Research Leaders Scheme

Current Vacancies - Applications NOW CLOSED

The RCoA CR&I has opened the application process for its Research Leaders Scheme for new recruits to join in 2026.  The scheme was originally intended to provide training and mentorship for a small number of talented individuals who wish to lead their own clinical trials in perioperative medicine. However, the importance of a wide range of applied clinical research skills in building the case for changes in clinical practice is recognised, and the scope of this scheme has been broadened beyond those with an interest in clinical trials to all applied clinical research methodologies.

Successful applicants are expected to actively engage with RCoA CR&I activities e.g. board meetings, as well as Research Leaders training events. Applicants will have experience as a local investigator, and ideally of a complete research cycle through to publication and dissemination of results. The CR&I welcomes applications from individuals of any clinical background of relevance to perioperative medicine. It is not necessary to have a clinical academic role, and a major strength of the scheme is the diversity of its membership.

Applications close: Friday 20th March 2026

Aims

The RCoA CR&I has opened the application process for its Research Leaders Scheme for new recruits to join in 2026.  The scheme was originally intended to provide training and mentorship for a small number of talented individuals who wish to lead their own clinical trials in perioperative medicine. However, the importance of a wide range of applied clinical research skills in building the case for changes in clinical practice is recognised, and the scope of this scheme has since been expanded. It now supports medics interested in all applied clinical research methodologies, not only clinical trials.

Person Specification

Applicants can be at any stage of a clinical career but are expected to have a proven track record of contribution to clinical research and will ideally have considerable experience of a complete research cycle, perhaps as a grant co-applicant, through to publication and dissemination of results. Applications are welcomed from individuals of any clinical background of relevance to perioperative medicine. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the position informally before applying. To do so please contact us.

The Research Leaders Scheme is committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all relevant disciplines and UK regions. We particularly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups and offer reasonable adjustments to support participation. We recognise achievements relative to opportunity and use transparent, fair selection processes. 
 

Role

Successful recruits to the scheme will be expected to attend two in-person training meetings and other events each year at which experienced researchers will lead discussions, exchange of views and problem-based tutorials covering important practical and theoretical topics in the delivery of clinical trials and other applied research methods. They will be expected to engage actively in Research Leaders training events and other CR&I activities. If required, members will be assigned to an established senior researcher who will provide mentorship. 

Training

Broad competencies to be covered in mentor meetings and supplemented by the CI training days include:
 

• Project management

• Developing an Application

• Trial Design and Methodology

• Ethics and Approvals

• Statistics

• Finance and administration

• Health economics

• Academic writing