Applications are invited for the Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies (RW-ILS) Clinical Catalyst Scheme, supported by the Foundation for Liver Research. The award provides a part-time route for research experienced NHS employees to increase their research activity.
About The Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies (RW-ILS)
Revolutionising Liver Disease Research and Care
The RW-ILS is at the forefront of delivering world-leading discovery science and translating it into impactful solutions for patients with liver disease. By working closely with local public and patient groups throughout the research journey, we ensure our innovations are relevant, transformative, and centred around patient needs.
A Unique Partnership for Breakthroughs Driving Excellence Across Five Research Themes:
As a pioneering collaboration between the Foundation for Liver Research (FLR), King’s College London (KCL) and King’s College Hospital (KCH), we bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and real-world patient outcomes. Our approach integrates clinical expertise with advanced research to tackle liver disease from every angle.
World-Class Facilities and Leadership
Under the scientific leadership of Director Professor Philip Newsome and Deputy Director Professor Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo, the RW-ILS encompasses over 15 scientific groups with more than 100 staff and students. Our state-of-the-art facilities are located on the Denmark Hill campus of King’s College London, including:
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The 3-storey Roger Williams Building with advanced laboratory capabilities
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Wet laboratory facilities at the King’s College London James Black Centre
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The Alex Mowat Paediatric Research Laboratories at King’s College Hospital
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An extensive footprint supporting clinical and academic staff at King’s College Hospital
About the Clinical Catalyst Scheme
This is an internal King's Health Partners (KHP) scheme open only to individuals currently employed by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, or South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The award, and future research trajectory, must be focused on improving liver health and align with one of the five RW-ILS Research Themes.
The scheme is designed to provide protected research time, to enable the formation of strong research partnerships across and beyond KHP, and to enhance the individual’s research skills and experience. This award should be used to facilitate research that will enable the successful candidate to develop applications for external funding. The applicant should demonstrate appropriate support both through access to facilities, as well as access to research opportunities that will enable them to successfully undertake their research and develop personal research skills. Applicants should have a named RW-ILS mentor/sponsor who is able to help them secure funding. Successful candidates will be welcome to be based in the Roger Williams Building for their research time, as appropriate.
Expectations during the 24-month fellowship:
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Undertake their research project and develop research plans and collaborations
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Prepare submission to external funding bodies to secure research funding
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Publish research outputs in peer-reviewed journals
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Present research at internal and external meetings
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Actively participate in public engagement activities
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must:
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be a UK registered health professionals substantively employed within KHP for the full duration of the award. This includes nurses, midwives, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, healthcare scientists, psychologists and any other registered professional allied to healthcare.
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be a Consultant or hold a senior level role (Band 7 equivalent or above).
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propose a research project which fits within one of the five RW-ILS research themes with an RW-ILS staff member as sponsor/mentor.
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currently have a maximum of half a day per week of protected research time with limited or no research funding.
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have the support of their NHS organisation who can guarantee that the research time will be protected.
Our ambition is to broaden the health professions represented amongst our research portfolio and therefore we specifically encourage applications from nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.
Funding:
Staff costs: salary of up to one day a week (20% FTE) for protected research time for up to 24 months (paid directly to the NHS employer). Successful candidates remain employed by their NHS organisation throughout the fellowship. Please liaise with your NHS Trust Research and Development (R&D) office without delay as they must provide the estimated salary costs for the duration of the project (see application form template for further detail).
Other costs: £4000 per annum for consumables costs arising during the fellowship.
To apply, please send a single pdf attachment including the following:
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Application form, which can be downloaded here.
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Curriculum vitae (max 2 pages) plus publications.
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NHS organisation Letter of Support (signed by someone authorised to do so): this should include:
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the anticipated award start date and duration (max 24 months)
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the estimated total staff costs (received from the R&D team). If this cost is not known by the deadline, it may be sent separately later – see timelines.
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a confirmation that you will be released for the agreed % of protected research time outlined in your application (max 20%)
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acknowledgement that clinical backfill may be required and will be provided for the duration of the award
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guarantees that you can re-enter the clinic full time at end of award without any loss of career progression or status (if you choose to do so)
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details of any support your NHS organisation will provide during or after the award to support your research aspirations.
Please send a single file including all documents to: grants@researchinliver.org.uk no later than 1700hrs on Monday 16th March.
Selection criteria:
After an initial eligibility check, an internal representative review panel will evaluate all eligible applications and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
Selection will be based on:
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The research track record and potential of the candidate
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Project alignment with the RW-ILS themes
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Quality of the research project described and its likelihood of attracting external funding
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How this award will support a step change in the awardee’s research career
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Strength of the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement plans
Offers will be subject to reference checks (post-interview).
Deadline and indicative timeline for selection process:
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Monday 16th March: Application deadline (1700hrs)
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Wednesday 1st April: Short-listing completed and applicants informed
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Wednesday 15th April: ultimate deadline for any delayed NHS costings
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Week commencing 20th April: interviews held
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By 30th April: interview outcomes confirmed
Please contact grants@researchinliver.org.uk for clarification/queries.