Senior Research Fellow – Translational Research Adviser(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Department

The Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health is part of UCL’s Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, led by Professors Kate Walters and Greta Rait. Our mission is to deliver world-class teaching and internationally competitive research that targets the prevention and management of disease in both individuals and populations. We bring together multidisciplinary expertise to conduct applied research that informs policy and improves public health.

Role Overview

This role forms a core part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Support Service (RSS) Hub — a collaborative initiative delivered jointly with Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London and King’s College London. The RSS provides expert support to researchers throughout the research cycle, focusing on developing funding proposals and translating research into real-world impact.

As a Translational Research Adviser, you will bring specialised expertise in research design, translational strategy and innovation pathways to help bridge gaps between academic discovery, industry engagement and implementation in health and social care settings.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Methodological Advice

Provide high-quality consultancy and methodological support on study design, translational approaches, regulatory frameworks, governance and evidence strategies.

Help researchers and innovators shape their research so that it is ready for funding applications, clinical evaluation, and implementation pathways.

Industry and Innovation Engagement

Work closely with industry partners — especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — to advise on routes to market, regulatory compliance and funding pathways within the health technology, medical technology and life sciences sectors.

• Support partnerships across academia, clinical settings, the NHS and third sector innovators.
• Support for Competitive Funding Applications

Assist in developing strong applications for national funding programmes (such as NIHR and UKRI awards) and guide applicants through feasibility assessments, research design choices and evidence-based impact plans.

Cross-Sector Collaboration

Build productive working relationships with clinicians, academics, service partners and funders to promote translational research that improves health and social care outcomes.

Work across multidisciplinary teams to support research delivery and maximise research impact.

About You

You will bring:

• A PhD or equivalent research experience in applied health sciences, social care research, clinical science, health policy, public health or a related field.
• Demonstrable expertise in translational research strategy, quantitative methods and funding processes.
• Excellent advisory and communication skills, capable of explaining complex methodological and regulatory concepts to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to engage partners across sectors — from academia and clinical practice to industry and SME innovators.

Why This Work Is Important

The UK government continues to invest significantly in health and care research to accelerate innovation and improve patient outcomes across disease areas. For example, recent funding commitments of more than £800 million to NIHR centres are aimed at advancing experimental medicine and driving innovation in diagnostics and patient safety.

Building robust support structures such as the NIHR RSS ensures that applied health research proposals are methodologically sound, competitive for funding, and positioned to improve NHS care and policy. Researchers who access these services gain practical guidance from concept development through to implementation — strengthening the quality, impact and societal value of their work.

The UK’s broader clinical research system is also undergoing reform to reduce trial start-up times and streamline pathways for delivering innovation to patients.

Visa and Immigration Support

This position qualifies for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship or Global Talent visa endorsement under current UK Visas and Immigration rules, meaning UCL can support eligible international candidates who require a visa to work in the UK. This ensures the role is open to a wide international talent pool contributing to global health innovation.

Benefits

You’ll receive a competitive reward package, including:

• 41 days’ holiday (27 annual leave days, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Cycle to work & season ticket loan schemes
• Immigration loan and relocation support
• On-site gym and nursery facilities
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programmes and discounted medical insurance

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to building a workplace where everyone belongs. We actively welcome applications from individuals who may be underrepresented in academic and research leadership, including people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ applicants, and women in senior grades.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising efforts to advance gender equality and foster inclusive cultures. Find out more on UCL’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion pages.

How to Apply

When preparing your application:

Use the personal statement section to address how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification.

Make sure your supporting documents reflect your experience in translational research, methodological strategy and cross-sector engagement.