Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a early-career clinician to join a dynamic and expanding research team at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. The Clinical Research Fellow post is designed for a motivated individual with a strong interest in psychiatry, dementia, and translational neuroscience. The role offers a unique blend of clinical and academic experience, supporting a portfolio of cutting-edge studies including blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, psychosis, circadian rhythms, and ultra-low field MRI.

You will work closely with senior clinicians, researchers, and academic partners to deliver high-quality research that directly impacts patient care. The post provides excellent opportunities for professional development, including involvement in protocol development, ethics submissions, and potential authorship on publications. You will also gain experience in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research governance, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

This role is ideal for a clinician at core training level seeking to build a career in academic psychiatry or neurology, or for those considering an out-of-programme research (OOPR) opportunity. You will be supported by experienced supervisors and have access to CPD, PGME engagement, and mentorship.

This post is a 12-month, fixed term position.

Salary will be determined by previous experience.

Main duties of the job
The Clinical Research Fellow is an early-career clinician role within the Trust's Research & Innovation Directorate, designed to support the delivery and development of high-quality clinical research in mental illness and dementia.

You will work across clinical and academic settings, contributing to a diverse portfolio of studies including dementia, psychosis, biomarkers, circadian rhythm research and advanced neuroimaging. The role combines clinical assessment, research delivery, and academic development, with close supervision from senior clinical and academic staff.

About us
We are Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, providing vital mental health, learning disability, and specialist services to a population of 1.8 million people across Kent and Medway.

Join our extensive network of medical professionals and contribute to making a positive impact. We offer exceptional professional development opportunities, allowing you to hone your skills while enjoying the high quality of life in the picturesque Garden of England.

Collaborate with the prestigious Kent and Medway Medical School, be at the forefront of integrated care, and prioritise individual well-being. If you're passionate about research, join our internationally recognised team and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare.

You will be joining friendly, passionate colleagues, rich in their diversity, who are committed to providing brilliant care through brilliant people.

Date posted: 03 July 2026
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Doctor - other
Salary: £54,499 to £67,325 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 380-MED-26-025
Job locations: Beech House, Oakwood site, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, ME16 9PH, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• Support the delivery of clinical research studies in dementia and mental health, including participant recruitment, screening, followup and data collection.
• Apply clinical judgement to assess participant eligibility, capacity and risk, and to obtain informed consent from patients, carers and families, many of whom may have cognitive impairment or severe mental illness.
• Conduct psychiatric, cognitive and clinical assessments in accordance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and regulatory requirements.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, neurologists, research nurses, MRI specialists and academic partners to coordinate and deliver research activity.
• Manage workload across multiple concurrent studies, ensuring accurate documentation, adherence to protocols, timely recruitment and highquality data.
• Contribute to study setup activities such as feasibility assessments, ethics applications, site initiation visits and protocol development.
• Monitor participants for adverse events and escalate clinical concerns to the Principal Investigator as required.
• Maintain accurate research records, including source data, case report forms, delegation logs and electronic data entry systems.
• Support research development through literature review, contributing to new project ideas and assisting with drafting research documentation.
• Participate in training, supervision and mentorship, and may provide guidance to trainees or students involved in research activity.
• Work in accordance with Trust policies, research governance requirements, health and safety, infection control and safeguarding standards

Please refer to the attached job description for the full details on the responsibilities and person specification.

Person Specification
Training, Qualifications and Registration
Essential

• MBBS degree or equivalent
• Full GMC registration with valid license to practice.
• 12 Months experience working in the NHS

Desirable

• Experience of recruitment for and/or delivery of clinical research in psychiatry

Experience
Essential

• Relevant clinical and/or research experience, particularly in psychosis, mood disorders, and dementia

Desirable

• Experience of recruitment for and/or delivery of clinical research in psychiatry

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Skills and experience relevant to the recruitment and clinical assessment of patients with psychiatric disorders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as within multidisciplinary teams

Desirable

• Evidence of good academic potential and trajectory (e.g. prizes, distinctions, publications depending on career level, prior presentation of research findings, grant funding)

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust
Address: Beech House, Oakwood site, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, ME16 9PH, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.kentmedwaymentalhealth.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Consultant Psychiatrist/Snr Lecturer/Research Lead
Dr Joanne Rodda
Joanne.rodda@nhs.net
01622427210