NIHR SPCR Nursing Fellow (Commercial)

The Role

The NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) has launched a development fellowship scheme to build nursing leadership in commercial research across primary care and wider care settings. Fellows will gain skills in commercial research delivery, academic development, strategic systems working, and cross‑sector collaboration. A total of 11 Fellows will be appointed, hosted across SPCR member departments plus Newcastle and Birmingham. Fellows will join a supportive cohort with mentorship, supervision, shared learning, and access to SPCR training.

Purpose of the Role

To support national growth, capacity, and capability in commercial research across primary care and wider care settings by developing understanding of commercial research delivery, academic skills, partnerships with stakeholders, and insight into how nursing roles support commercial research.

Training, Support, and Development

Fellows receive SPCR training, supervision from academic mentors, peer support, national meetings and workshops, and exposure to commercial partners.

It is anticipated that this role will also provide an excellent platform for you to be mentored and receive support from an experienced primary academic with the aim of developing your own research interests, experiences and skills in primary care research. The Academic Primary and Community Care Unit (APCCU) is a virtual unit which aims to bring together leading experts within primary and community care systems to build capacity in academic primary and community care within the region. You will also be supported by and be part of an emerging group of clinical academics as a member of the APCCU.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the Fellowship, Fellows will understand the commercial research ecosystem, develop academic and strategic skills, build national networks, and be positioned for future research and leadership roles.

Important: This is a development fellowship. Fellows will not be employed as research nurses or deliver a specific study but will develop strategic and academic capabilities.

To apply please submit a covering letter and CV by 29th June 2026. We are hoping that the successful applicant will be in post by the 1st October 2026.

For further information please contact Dr. Eugene Tang (eugene.tang@newcastle.ac.uk)

Key Accountabilities

Developing Skills & Expertise:

• Build knowledge of commercial research delivery, regulatory pathways, commercial study set‑up, and operational design
• Develop insight into how nursing and nursing associate roles can support commercial research across wider care settings
• Engage in training in academic skills including governance, appraisal, writing, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement

Engagement & Collaboration

• Engage with nursing teams across primary care, community services, general practice, wider care settings, and secondary care
• Work collaboratively with RDN Health & Care Directors (NMAHPs), NIHR Research Delivery Network, Commercial Research Delivery Centres, ICS/ICBs, industry partners, and academic departments

Strategic Networking & Influence

• Act as a key link between academic teams and external stakeholders
• Identify barriers and enablers for commercial research in wider care settings
• Share learning and support spread of commercial research activity

Cohort Participation

• Attend SPCR training, cohort meetings, and cross‑site events
• Travel locally, regionally, and nationally as required
• Participate in reflective learning and peer support

Research / Quality Improvement Project

• Fellows will complete a short research or QI project with support from their host department. A written impact statement is required at the end of the Fellowship

The Person

Essential

• NMC‑registered nurse
• Experience in primary care, community, or wider care settings
• Interest in research, service improvement, or innovation
• Strong organisational, communication, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work independently and across boundaries
• Willingness to travel

Desirable

• Experience with NIHR Portfolio research
• Understanding of UK research governance
• Experience in audits, service evaluations, QI, or research
• Knowledge of commercial research or digital/health tech
• Experience in multidisciplinary collaboration