The University of Edinburgh invites applications for the 2026 intake of the ECAT-i (Edinburgh Clinical Academic Track – inclusive) PhD Fellowships. This prestigious, fully funded program offers a unique opportunity for registered health and care professionals across a wide range of disciplines to pursue a PhD in a world-leading research environment.
Located at the Queen’s Medical Research Institute within the Edinburgh BioQuarter (with hybrid working options), the ECAT-i programme is part of the University’s commitment to inclusive academic development, research excellence, and a positive, collaborative research culture.
Fellowship Details
Position Type: Full-Time (35 hours/week)
Location: Edinburgh BioQuarter / Hybrid
Salary: Grade UE08 (£50,253–£61,759 per annum)
Start Date: 6 August 2026
Duration: Up to 5 years (PhD + potential postdoctoral phase)
Number of Positions: 5
Application Deadline: 22 October 2025, 11:59 PM GMT
Interview Dates: 2–3 December 2025 (in-person in Edinburgh)
What the Fellowship Offers
The ECAT-i programme provides:
A funded preparatory period (usually three months full-time) to identify supervisors and develop the PhD proposal with guidance from ECAT directors.
A three-year fully funded PhD in a leading University of Edinburgh research centre.
Potential postdoctoral salary support for up to two years following successful PhD completion.
Access to mentorship, networking, and skill-building aligned with the values of inclusion, innovation, and integrity.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to health and care professionals registered to practice in the UK, including but not limited to:
Allied health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, radiographers, occupational therapists, paramedics)
Clinical psychologists, dentists, general practitioners
Healthcare scientists in life sciences, physiological and physical sciences, bioinformatics, and biomechanics
Midwives, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, social workers, public health specialists, and more
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be registered with the relevant UK professional body
Demonstrate academic readiness to undertake a PhD (e.g., prior research experience, postgraduate qualification)
Show a clear commitment to a research career
Have the support of their employing health board or organization, where applicable
The programme welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is especially interested in attracting individuals who may be underrepresented in clinical academic research careers.
Application Requirements
To apply, candidates must submit:
A CV
A cover letter or personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining their motivation and suitability for the fellowship
Please note: Successful candidates will be required to complete a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check prior to appointment.
Why Join ECAT-i?
Participants will benefit from:
World-class mentorship and supervision
Integration into a thriving interdisciplinary research community
Competitive salary and comprehensive staff benefits, including pension schemes, generous leave, and wellbeing initiatives
A structured pathway to an independent research career
This initiative builds on the success of the ECAT Wellcome Clinical PhD Programme and reflects the University of Edinburgh’s ambition to advance inclusive academic career development.
About the Host Institution
The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh is one of the most renowned academic institutions globally, known for nearly 500 years of excellence. With over 3,000 staff, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and strategic partnerships with the NHS, government, and global research bodies, the college offers an exceptional environment for academic and professional growth.
The University holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award for gender equality, is a member of the Race Equality Charter, and a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion—underscoring its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
How to Apply
Apply by 22 October 2025 through the University of Edinburgh’s careers portal.
For a detailed job description and further information, please visit the University of Edinburgh vacancies page or contact the ECAT-i programme team directly.
If you’re a health or care professional ready to take the next step in your academic career, the ECAT-i PhD Fellowship offers a transformative opportunity to become a future leader in research, policy, and healthcare innovation.
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
Related