MRC is very supportive of applicants wishing to combine their research training with domestic responsibilities or to meet professional clinical requirements. All our fellowship awards may be held on a part-time basis or within flexible working arrangements. Normally at least 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) must be dedicated to the fellowship. The value of a part-time award may be requested on a pro rata basis (not exceeding the full-time equivalent of the fellowship scheme period). For example, a three year fellowship on a full-time basis would equate to a six year fellowship with the fellow working 0.5 FTE, but the value of the award would remain the same.
Examples of applicants who may need to apply for a part-time award to continue professional clinical responsibilities include GPs, midwives, nurses and members of allied health professions. Medically qualified applicants may not apply for a part-time award in order to continue higher specialist training during the fellowship. As part of a full-time award, medically qualified fellows may continue to undertake up to two clinical sessions a week. You should email the MRC Fellows team at fellows@mrc.ukri.org if your specialty would require a greater time commitment to clinical duties.