Job overview
My University Hospitals Sussex Research Internship Award.
Are you new to research but would like the opportunity to develop your research skills and experience?
Would you like to take your first steps in developing a career that combines research and clinical practice?
Would you like the opportunity to do this at University Hospitals Sussex with funded support?
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust working in partnership with the My University Hospitals Sussex Charity are delighted to invite applications for the My UHSx Research Internship Award. This annual programme aims to support individuals taking their first steps into a research career and those with limited research experience up to pre-doctoral level. The award is for practitioners from all professional groups employed by University Hospitals Sussex NHSFT and registered with*:
1. Academy for Healthcare Science
2. General Chiropractic Council
3. General Dental Council
4. General Medical Council
5. General Optical Council
6. General Osteopathic Council
7. General Pharmaceutical Council
8. Health and Care Professions Council
9. Nursing and Midwifery Council
10. Social Work England
11. UK Public Health Register
We are now seeking applications for Cohort 3 of the My UHSx Research Internship Award with a planned programme start date W/c 2nd March 2026. The programme will provide 7.5 hrs per week of funded backfill from your current clinical role for 12 months to support your personal research career development.
Main duties of the job
The My University Hospitals Sussex (My UHSx) Research Internship is a funded personal research award designed for those new to research but interested in finding out how to develop a career combining clinical practice and research and for those considering applications for externally funded research fellowships or awards below doctoral level.
The My UHSx Research Internship Award will support you to :
•Develop your skills, knowledge and confidence in using research in practice and gain experience by undertaking relevant training, development opportunities and group activities.
•Become an ambassador for research, supporting and encouraging others to bring research to everyday practice.
•Develop your research networks, contacts and personal research profile.
•Develop your skills in public, patient and community engagement and involvement.
•Engage in research academic development activities including forming a hypothesis, identifying and prioritising research questions, developing a research proposal and first steps in personal grant development work
12. Develop outputs towards future funded research career development such as a systematic or scoping review, conference presentation, networking opportunities, etc
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The My UHSx Research Internship Award is a personal research training award. Salary backfill at your current band & spine point is provided for 0.2 WTE per week (7.5hrs) for a period of 12 months – eligible salary range up to a maximum AfC 8A/ Medical Grade ST5. If you would like to apply but are outside the banding range please contact us at the address below for further information.
We welcome applicants from a range of diverse career paths and professions (see eligible professions list*) including those working full or part time hours and are committed to promoting equity and inclusion and treating all applicants with dignity and respect.
In addition to salary backfill, reasonable non-staff costs are available to cover travel, subsistence, training and development and public involvement up to a maximum of £1000 for the term of the award.
Applicants are expected to have a strong interest in research, a commitment to completing the award programme, full managerial support, and ability to attend the appropriate required academic elements of the programme including any required training sessions.
Applications should align with Trust research priority themes, address a regional or national health priority, involve co-production with the public/patients/service users or consider health inequalities.
There is an expectation that successful applicants will, over the course of their award, seek out opportunities to apply for future research funding to sustain and develop their research activity beyond the award period.
Please ensure that you have discussed your application with your line manager prior to application.
Please read the ‘Pre-application Guidance & Information’ document & FAQ’s before making an application. Further information is also provided for your discussions with your line manager - see the 'Managers Guide'
You are required to answer 4 questions as part of your application – the questions are provided within the accompanying pre-application guidance & information and should be entered into the ‘supporting information’ section of TRAC. Please ensure you include these in your application.
Person specification
Professional registration & Eligibility
Essential criteria
13. Eligible registered professional group
14. Minimum of 12 months post registration experience
15. Employed at UHSx
Evidence of Research Engagement & Experience
Essential criteria
16. Demonstrates evidence of involvement in research/evidence based practice/QI at appropriate level
17. Demonstrates potential to develop as a research champion/research leader
18. Articulates how the programme will support improvements in patient care
19. Articulates how the programme will support own professional development
Desirable criteria
20. Demonstrates previous engagement with research/EBP/QI
21. Articulates longer term research goals or plans ie fellowship applications, publications etc
Supporting Information
Essential criteria
22. Has answered key questions to an appropriate level & is able to articulate plans for 12 month programme
Desirable criteria
23. Has answered key questions at a high level and is able to articulate plans for 12 month programme and beyond
Equality Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
24. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
25. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications