Job Description
Job Title: NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Clinical Genetics (Digital Genomics)
Posting Start Date: 23/04/2025
Job Id: 1019
School/Department: School of Medicine & Population Health
Work Arrangement: Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £49,909 - £70,425
Closing Date: 20/05/2025
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
Overview
The University of Sheffield, in collaboration with NHS England North East and Yorkshire and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, is pleased to announce that an Academic Clinical Lecturer post in Clinical Genetics (CG) has been awarded to the School of Medicine and Population Health at The University of Sheffield as part of the prestigious UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC)/Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) integrated academic training pathway. The post forms an integral part of the CG clinical academic training programme led by the Training Programme Director Professor Meena Balasubramanian.
We are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals with the potential to excel in both their clinical and academic training and who have the ambition to be part of the next generation of academic clinicians in genomic medicine.
Furtherdetails of the NIHR IAT pathway can be found at:
https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/academy-programmes/integrated-academic-training.htm
Information about the structure and management of the School is available on our website The School of Medicine and Population Health.
The post represents an exciting opportunity that is designed for individuals seeking to integrate advanced clinical training in Clinical Genetics with a significant postdoctoral research component. The post offers a dedicated 50% of time for clinical duties and 50% for academic research, facilitated through a rotational system, with dedicated periods devoted to research. The post has the required educational and staffing approval and will come with an Academic National Training Number [NTN(A)] in CG.
The post is ideally suited to individuals wishing to build an academic career in genomic medicine, and in particular those who have already undertaken research and who now wish to continue to develop their research career whilst pursuing further clinical training.
Objectives of the Integrated Academic Training Programme
1. To obtain a CCST or undertake post CCST training (as appropriate) in CG
2. To undertake a programme of research
3. To identify an area of academic and clinical interest upon which to base an application for an externally-funded fellowship or a Clinician Scientist Award
The Postgraduate Medical Dean has confirmed that this post has been approved for specialty training. The post has the requisite educational and staffing approval for specialty training leading to a CCST and Specialty Registration with the General Medical Council (https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/curricula/clinical-genetics-curriculum). Advice will be sought from the SAC as necessary.
Please be sure to attach your CV and the completed NIHR Supplementary Questions to the online application. Additional information and forms can be downloaded at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nJZ4H5lf49DS2wnvgRA2u7yjWa_7DVcc
Main duties and responsibilities
Key points are made in the description that follows, but this is not exhaustive and the applicant should refer to “2025 NIHR Clinical Lectureship (Clinical Genetics) Guidance For Recruitment and Appointment” - https://www.nihr.ac.uk/2025-clinical-lectureships-medicine-recruitment-and-selection-guidance#tab-399601 for a comprehensive description.
The purpose of a Clinical Genetics CL is to provide a clinical and academic training environment for a clinical geneticist to further develop their postdoctoral research portfolio and establish themselves as an independent researcher and leader in their chosen field. Applicants for a NIHR CL must be able to demonstrate that they have outstanding potential for development as a clinical academic in research and/or educational research.
This new lectureship is a key part of the NHS England (NHSE)/National Institute for Health Research Trainee Programme of Integrated Academic Training, providing a comprehensive and supportive environment for developing clinical academic skills. Successful candidates will have the chance to work alongside internationally recognized clinicians and researchers, gaining exposure to cutting-edge practices and research methodologies. We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals who possess a strong aptitude for both clinical work and academic inquiry, and who are committed to becoming future leaders in the field of genomic medicine. The Academic Clinical Lectureship (ACL) programme in Clinical Genetics is a joint initiative of the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, and NHS England North East and Yorkshire.
Shape the Future of Genomic Medicine: Academic Clinical Lectureship in Clinical Genetics
This Academic Clinical Lecturer (ACL) post in Clinical Genetics, offered by the University of Sheffield in partnership with NHS England North East and Yorkshire and Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, provides an exceptional platform for a talented trainee to become an independent research leader and drive advancements in genomic medicine.
The primary goal is to empower you to develop your postdoctoral research portfolio within a supportive clinical and academic environment. This unique opportunity offers a dedicated 50% clinical and 50% academic time allocation, facilitated through a flexible rotational system tailored to your development.
As an NIHR Clinical Lecturer, you will:
- Develop a nationally/internationally recognized research niche aligned with the School's Research Strategy.
- Secure competitive, peer-reviewed funding to fuel your research projects.
- Achieve high-impact academic contributions through publications in leading scientific and specialty journals.
- Strategically obtain funding for senior research fellowships (e.g., Intermediate/Advanced).
- Gain expertise in presenting research through academic seminars and lectures.
- Master time-management skills to effectively balance clinical, research, and teaching responsibilities.
- Contribute to the education of future healthcare professionals through undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
- Mentor and assess students, shaping the next generation of clinicians and researchers.
