One Year Research Fellowship

Applications are now open

Deadline: 2pm on 26 February 2025

The research fellowship provides 12 months of funding to support trainee members of the College who are ideally registered for a higher degree and want to complete a dedicated year of research in support of their first significant research project.

The fellowships cover salary, on-costs and some running expenses.

Eligibility

Subscribing trainee members of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in a training post, or trainees who have passed the MCQ papers and will sit the final MRCS examination at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, are eligible to apply.

We also welcome applications from SAS Surgeons who are members of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, but note that the basic salary cost payable for a successful candidate will not exceed ST6-8, Nodal point 5 on the payscale for resident doctors. Trainees who are working in approved LTFT posts may also apply. To these trainees, please note that time spent working should be wholly focused on research - we cannot support a candidate wanting to undertake a split between research and clinical activity. The fellowship must be completed within two years.

The applicant should be employed by a UK University or NHS trust, and the research must be undertaken in the UK.

Research Project

Applicants may study any aspect of surgery or surgical care. This includes basic science, diagnosis, treatment, surgical technology, audit or issues related to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in surgery or healthcare provision, in particular surgical research that will assist in work to address healthcare inequalities. The main criteria for those interested in applying are to delineate important research questions, with an appropriate study design, which can be completed within the year of the fellowship. The research can also be self-contained or part of a wider research programme. The supervisor plays a key role in helping with the writing and structure of the application, as well as offering support during the research year.

Application

All applications are rigorously assessed through a peer review process to ensure that the research, surgeon, supervisor and facilities are of a high standard and that the proposed work will be valid, beneficial and original.

Peer review will take place between March and May and shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend our Viva Day on 30 June 2025, where they will present to a panel of experts. Fellowships will be awarded in July 2025 and should start by 1 February 2026.

Applications consist of:

1) Applicant form
2) Confidential form to be completed by the present Head of the Department
3) Confidential form to be completed by the proposed Supervisor
4) Finance Form – which will be requested if you are shortlisted to attend a viva or interview (this is not part of the submission process)

Applicants are responsible for ensuring the relevant parties access and complete the application form and submit it all together by the deadline.