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.

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.

Becoming embedded in the team during my BRC placement allowed me to gain great insight into research. I found talking to staff about their experiences in research and attending courses provided by the university very useful. I thoroughly enjoyed completing a research project which enabled me to gain further skills and obtain knowledge in this environment.

I feel the experience has increased my confidence surrounding the entire research process. I’ve had an excellent time being able to home in on some existing skills relevant to research like critical appraisal. It’s also been a brilliant opportunity to learn new skills like data analysis methods too!

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.