- Lead and contribute to research that will advance Clinical Genetics/Genomic Medicine. You will be expected to complete your CG training from within this post. You must present a compelling and feasible research programme with clear aims, a practical delivery strategy, and a robust funding plan for both the lectureship tenure and beyond.
- You will work flexibly, alternating between clinical training modules and dedicated research/teaching time, with a job plan agreed upon collaboratively with senior academic and clinical staff. Active participation in clinical governance and audit programmes will be supported with training. You will also maintain a logbook of cases for appraisal, as per the Specialty Advisory Committee guidelines in Additional Clinical Genetics Specialties.
- Embracing the ideals of the ‘Sheffield Academic’, you will contribute fully as a teacher, researcher, and leader.
Digital Genomics Project
Priority research themes for 2024-25
Digital Genomics: The theme is looking to encourage training and research in data analytics and predictive analytics, precision medicine (genomics). We will apply novel artificial intelligence methods to find diagnoses in unsolved cases. We will use AI facial recognition software, such as GestaltMatcher, to analyse facial photographs to identify candidate diagnoses in unsolved dysmorphology cases. For cases with high gestalt scores (i.e. known conditions) and a suggestive phenotype the NHS whole genome sequencing data will be mined, making use of the data already consented from NHS patients stored within the trusted research environment within the National Genomics Research Library (NGRL). The aim would be to identify candidate variants such as small structural variants that may be missed with current short-read sequencing and microarray technologies and bioinformatics pathways, or intronic variants that may warrant further characterisation.
We will also use AI programmes to data mine for novel genes that may underly the presentations. GestaltMatcher has the capability to 'cluster' novel facial gestalts, which may allow unsolved cases to be matched or grouped and therefore allow us to search for variants/genes that the cluster have in common.
The overarching aim is to take a phenotype-driven approach to identify missed or novel diagnoses in individuals with dysmorphic syndromic conditions. This work would complement the more genotype-driven projects being offered through the SCYPHeR Doctoral Training Programme including a non-clinical PhD supervised by Professor Balasubramanian, Dr Jenny Lord and Dr Michael Spiller on mining genomics data for identifying new diagnoses in rare disease patients within South Yorkshire. The suite of digital tools used in the SCYPHeR projects can be utilised to assess any candidate genes or variants that are identified.
This project will focus on delivering equitable, cost-effective digital health interventions to deliver patient benefits as well as the wider use of large datasets and how this is used in research, including digital analysis methods.
The School of Medicine and Population Health: A Hub for Academic Excellence
As one of the three leading Schools within the Faculty of Health at The University of Sheffield, the School of Medicine and Population Health offers a vibrant and supportive environment for academic clinical training. We have a strong track record, having hosted Academic Clinical Fellowships in over 35 specialties, with 100% of our recent ACFs successfully progressing to doctoral training.
Our commitment to fostering academic careers is further demonstrated by our consistent success in securing NIHR support for both ACFs and ACLs. You will benefit from strong career progression opportunities within our collaborative, interdisciplinary health service research teams.
The School is at the forefront of innovative interdisciplinary training, particularly in NIHR priority themes such as Older Adults with Complex Care and Dementia (for ACFs), and Oncology, GP, and Surgery (for ACLs).
Joining our Faculty means becoming part of a dynamic research community, home to several flagship institutes like Neuroscience and Healthy Lifespan. You will have the chance to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams working on projects of international significance, including:
- Improving our understanding of developmental neurological disorders.
- Addressing the global epidemic of multi-morbidity and frailty, with a mission to prevent or delay its onset.
A Comprehensive Pathway for Clinical Academic Development
We offer structured clinical academic training at all stages of a medical career:
- Medical student SSC modules alongside established projects
- One-year intercalated BMedSci degrees
- 4-month foundation year 2 attachments
- Three-year academic clinical fellow posts
- Full-time MD/PhD research fellowships
- Four-year clinical lecturer posts
Research Environment
The research component of this ACL will be based in the Division of Clinical Medicine, providing access to supervision from leading Professors and Clinical Academics in Genomic Medicine/Clinical Genetics. You will also benefit from the support of experienced medical educationalists and have access to methodological expertise in academic programme development, assessment, and educational research skills.
Researchers within the Division of Clinical Medicine are actively engaged in national and international collaborations, driving innovation in education and programme delivery. The Division boasts expertise in diagnostic genomic testing and cutting-edge gene therapy trials.
As an ACL, you will have the opportunity to contribute to existing genomic medicine research projects or develop your own research interests. Exciting example research avenues include:
- Developing gene therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Conducting natural history studies in rare genetic disorders.
- Establishing 'trial-ready' cohorts of patients for advanced gene-therapy trials.
The research element of the ACL is flexible and will be agreed upon with your specialty lead. You will also have the opportunity to undertake the PGCert in Clinical Research or selected modules, providing a strong foundation in programme development, assessment design, and educational principles.
