The NIHR Oxford and Oxford Health BRC Senior Research Fellowship scheme recognises and supports mid-career individuals with the potential and trajectory to become future leaders in translational research in the NIHR in Oxford.
Fellows will receive an award of £5,000 a year for 2 years that may be used flexibly to facilitate their translational research programme and career development.
Some examples of how the funding may be used include travel costs for research activities, conference costs, personal career development and leadership training, consumables and minor items of equipment (not capital equipment) and bridging funds to support research staff appointments whilst awaiting new research income.
Award holders must commit to participating in a Leadership Programme, which includes:
- 4 x one day workshops on Lead Self, Lead Others and Lead Culture + ‘Next Steps’
- 3 x structured triad coaching conversations between sessions
- 2 x one to one coaching sessions + 30 minutes introductory call
- 1 x 1.5 hour on-line follow up session 6 months later
The workshops take place on:
- Wednesday 14 January 2026, from 9am to 5pm
- Wednesday 18 February 2026, from 9am to 5pm
- Wednesday 18 March 2026, from 9am to 5pm
- Thursday 16 April 2026, from 9am to 5pm
Please note that applicants must be able to attend all four workshops. Fellows are also expected to provide a short progress report each year.
Eligibility
Applicants should be engaged in translational research which benefits patients or improves the healthcare system, brings health economics benefits, and contributes positively to society.
Applicants must:
- have a PhD or MD and extensive post-doctoral research experience
- be employed by Oxford University, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust or Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
- show professional achievement, in particular evidence of leadership, or leadership potential in translational research
- show evidence of high potential impact of the research on improvements in healthcare and public health
- provide evidence of high quality and volume of excellent research
- show evidence of independence as a researcher, including establishing collaborations and building research capacity
- be able to attend training and networking events in Oxford.
NIHR Senior Investigators, or those who have previously held NIHR Senior Investigators Awards, BRC Theme Leaders/co-leads, Heads of University Departments, OUH/OH Divisional Directors, Associate Heads of OUH/OH Divisions, full professors and BRC Steering Committee members are not eligible to apply.
How your application will be assessed
NIHR Senior Research Fellows will be selected by an expert panel using this assessment guidance:
Closing date for applications: Friday 24 October 2025.
Interviews in Oxford: 8 December 2025.
For more information, contact andreia.costa@psych.ox.ac.uk.
Data Privacy Notice: By submitting this application, you consent to the processing and sharing of your personal data for the sole purpose of administering the 2025/2026 Senior Research Fellows competition. This includes sharing your information between the University of Oxford and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, as the assessment panel comprises members from both organisations. Your data will be handled securely and in accordance with the respective data protection policies of each institution. For more information on how your data will be used and protected, please refer to: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/how-we-use-your-data
