Job Description
About UCL Eastman Dental Institute
The UCL Eastman Dental Institute (EDI) is Europe’s largest postgraduate dental school and one of the world’s most influential centres for education and research in oral and dental healthcare sciences. As part of UCL – London’s Global University, the Institute supports a diverse international community of postgraduate students, clinicians, and researchers working at the forefront of innovation in oral health.
EDI works in close partnership with the Royal National ENT & Eastman Dental Hospitals (RNENT&EDH), part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), ensuring strong integration between academic research and clinical practice.
In collaboration with RNENT&EDH, UCL EDI hosts the UK’s only NIHR Biomedical Research Centre theme fully dedicated to Oral and Dental Medicine, funded since 2017 and renewed in 2022 with combined funding exceeding £3.5 million.
NIHR Biomedical Research Centres (official)
The Role
We are seeking a Senior Clinical Research Fellow in Oral Medicine to play a leading role in advancing clinical research within the Oral Medicine Unit at UCL Eastman Dental Institute.
This post combines hands-on clinical research, active participation in clinical trials, and the supervision of postgraduate research students. Working closely with academic colleagues and NHS clinical teams, you will help expand the Unit’s research portfolio and strengthen collaborative research across UCL and UCLH.
The role is open-ended, subject to funding, and offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of oral medicine research within a world-class academic and clinical environment.
Key Responsibilities
 Clinical Research & Trials
- Contribute to and lead clinical research studies in Oral Medicine
- Recruit participants and manage delivery of clinical trials within NHS settings
- Prepare and submit clinical study documentation, including protocols and regulatory approvals
 Collaboration & Integration
- Work closely with clinical teams at RNENT&EDH and UCLH
- Strengthen interdisciplinary research links across UCL
 Research Supervision
- Support and co-supervise postgraduate research students
- Contribute to research training and mentorship within the Oral Medicine Unit
 Governance & Compliance
- Manage electronic clinical research databases
- Prepare submissions to NHS REC and HRA in line with UK regulatory standards
- Health Research Authority (HRA) guidance
About You
You will be a clinically experienced Oral Medicine specialist with a strong academic profile and a clear commitment to research excellence.
Essential criteria include:
- In-depth knowledge of Oral Medicine and related clinical research fields
- Clinical experience managing Oral Medicine conditions
- Postgraduate qualification in Oral Medicine
- PhD based on a clinical research topic
- Experience recruiting participants to clinical trials
- Proven experience preparing research protocols and regulatory submissions
- Proficiency in electronic data systems for clinical research
- Registration with the General Dental Council (GDC), or eligibility to register
- General Dental Council (official)
Working Arrangements & Conditions
- Full-time post (1.0 FTE, 36.5 hours per week)
- Hybrid working available by agreement
- Appointment subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required
Visa & International Applicants
This role meets the eligibility requirements for:
- UK Skilled Worker visa
- UK Global Talent visa (research route)
- UCL welcomes applications from international candidates requiring visa sponsorship.
- UK Visas & Immigration (official)
What We Offer
In addition to a senior research role in a world-leading institution, UCL offers:
- 41 days’ paid leave (annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
- CARE defined-benefit pension scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loan
- On-site nursery and gym facilities
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Staff wellbeing and employee assistance programmes
- Discounted medical insurance
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
UCL is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where talent from all backgrounds can thrive. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in higher education and clinical academia, including candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women in senior academic roles.