About this role
Job summary
Please apply via the University of Exeter careers page:
https://careers.exeter.ac.uk/vacancies/905/spcr-nursing-commercial-fellowship.html
SPCR Nursing Commercial Fellowship
This part-time (0.4 or 0.5 FTE) post is available from 1st September until 29th February 2028 (at the latest).This post is offered on a fixed term basis and is funded by NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR). Salary will be equivalent to current NHS/academic salary (pro rata; capped at £73,710) on Grade G or H, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.
Main duties of the job
The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is pleased to offer one of 11 SPCR-funded Nursing Commercial Research Fellowships for 2026. The primary aim of the fellowship is to develop new capacity for commercial research delivery in out-of-hospital settings, particularly by increasing the number of general practices participating in commercial research. Fellows will be provided with ring-fenced time to focus on this crucial work, which is expected to have a significant impact on the future of healthcare research in primary care.The successful candidate for this position will be hosted by Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx) at the University of Exeter. The fellow will receive academic support from APEx staff and will have access to broader NIHR SPCR training resources. Fellows will join a supportive cohort with mentorship, supervision, shared learning, and access to SPCR training . Additionally, they will be part of a supportive peer group that works alongside an experienced academic to enhance their career development. Fellows will also gain valuable experience in commercial research, furthering their expertise in this important area.
The post will include developing skills and expertise, engaging with nursing teams across primary care, communities and general practice, wider care settings and secondary care. It will also involve strategic networking, influencing and cohort participation as well as completing a short Quality Improvement project.
About us
Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.
What we can offer you:
Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines; Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly; An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development; Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career; A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy; A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.How we can help
If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.
Job description Job responsibilities
THE POST
Faculty: Health and Life Sciences
Post: SPCR Nursing Commercial Research Fellow (Part -time 0.4 or 0.5 FTE)
Reference No: 905
Grade: Equivalent to current NHS/academic salary up to Grade H (pro rata; capped at £73,710)
Reporting To: Professor Richard Neal
The above part-time post is available at either 0.4 or 0.5 FTE for 18 months from 1st September 2026 (must end by 29th February 2028), in the Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx), Department of Health and Community Sciences.
Job DescriptionMain purpose of the job:
The NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) is offering up to eleven Nursing Commercial Research Fellowships, with positions available at various universities across the UK. These fellowships are designed to foster collaboration between general practitioners and key research partners, including the NIHR Research Delivery Network and NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centres.
The primary aim of the fellowships is to develop new capacity for commercial research delivery in out-of-hospital settings, particularly by increasing the number of general practices participating in commercial research. Fellows will be provided with ring-fenced time to focus on this crucial work, which is expected to have a significant impact on the future of healthcare research in primary care.
The successful candidate for this position will be hosted by APEx at the University of Exeter. The fellow will receive academic support from APEx staff and will have access to broader NIHR SPCR training resources. Additionally, they will be part of a supportive peer group that works alongside an experienced academic to enhance their career development. Fellows will also gain valuable experience in commercial research, furthering their expertise in this important area.
This part-time (0.4 or 0.5 FTE) post can last up to 18 months but must end by 29th February 2028.
Main duties and accountabilities:
Developing Skills & Expertise
- Build knowledge of commercial research delivery, regulatory pathways, commercial study set-up, and operational design.
- Develop insight into how nursing and nursing associate roles can support commercial research across wider care settings.
- Engage in training in academic skills including governance, appraisal, writing, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement.
Engagement & Collaboration
- Engage with nursing teams across primary care, community services, general practice, wider care settings, and secondary care.
- Work collaboratively with RDN Health & Care Directors (NMAHPs), NIHR Research Delivery Network, Commercial Research Delivery Centres, ICS/ICBs, industry partners, and academic departments.
Strategic Networking & Influence
- Act as a key link between academic teams and external stakeholders.
- Identify barriers and enablers for commercial research in wider care settings.
- Share learning and support spread of commercial research activity.
Cohort Participation
- Attend SPCR training, cohort meetings, and crosssite events.
- Travel locally, regionally, and nationally as required.
- Participate in reflective learning and peer support.
Research / Quality Improvement Project
- Fellows will complete a short research or QI project with support from their host department. A written impact statement is required at the end of the Fellowship.
Eligibility
- Any NMC-registered nurse working in primary care, community services, or wider care settings is eligible.
- Applicants not working in these settings must demonstrate ability to form partnerships rapidly.
Training, Support, and Development
Fellows receive SPCR training, supervision from academic mentors, peer support, national meetings and workshops, and exposure to commercial partners.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the Fellowship, Fellows will understand the commercial research ecosystem, develop academic and strategic skills, build national networks, and be positioned for future research and leadership roles.
This job description summarises the main duties and accountabilities of the post and is not comprehensive: the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties of similar level and responsibility.
Person Specification
Competency
Essential
Attainments/Qualifications
NMC-registered nurse.
Skills and Understanding
Interest in research, service improvement, or innovation.
Ability to work independently and across boundaries
(Desirable) Understanding of UK research governance.
(Desirable) Knowledge of commercial research or digital/health tech.
Prior Experience
Experience in primary care, community, or wider care settings.
(Desirable) Experience with NIHR Portfolio research.
(Desirable) Experience in audits, service evaluations, QI, or research.
(Desirable) Experience in multidisciplinary collaboration.
Behavioural Characteristics
Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Circumstances
Willingness to travel.
Informal Enquiries
Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Prof Rupert Payne, Deputy Director of APEx ([email protected])
Terms & Conditions
Our Terms and Conditions of Employment can be viewed here.
Further Information
Please see our website for further information on working at the University of Exeter.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
- NMC-registered nurse. - Interest in research, service improvement, or innovation. - Ability to work independently and across boundaries - Experience in primary care, community, or wider care settings. - Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills. - Willingness to travel.
Desirable
- Understanding of UK research governance. - Knowledge of commercial research or digital/health tech. - Experience with NIHR Portfolio research. - Experience in audits, service evaluations, QI, or research. - Experience in multidisciplinary collaboration.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name The University of Exeter
Address St Luke's campus
Heavitree Road
Exeter
Devon
EX1 2LU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.exeter.ac.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)