).