Healthcare Professional Placement Scheme

Our Healthcare Professional Placement Scheme offers a unique opportunity to explore clinical research through flexible, short-term placements of up to 12 weeks (or equivalent days). Employers receive backfill funding to support your release from your role, ensuring seamless participation.

What’s in it for you?

The scheme provides:

• Collaborative Learning: Work alongside highly skilled scientists and researchers driving advancements in healthcare.
• Real-World Experience: Gain first-hand insights into how clinical research is conducted within the NHS.
• Research Project Involvement: Collaborate with senior clinical academics on a short-term research project.
• Skill Development: Enhance your knowledge of experimental medicine in a clinical context.
• Career Opportunities: Explore potential pathways to further engage in clinical research.

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to NHS healthcare professionals (Agenda for Change Band 8a and below) with limited or no formal research experience but a strong interest in research and improving patient outcomes. Eligible staff groups include:

• Nurses and Midwives.
• Allied Health Professionals, such as: Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Operating Department Practitioners, Orthoptists, Paramedics, Podiatrists, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Radiographers, Speech and Language Therapists.
• Other Healthcare Professionals, including (but not limited to): Pharmacists, Audiologists, Psychologists, Healthcare Science Professionals.

Applicants must have approval from their line manager to participate.

Testimonials and insights

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the placement programme. It was an enjoyable experience that allowed me to develop new skills in research, despite having no prior experience. I was involved in every aspect of the study, and I am now in the process of writing my very first research paper.

Will Smith – Physiotherapist, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 

Will (pictured right) worked on the Manchester BRC-funded Rapid Access Diagnostics in Asthma (RADicA) study at Wythenshawe Hospital (part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust).

The RADicA study aims to develop new and better breathing tests to diagnose asthma and is part of Manchester BRC’s Respiratory Medicine Theme.

The chance to be involved in the internship programme has opened my eyes to the opportunities that are available within research alongside clinical practice. It has given me the time to develop new skills and has given me the confidence to apply for a Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust bridging fellowship.

Elizabeth Riley – Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Trafford General Hospital (part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust)

Elizabeth (pictured left) worked on a project on taping in knee osteoarthritis, which can be used to reduce pain.

The project is part of Manchester BRC’s Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Theme.

 

I have supervised research projects in all rounds of the BRC placements and have always found these individuals to be enthusiastic, keen and capable. These placements are a superb opportunity for developing wider research knowledge and skills, and I still enjoy collaborating with the students I supervised.

Two dietitians spent their 30 day place on our Family History Lifestyle study. They’ve been involved in the delivery of the test dietary intervention and have undertaken trial assessment appointments collecting anthropometric and questionnaire data. Also data entry of trial end points , and analysis of factors which influence uptake to the study including age, level of risk, age , socioeconomic status.

When and how to apply?

The scheme is currently closed for applications but will reopen in 2026. Stay tuned for updates on application timelines and requirements.