Visa Information
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to offer a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible international candidates. This visa sponsorship enables qualified medical professionals to work in the UK for the duration of this fixed-term position. Applicants requiring sponsorship are encouraged to apply, as their applications will be considered alongside all other candidates. However, please note that you must verify your visa eligibility requirements directly with the employer, as immigration regulations can be complex and subject to change.
About the Position
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Clinical Research Fellow to join our Renal Medicine department at Heartlands Hospital. This unique position combines cutting-edge research with clinical duties, offering an exceptional opportunity for medical professionals seeking to advance their academic career while gaining valuable clinical experience in hypertension and dialysis research.
Job Summary
This two-year fixed-term position (with potential for extension based on research progress) is ideal for doctors with 12 months of General Internal Medicine (GIM) training who wish to develop subspecialty research skills as part of out-of-programme research (OOPR). The post offers structured research training with access to a comprehensive Research & Development (R&D) teaching program. Previous fellows have successfully completed their PhD studies at prestigious institutions including the University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick.
Location and Working Environment
The position is based at Heartlands Hospital, located in Birmingham, West Midlands. Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city, offering excellent transport links, diverse cultural experiences, and a high quality of life. The hospital is part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest teaching trusts in the UK, providing a dynamic and supportive research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Research Opportunities
The fellowship provides the opportunity to work on three major research projects focused on hypertension and dialysis. These studies will directly inform future randomized controlled trials on blood pressure targets in end-stage renal disease patients on dialysis. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to grant writing for upcoming trials and develop expertise in innovative research methodologies.
Key Research Projects
1. Pilot Study on Blood Pressure Measurement Methods in Dialysis Patients: This project evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of home BP monitoring (HBPM), ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), and the Hilo device in patients newly starting haemodialysis. It includes validating the Hilo device against established methods and performing targeted echocardiography to assess left ventricular hypertrophy.
2. Assessment of Non-Adherence in Advanced CKD and Dialysis Patients: This study validates antihypertensive drug screening in urine, haemodialysis fluid, and peritoneal dialysis fluid to objectively measure medication adherence, aiming to improve blood pressure control and patient outcomes.
3. Pseudo-Randomised Trial of Blood Pressure Control in Haemodialysis Patients: Utilizing the international DOPPS database and advanced statistical modelling, this project emulates a randomised trial comparing intensive and standard systolic BP targets, with cardiovascular mortality as the primary outcome.
Key Responsibilities
The Clinical Research Fellow will be expected to take initiative in planning research, identify and develop suitable techniques for data collection and analysis, and conduct comprehensive data analysis. You will be required to present your findings to colleagues and at conferences, and submit publications to peer-reviewed journals. The role also includes attending Renal departmental meetings such as morbidity and mortality reviews and journal clubs, as well as contributing to the educational rota including departmental teaching sessions.
Clinical Duties
In addition to research responsibilities, the post includes commitment to renal and General Internal Medicine (GIM) on-call rotas. Normal working hours are 9am to 5pm with a 1 in 5 on-call frequency on weekdays and 1 in 4 on-call frequency during weekends, serving in the capacity of renal and general medicine registrar. This balance between research and clinical work provides a comprehensive training experience suitable for those seeking to develop both academic and clinical expertise.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
Medical Degree: MBBS, MB ChB or equivalent medical qualification from a recognized institution.
Membership of Royal College of Physicians: Full membership or equivalent qualification from a recognized medical royal college.
Advanced Life Support (ALS): Current ALS certification or equivalent.
GMC Registration: Full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) of the UK.
Essential Experience
General Internal Medicine Training: Minimum of 12 months of GIM training or equivalent postgraduate clinical experience.
Desirable Qualification
NTN in Base Specialty: Currently holding a National Training Number (NTN) in base specialty at ST 4-6 level.
Additional Information
Duration: This position is for two years initially, with potential for extension depending on satisfactory research progress and mutual agreement regarding pursuit of higher degree (MD or PhD).
Salary: £65,048 per annum, paid according to the national Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS) pay scales.
Employer: University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We strive to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of background.
About University Hospitals Birmingham
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest teaching trusts in the UK, providing acute services to the people of Birmingham and beyond. The Trust is recognized for its excellence in research and education, with strong links to the University of Birmingham. As an employer, we are committed to developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders and creating a workplace that thrives on diversity.
We hold numerous accreditations including Disability Confident Leader, Age Positive, Carer Friendly Employer, and Stonewall Silver Employer 2022, demonstrating our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace for all staff. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for staff with disabilities, including physical disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health conditions, and neurodiverse conditions.
Benefits for International Applicants
Birmingham offers an excellent quality of life with affordable housing compared to London and other major UK cities. The city has excellent transport links, including international connections via Birmingham Airport. The region offers diverse cultural experiences, educational opportunities, and recreational facilities. For international candidates joining our team, we provide support with relocation where possible and have a diverse staff community representing numerous countries and cultures.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted via the NHS Jobs website. The closing date for applications is 14 February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview, which may be conducted in person or virtually depending on location. The selection process will assess both your clinical experience and research potential, as well as your suitability for working within our multidisciplinary team.
How to Apply
Please apply via the NHS Jobs website using the reference number 13879. Ensure that your application clearly addresses all aspects of the person specification and demonstrates both your clinical experience and research interests. For international applicants, we recommend including details of your visa requirements and confirming your eligibility for sponsorship if applicable.
International Applicant Checklist
• Verify your eligibility for UK work visa sponsorship with the employer
• Ensure your medical qualifications are recognized by the GMC
• Prepare evidence of your English language proficiency if required
• Include details of any previous research experience in your application
• Contact Dr Awais Hameed at Awais.Hameed@uhb.nhs.uk for any questions about the position
Contact Information
For questions about the position or the application process, please contact:
Dr Awais Hameed (Consultant)
Email: Awais.Hameed@uhb.nhs.uk
No phone number is provided; please email with your inquiries.
Equal Opportunities
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applications will be treated equally regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Further Information
For more information about University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, please visit our website at https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm. The privacy notice for the Trust can be found at https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/privacy-notice/. Supporting documents, including the full job description and person specification, are available for download with the online application form.