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Post-doctoral opportunties for NMAHPs

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After completing a PhD, the postdoctoral stage is when clinical academics can establish independence, develop leadership skills and translate research into practice. You’ll have opportunities to lead studies, apply for grants, supervise students and influence clinical services and policy.

Postdoctoral training can help you:

  • lead your own research programme
  • build project management and leadership skills
  • mentor junior researchers and students
  • develop grant-writing experience and funding track record
  • translate research findings into clinical practice or policy
  • expand your professional network nationally and internationally

Postdoctoral opportunities by nation

Postdoctoral roles are available across the UK, with national and regional awards, university fellowships and research council schemes. They often include protected time for research, mentorship, leadership training and support for networking and collaboration.

  • NIHR Postdoctoral Award: For researchers with a PhD or submitted thesis who are not yet professors. Supports a range of applied research projects; up to 40% time can be dedicated to practice or policy roles.
  • HTA Postdoctoral Award: Focused on developing expertise in clinical trials. Ideal if you want to lead or deliver applied studies. Open to clinicians across the UK.
  • MRC-NIHE (Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme: In partnership with the Medical Research Council, this funding helps postdocs gain experience leading applied clinical studies.
NIHR Postdoctoral programmes

The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) runs the Early Postdoctoral Fellowship, a three-year award for researchers with less than two years of post-PhD experience. Open to clinical and non-clinical health researchers, it develops independence, research skills and leadership.

Chief Scientist Office

Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW) offers the Advanced Fellowship, up to three years, full or part-time. Postdoctoral fellows develop independent research programmes while embedding research into clinical settings.

HCRW Advanced Fellowships

Postdoctoral routes in Northern Ireland include:

Explore further

Research, grants and awards

Explore current research awards, grants and fellowships available to support clinical academics across the UK.

Training and mentorship programmes

Find training, development and mentorship opportunities to support your clinical academic career.
Last updated on 4 February 2026.