How to make the most of a Clinical Lectureship

If you have been awarded a CL post, congratulations! Here are some tips for how to make the most of it:

• Apply for funding for consumables / technician costs. A number of schemes exist e.g.:
  
  
  • the Jean Shanks/Pathological Society (JSPS) Clinical Lecturer Support Grant
  • the Academy of Medical Sciences Starter Grants for Clinical Lecturers
• Request a mentor through the Academy of Medical Sciences Mentoring Programme
• Ideally publish the work from your PhD.
• Start to build a research team comprising e.g. students, lab technicians and collaborators.
• Aim to transition to academic independence. Set yourself goals and monitor them frequently:
  
  
  • skills you would like to attain
  • desired outputs
  • collaborations you intend to form
• Set clinical goals.
• Monitor the amount of time you spend on clinical and academic work – is the balance optimal?
• Ideally develop a clinical interest which aligns with your research.
• Plan in advance what will happen upon CCT e.g.
  
  
  • will you be in a position to apply for a Clinician Scientist Award?
  • will a Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor post be created for you?
• Working as a CL can be challenging - take time to periodically reflect on your work-life balance, physical and mental health.