Job Summary Table of Paediatric Fellowship

Job Description Summary

The Victoria Smallpeice Paediatric Academic Fellowship offers dedicated research time for paediatric trainees (ST3-ST6) while remaining in clinical training, providing an ideal pathway to develop an academic portfolio and prepare for further research opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Split time equally (50:50) between clinical practice and academic research
• Conduct research within the Department of Paediatrics or collaborating departments in the Medical Sciences Division
• Develop research skills alongside continued clinical training
• Generate pilot data to support future applications for research funding
• Undergo annual ARCP assessment to evaluate training quality
• Work with assigned clinical, educational, and academic supervisors
• Contribute to the academic environment within the University of Oxford
• Prepare for potential application to externally-funded DPhil Fellowship following the PAF

Benefits and Perks

• Ten paid days of professional development each year
• Financial support for further training opportunities
• Weekly exercise classes including yoga and bootcamp sessions
• Department-sponsored choir participation
• Financial assistance for visa renewal fees (for staff on work visas)
• Access to University of Oxford wellbeing resources
• Work within a department holding the prestigious Athena Swan Gold award

Company Overview

The University of Oxford is a world-leading academic institution with a rich history of medical innovation and research excellence. The Department of Paediatrics offers a supportive environment for aspiring clinical academics, with strong connections to the broader scientific community within the Medical Sciences Division and affiliated hospitals.

Company Culture

The Department of Paediatrics demonstrates a strong commitment to work-life balance and staff wellbeing through its innovative policies and comprehensive support systems. The department holds the prestigious Athena Swan Gold award, recognizing its exceptional policies promoting gender equality. Regular social activities, exercise classes, and creative outlets like the department choir foster a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere that supports both professional and personal development.

Career Growth Opportunities in Paediatric Research

The Victoria Smallpeice Fellowship serves as a strategic stepping stone for paediatric specialists aiming to build careers in academic medicine. Fellows are actively encouraged to use this position to develop research portfolios that position them favorably for competitive externally-funded DPhil Fellowships. This structured pathway provides a meaningful trajectory from clinical training to potential academic leadership roles, bridging the critical gap between clinical practice and medical research excellence.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The Department of Paediatrics’ Athena Swan Gold award highlights its exceptional commitment to gender equality and inclusive practices. This prestigious recognition reflects ongoing efforts to create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and all staff members can thrive professionally. The department continuously develops innovative policies designed to support equality across all dimensions, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute to advancing paediatric medicine and research.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Oxford is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students are respected.

Remote Work Policy

This fellowship offers a hybrid working structure with time divided equally between clinical placements in the Oxford region and academic research at the University of Oxford. The 50:50 split ensures fellows gain comprehensive experience in both environments while maintaining connection with their clinical training pathway under the Oxford Deanery’s supervision.

Application Process

1. Review the job description and eligibility requirements (ST3-ST6 in the Oxford School of Paediatrics)
2. Secure written commitment from a proposed supervisor regarding research funding
3. Prepare and upload CV and Supporting Statement through the online application portal
4. If shortlisted, attend an interview session following the application deadline
5. Successfully selected candidates begin the 12- or 24-month fellowship program as arranged

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted before 12:00 noon on April 22, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit their application through the University of Oxford’s online recruitment system. Required documents include a CV and a Supporting Statement that clearly demonstrates how you meet each selection criteria listed in the job description. For advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement, click the guidance link provided in the job posting. For further information about the position, contact Dr. Alexander Jones at alexander.jones@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk.

Paediatric Academic Fellowship: Building Your Research Career

The Victoria Smallpeice Fellowship represents a carefully structured opportunity for paediatric trainees looking to develop meaningful research skills without leaving their clinical training pathway. This unique position addresses one of the most significant challenges facing clinicians interested in research – finding protected time and appropriate mentorship to develop academic capabilities while maintaining clinical progression.

Fellowship Structure and Academic Medicine Development

The fellowship’s balanced approach, with time divided equally between clinical practice and research activities, provides an optimal learning environment for developing clinician-researchers. Fellows maintain their position within the Oxford School of Paediatrics training program while gaining dedicated research experience under expert supervision. This structure ensures continued clinical skill development alongside new research capabilities, creating versatile medical professionals equipped to bridge the gap between patient care and scientific advancement.

The academic component offers flexibility in research focus, allowing fellows to engage with supervisors across the Medical Sciences Division who maintain connections to the Department of Paediatrics. This interdisciplinary approach encourages innovative thinking and exposes fellows to diverse methodologies and perspectives that can enhance their research outcomes and career potential.

Research Funding and Practical Considerations

Prospective fellows must secure financial commitment from their proposed supervisor before application, covering 50% of their salary (the research portion) and necessary research expenses. This requirement ensures projects have adequate resources while teaching valuable skills in research planning and resource management – essential capabilities for future independent researchers.

The fellowship can be undertaken as either a 12- or 24-month position, providing flexibility to accommodate different career stages and research project requirements. Both durations offer substantial opportunity to develop research skills and generate preliminary data, though the longer option naturally allows for more comprehensive project development.

Wellbeing Support and Professional Development

Beyond research and clinical training, the fellowship provides access to extensive wellbeing resources and professional development opportunities. The Department of Paediatrics demonstrates its commitment to staff development through concrete benefits like professional development funding and weekly wellness activities, creating an environment where fellows can thrive both professionally and personally.

The department’s Athena Swan Gold award reflects its leadership in creating equitable working conditions and opportunities for all staff, including those balancing clinical training with research aspirations. This supportive environment maximizes fellows’ potential for success in both immediate research projects and longer-term career development.

Application Guidance and Interview Support

Potential applicants should carefully review the selection criteria and craft a Supporting Statement that clearly demonstrates how they meet each requirement. The department recognizes the financial barriers that can impact interview attendance and offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy to promote equality of opportunity.

For those interested in exploring this opportunity further, direct communication with Dr. Alexander Jones is encouraged to discuss specific research interests and potential supervisory arrangements before application.

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