How to Apply for Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs)

Application Process Overview

Applications for Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs) are managed regionally and submitted via the Oriel recruitment system.

To apply, you must complete:

• An academic application for the ACF post
• A clinical application for the associated specialty (if required for benchmarking)

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for both the clinical training programme and the ACF post.

Key Steps

1. Review available posts
   • Check the current vacancies for the South West
   • Carefully read the job description, person specification and applicant guide.
2. Apply via Oriel
   • Submit your application within the advertised window
   • Ensure all sections are completed accurately
3. Clinical Benchmarking (if required)
   • Some applicants will need to demonstrate clinical appointability
   • This involves applying to the national specialty recruitment process
   • For Guidance on whether you need to benchmark in this round of recruitment please review the FAQs page
4. Shortlisting
   • Applications are reviewed against NIHR academic criteria
5. Interview
   • Shortlisted applicants are invited to an academic interview
   • This includes focus on mostly academic assessment
6. Offers
   • Offers are made via Oriel in line with the national timetable
   • Offers will be conditional if pending the outcome of clinical benchmarking

What we’re looking for

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

• Commitment to a clinical academic career
• Evidence of research interest or experience
• Strong clinical and academic potential
• Motivation to progress towards a PhD or MD

Important points to note

• Late applications cannot be accepted
• You cannot change your application after submission
• Ensure you understand whether you are applying for:
  • Academic-only posts, or
  • Both clinical and academic options