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

Job Description

About the Department

The Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health sits within the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care at UCL and is led by Professors Kate Walters and Greta Rait. Our department fosters high-quality teaching and globally recognised research on community health, disease prevention, and primary care systems. We work across disciplines to deliver evidence that informs policy, supports practice, and makes a meaningful impact on public health.

Role Summary

This position is a core component of the NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) Hub — a collaborative initiative delivered by Imperial College London, UCL, Queen Mary University of London and King’s College London. The RSS was created to offer expert support for researchers applying to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), delivering specialist methodological guidance and advice throughout the research lifecycle.

As a Senior Research Fellow and Translational Research Adviser, you will be a key strategic adviser within the NIHR RSS Specialist Service for Industry. You will provide expert guidance on applied health and social care research, help innovators navigate complex research pathways, and support translation of research into effective, real-world solutions.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Research Advice

• Offer high-level consultancy on research design, study methodology, regulatory compliance and governance for applied health and care projects.
• Work with innovators and research teams to strengthen funding applications, ensuring they are robust, feasible and aligned with funder expectations.

Industry &M SE Engagement

• Advise small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry partners, clinicians and academics on innovation pathways and research translational strategies.
• Support companies in the health technology, medical technology and life sciences sectors to understand UK research and innovation funding landscapes, including clinical and regulatory expectations.

Funding & Innovation Support

• Facilitate access to competitive research funding — including NIHR, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other government-backed opportunities for translational research and product development.
• Help innovators plan for market routes, evidence generation needs and post-award research delivery.

Collaboration & Mentoring

• Build strong working relationships with multidisciplinary teams across academia, clinical practice, NHS partners, industry, and third-sector organisations.
• Mentor researchers and innovators on pathways to research impact and real-world implementation.

About You

You will bring:

• A PhD or equivalent experience in applied health, social care research, clinical science, public health, translational medicine, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in translational research approaches, quantitative methods, and the development or review of competitive research proposals.
• A strong track record of engaging with diverse partners — from SMEs to academic and clinical communities — with excellent communication and advisory skills.
• A clear understanding of research governance, regulatory frameworks and funding pathways in UK health research.

Why This Role Matters

The UK government continues to boost investment in health and care innovation, aiming both to improve patient outcomes and grow the country’s life sciences capacity. Over £800 million has been committed by the UK government to support innovation, patient safety research and experimental medicine — strengthening research infrastructure and accelerating the translation of discoveries into healthcare solutions.

At the same time, UK policy emphasises support for high-growth life sciences companies and SMEs as part of its broader Modern Industrial Strategy to strengthen innovation and global competitiveness in life sciences and healthcare technologies.

The NIHR RSS plays a crucial role in this landscape by offering tailored support to researchers and innovators — enabling evidence generation, competitive funding applications, and effective translation of ideas into clinical practice and industry application.

Visa and Immigration Support

This post qualifies for UK work visa sponsorship, including the Skilled Worker visa or Global Talent visa routes under UK Visas and Immigration rules, meaning international applicants needing a visa are encouraged to apply.

What We Offer

In addition to the opportunity to shape translational health research, UCL provides a competitive benefits package including:

• 41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days)
• Optional annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Cycle to work and season ticket loan
• Immigration and relocation assistance
• On-site gym facilities and nursery provision
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee support services and discounted medical insurance
• See full benefits details on UCL’s official rewards page.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL strives to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all. We actively encourage applications from those under-represented in academic leadership, including people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ applicants, and women in senior roles. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award recognising its commitment to gender equality and inclusive practices.

Find out more about UCL’s commitments on equality, diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply

Please use the personal statement section of your application to clearly explain how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification.