ECAT-i PhD Fellowship for Health and Care Professionals 2026 intake

The University of Edinburgh - CMVM - Edinburgh Medical School

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 6th August 2026 for up to 5 years

ECAT-i (Edinburgh Clinical Academic Track – inclusive) is the University of Edinburgh’s prestigious academic track for health professionals.

The post provide research opportunities for registered health and care professionals, including: allied health professionals (art therapists, chiropodists/podiatrists, dieticians, drama therapists, music therapists, occupational therapists, operating department practitioners, orthoptists, osteopaths, paramedics, physiotherapists, prosthetists and orthotists, radiographers, and speech and language therapists) chiropractors, clinical psychologists, dentists, dental hygienists, dental nurses, dental therapists, general practitioners, healthcare scientists (in life sciences, physiological sciences, physical sciences and biomechanical engineering, and bioinformatics), health visitors, midwives, non-medical public health specialists, nurses, optometrists and dispensing opticians, osteopaths, pharmacists, social workers, pharmacy technicians and practitioner psychologists.

Joining the ECAT-i programme involves undertaking a Wellcome PhD for Health Professionals in a world-leading research centre at the University of Edinburgh. The programme aims to build on the principles of research excellence and mentorship developed during the successful ECAT Wellcome Clinical PhD Programme, with a strong emphasis on research inclusivity and a positive research culture.

The opportunity:

Funding is provided for a preparatory period (typically three months full-time) when selection of supervisors and planning of the PhD project are optimised with the support of the ECAT directors before beginning the three-year PhD project. Following the PhD, salary funding may be available for up to two years of postdoctoral research.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• You must demonstrate a commitment to a research career.
• You must be academically ready to undertake a PhD.
• You must be registered to practice in the UK with the relevant professional body.
• You must have the support of your health board, where relevant.