Clinical Training
This 4-year program offers comprehensive clinical training based at Sheffield Children’s Hospital in South Yorkshire, with clinics also held at surrounding district general and teaching hospitals. You will dedicate 50% of your time to clinical activities, gaining experience in a diverse range of genetic conditions affecting both adults and children across a population of approximately 2 million.
The clinical caseload will include adult-onset genetic conditions, cancer genetics, paediatric genetics, and prenatal genetics. Notably, Sheffield is a leading centre for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Osteogenesis Imperfecta research, providing opportunities to work with UK-wide and international patients in these specialised services.
You will be an integral member of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), collaborating with colleagues from various specialties. The ACL will participate in standard postgraduate education, audit, and teaching activities. This post does not involve any out-of-hours work.
The Sheffield Clinical Genomics Service is a key part of the North East and Yorkshire Genomic Medicine Service, fostering strong links with the Genomic Medicine Services in Leeds and Newcastle, as well as the Genomics Laboratory Hub in Leeds.
Support for Clinical Progression
In the unlikely event that a post-holder does not meet the expected clinical competencies, support and guidance will be provided in line with standard specialty medicine training procedures. If academic competencies are not met or research funding is not secured, the trainee will be supported in transitioning back to a clinical training post. This will be discussed proactively with the Training Programme Director (TPD) through established appraisal and mentoring systems for academic trainees. While a specific post cannot be guaranteed, every effort will be made to facilitate suitable placements within local training schemes.
Person Specification
Applicants for this post will be required to meet the relevant Clinical and Academic eligibility criteria for the appropriate specialty and level listed at:
https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/person-specifications/person-specifications-2025
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential criteria
- Benchmarked at the NTN Clinical Genetics National Recruitment or currently be in an approved training post with an NTN (benchmarked prior to 2025). Also note that the successful candidate must be able to take up this position by 1st September 2026 at the latest. MRCP or equivalent. (Application)
- Primary medical degree (Application)
- Evidence of academic achievement and will hold an PhD or equivalent (Application)
- Completed core training sufficient for entry into specialty training grades (Application)
- Full registration with UK General Medical Council (Application)
- Previous UK based experience in CG in a recognised training position (Application/Interview)
- Experience in other clinical specialities in any other specialty (Application/Interview)
- Experience of teaching clinical skills (Application/Interview)
- Demonstrate commitment to further research (Application/Interview)
- Demonstrate evidence of knowledge of external grant funding bodies and application procedures (Application/Interview)
- Track record of research productivity in terms of peer-reviewed publications (Application/Interview)
- Organisational and time management skills (Application/Interview)
- The ability to communicate accurately and concisely, verbally and in writing (Application/Interview)
- The ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a collaborative manner (Application/Interview)
- Demonstrate the ability to engage in their own learning in an independent and proactive manner in accordance with the training requirements. (Application/Interview)
- Demonstrate desire and capability to engage in clinical governance via audit and/or service evaluations, including evidence of completed audit projects or service evaluation/developments (Application/Interview)
Desirable criteria
- Intercalated degree (Application)
- Experience in teaching undergraduate students and other research supervision, and an understanding of current directions in undergraduate medical education (Application/Interview)
Further Information
Grade: Clinical Lecturer £49,909 to £70,425 per annum (pro rata for part time).
Duration: Fixed term for a maximum of 4 years or until CCT is reached, whichever is the sooner. Start date no later than 1 September 2026
Line manager: Professor of Medical Genetics
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Professor Meena Balasubramanian, Professor of Medical Genetics and Academic Training Lead, Clinical Genetics, SMPH, University of Sheffield, Honorary Consultant Clinical Geneticist and Clinical Director of Research, Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. E-mail: m.balasubramanian@sheffield.ac.uk
Dr Michael Parker, Clinical Lead, Sheffield Clinical Genomics Service, Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. E-mail: michaelparker@nhs.net
Training Programme Director (clinical):
Dr Emma Hobson, Training Programme Director for Clinical Genetics in Yorkshire and Humber deanery. E-mail: Emma.hobson@nhs.net
Academic Training Programme Director
Professor Janet Brown, NIHR Training Programme Director, University of Sheffield. E-mail: j.e.brown@sheffield.ac.uk
For further information about the Academic Clinical Lectureship programme, please visit https://www.nihr.ac.uk/career-development/research-career-funding-programmes/postdoctoral/clinical-lectureship
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in spring/summer 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact foh-staffing@sheffuield.ac.uk
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
- A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Criminal record
An enhanced with barred lists DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
The University of Sheffield is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and students. It is an offence to apply for this role if you have been barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding checks in line with the requirements of each role and the guidance from the Department for Education.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
- Childcare disqualification
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Medical
- Online and social media
- Eligibility to work
- Satisfactory references
- Suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Safeguarding policy
Employment of ex-offenders policy
