On behalf of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the Research Design Service (RDS) London is launching the fifth round of its Fellowship Scheme.
We are currently offering six-month fellowship positions for 2-3 research staff in the newly-merged School of Life Course and Population Sciences at King’s College London. These fellowships offer a great opportunity to put you in a competitive position for future research funding.
Is the Fellowship right for me?
The Fellowships are designed to support existing research staff who would benefit from improving their knowledge of preparing high quality grant applications within the areas of applied health and social care research.
What does the fellowship involve?
Working as part of the RDS London team based at King’s College London, the scheme will allow the award holder to:
- gain valuable insights in how to prepare high quality research grant applications that are relevant to the NIHR and other funders
- gain a strong understanding of the grant application process
- apply your specialist research knowledge to help resolve issues on health and social care research projects
- work closely with investigators and gain exposure to a wide range of studies
- gain experience in resolving issues involved in the design, conduct and analysis of research through exposure to a wide range of study designs and stages of development
- improve your consultancy skills through co-reviewing with experienced RDS London advisers
- work with experienced RDS London general and specialists advisers
- attend sessions on key topics such as patient and public involvement and health economics.
In addition, there may be further opportunities to observe NIHR funding committees at work and the possibility for collaboration (as a co-investigator) on a research grant.
What people say about the fellowships
“The RDS fellowship gave me unique insights into different funding schemes, remits, and processes. It was also a brilliant opportunity for me to work as part of this lovely team and assist other researchers with funding their research. I now feel very confident to apply for my own research proposal!”
Dr Arietta Spinou, RDS Fellowship holder 2020
“The RDS Fellowship scheme has given me insight into the various stages and requirements for grant applications.
“Attending a research grant committee was particularly valuable as it gave me an understanding of the processes that are undertaken in determining a successful application, such as realistic budgets and the necessity for appropriately qualified/trained named researchers on an application.
The scheme provided me with the opportunity to build my research and consultancy skills by gaining understanding and experience of grantsmanship, all leading towards the goal of becoming an independent researcher.”
Dr Jennifer Summers, RDS Fellowship holder 2019
How to apply
Before applying, please make sure you read the guidances notes and FAQs.
If you still need advice, you can email Dr Peter Lovell, Director of RDS London.
When you are ready to apply, please fill in this MS Form.
Deadlines
The application deadline for the current round is 17:00, 30 March 2022, however, we are happy to take expressions of interest in the Fellowships at any time. Please email Dr Peter Lovell if you are interested in applying outside of this deadline.
