SPCR Nursing Commercial Fellowship

THE POST Faculty

Health and Life Sciences Post

SPCR Nursing Commercial Research Fellow (Part -time 0.4 or 0.5

FTE) Reference No

905

Grade

Equivalent to current NHS/academic salary up to Grade H (pro rata; capped at £73,710)

Reporting To

Professor Richard Neal The above part-time post is available at either 0.4 or 0.5 FTE for 18 months from 1st September 2026 (must end by 29th February 2028), in the Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx), Department of Health and Community Sciences. Job Description

Main purpose of the job

The NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) is offering up to eleven Nursing Commercial Research Fellowships, with positions available at various universities across the UK. These fellowships are designed to foster collaboration between general practitioners and key research partners, including the NIHR Research Delivery Network and NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centres. The primary aim of the fellowships is to develop new capacity for commercial research delivery in out-of-hospital settings, particularly by increasing the number of general practices participating in commercial research. Fellows will be provided with ring-fenced time to focus on this crucial work, which is expected to have a significant impact on the future of healthcare research in primary care. The successful candidate for this position will be hosted by APEx at the University of Exeter. The fellow will receive academic support from APEx staff and will have access to broader NIHR SPCR training resources. Additionally, they will be part of a supportive peer group that works alongside an experienced academic to enhance their career development. Fellows will also gain valuable experience in commercial research, furthering their expertise in this important area. This part-time (0.4 or 0.5 FTE) post can last up to 18 months but must end by 29th February 2028.

Main duties and 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 crosssite 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. Eligibility - Any NMC-registered nurse working in primary care, community services, or wider care settings is eligible. - Applicants not working in these settings must demonstrate ability to form partnerships rapidly. Training, Support, and Development Fellows receive SPCR training, supervision from academic mentors, peer support, national meetings and workshops, and exposure to commercial partners. 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. This job description summarises the main duties and accountabilities of the post and is not comprehensive: the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties of similar level and responsibility. Person Specification Competency Essential Attainments/Qualifications NMC-registered nurse. Skills and Understanding Interest in research, service improvement, or innovation. Ability to work independently and across boundaries (Desirable) Understanding of UK research governance. (Desirable) Knowledge of commercial research or digital/health tech. Prior Experience Experience in primary care, community, or wider care settings. (Desirable) Experience with NIHR Portfolio research. (Desirable) Experience in audits, service evaluations, QI, or research. (Desirable) Experience in multidisciplinary collaboration. Behavioural Characteristics Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Circumstances Willingness to travel. Informal Enquiries Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Prof Rupert Payne, Deputy Director of APEx (R.A.Payne@exeter.ac.uk) Terms & Conditions Our Terms and Conditions of Employment can be viewed here. Further Information Please see our website for further information on working at the University of Exeter.