[British Heart Foundation](https://www.bhf.org.uk)

January 13, 2027

Flexible award: up to 4 years part-time (20–50% FTE) or up to 12 months full-time; covers applicant salary (NHS banding), research support staff, consumables, equipment, training (£3,000), travel (£1,000/year), and caring expenses (£200/year).

Supports postdoctoral resident doctors in higher specialist clinical training to develop cardiovascular research careers alongside clinical duties.

--- ## Description The Clinical Early Career Research Fellowship (Clinical ECRF) is designed to provide PhD/MDRes-qualified resident doctors in higher specialist clinical training with protected postdoctoral research time. The scheme enables clinicians to develop their research experience and competitiveness in cardiovascular clinical academia, offering flexibility to integrate research with ongoing clinical training. Fellows may propose a part-time award (20–50% FTE for up to 4 years) alongside clinical duties or a full-time award for up to 12 months out of programme. The fellowship includes mentorship, opportunities for research visits, and resources for professional development. --- ## Due Dates - January 13, 2027: Full application submission deadline (applications must be fully submitted to BHF and approved by Head of Department and Administrative Authority by 17:00). --- ## Funding Amount - Award duration: Up to 4 years part-time (20–50% FTE) or up to 12 months full-time. - Funding includes: - Applicant salary at NHS banding. - Salary for a part-time research technician/assistant (up to 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time, if justified). - Research consumables and essential equipment. - Training fund: up to £3,000 per award. - Travel fund: up to £1,000 per year for conferences/meetings. - Caring expenses: up to £200 per year, flexibly spent. - No set maximum value; budget must be justified and appropriate to the proposed research and clinical commitments. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be resident doctors in higher specialist clinical training with a national training number (NTN) on a UK training programme. - Must hold a PhD/MDRes or have submitted their thesis at the time of application. - Projects must fall within the BHF's cardiovascular remit. - No UK residency requirement, but candidates must hold a UK NTN. - Support from a named senior investigator (Primary Academic Advisor) and the relevant clinical training programme director is required. - Applicants are encouraged to include up to two mentors (at least one from another institution). --- ## Application Process - Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the BHF Fellowships team for informal discussion before applying (send CV and brief project description). - Applications must be submitted via the [BHF Grants Management System](https://researchgrants.bhf.org.uk/). - The online application form must be completed by the proposed Fellow. - Required attachments include: - Detailed project proposal (strict page and font limits apply). - Full CV, letters of support from advisors, mentors, Head of Department, and Training Programme Director. - Justification for research time and integration with clinical duties. - Additional documentation for clinical studies (ethical approvals, IP agreements, quotes for equipment over £5,000, etc.). - Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, with final decisions expected by the end of April following the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Fellows may spend up to 6 months at an overseas or second UK institution if justified. - The fellowship strongly encourages a tailored approach to integrating research and clinical training. - The scheme supports career development, mentorship, and flexible arrangements for personal and professional needs. - Applicants must ensure compliance with BHF's [clinical study guidelines](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply/clinical-study-guidelines) if proposing a clinical study. --- ## External Links - [Clinical Early Career Research Fellowship – BHF Program Page](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/clinical-early-career-research-fellowship) - [How to Apply for BHF Research Grants](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply) - [BHF Grants Management System (Application Portal)](https://researchgrants.bhf.org.uk/) - [Clinical Study Guidelines (Interventional)](https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/clinical-study-guidelines-interventional-study_feb2026.pdf?rev=6e7f7a449e6e4fd3afd95e30264f2a10&hash=DD8E6F5DC5C75A57ED4CB80808BA0396) - [Clinical Study Guidelines (Observational)](https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/clinical-study-guidelines-observational-study_030323.pdf) - [Costing a Clinical Study](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply/costing-a-clinical-study) - [Improving Support for Clinical Academics](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply/improving-support-for-clinical-academics) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [heretohelp@bhf.org.uk](mailto:heretohelp@bhf.org.uk) | 0300 330 3322 | | Fellowship Queries | [fellowships@bhf.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@bhf.org.uk) | | Grants Management | [gmsqueries@bhf.org.uk](mailto:gmsqueries@bhf.org.uk) | | BHF Contact Page | [Contact BHF](https://www.bhf.org.uk/contact) |

Clinical Early Career Research Fellowship

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