Capacity Development Mid-Career Leads 

The NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium (MDC) are recruiting up to seven Capacity Development Mid-Career Leads (CDML) to join the NIHR MDC’s network of Capacity Development Leads (CDL). The CDML will work closely with their aligned CDL to support the leads and co-leads of MDC themes, workstreams, and core functions (T/WS/CF) to successfully deliver the MDC capacity development plan. 

CDMLs will be aligned to a T/WS/CF and will be expected to work closely alongside their aligned CDL, to develop their knowledge and understanding, enabling a gradual transition into assuming CDL responsibilities throughout the duration of the MDC. 

MDC Capacity Development Mid-Career Lead responsibilities include: 

 Core Responsibilities 

• In coordination with the aligned CDL, report into the Capacity Development Group (CDG) on capacity and capability development activities within their specific T/WS/CF or across the wider MDC. 
• Promote dissemination of capacity development schemes across the MDC and beyond to ensure maximum reach and actively seek out organisations and individuals to raise awareness of schemes/opportunities.  
• Participate as a member of MDC funding review panels or interview panels to shortlist applicants for awards. This could include acting as an observer initially to build skills and knowledge if appropriate. 
• Act as a point of contact within their T/WS/CF for capacity development queries.  
• Signpost individuals to further support and guidance within the consortium as needed. 
• With support from the CDL, assist in Trainee Reviews: Review progress reports of MDC funded trainees within specific T/WS/CF. 

 Secondary / Emerging responsibilities  

• Deputise for the CDL at the CDG where needed initially, transitioning to fully attending and contributing to the decision-making processes of the CDG over the duration of the Consortium.  
• In coordination with the CDL, communicate with T/WS/CF leads/co-leads to ensure they are kept abreast of capacity development opportunities and activities. 
• Contribute to the overarching MDC training plan and support the Maternity Researcher’s Network (MATResNet). 
• Develop an awareness of, and advocate for, wider career development opportunities beyond those directly offered by the MDC. 
• Alongside the CDL, start to build links with national and regional stakeholders to ensure external organisations are aware of MDC capacity development activities. 
• Provide input into the capacity development programme to ensure it responds to wider system needs, policy agendas, and community needs. 
• Identify any delivery risks early and work alongside the CDL to flag these to the co-lead for Research and Capacity Development and deputy lead for Capacity Development and help identify solutions. 
• In coordination with the CDL, alert the MDC capacity development directorate if issues arise regarding the expectations of MDC-funded trainees. 

Person Criteria  

• Employed at a MDC member organisation 
• Familiarity with the MDC Research and Capacity Development Programme 
• Research experience relevant to the one of the MDC T/WS/CF and at an early to mid-career research stage* 
• Experience of, or strong interest in, supporting researchers or health and care professionals to develop their research careers 

*Early to mid-career researcher 

We appreciate that the term early or mid-career researcher can be defined differently across disciplines, institutions and funders. For the purposes of this recruitment, we are defining an early to mid-career researcher as a researcher who: 

• Has established a track record of research in a discipline relevant to the MDC.  This track record may be evidenced through publications, conference presentations or research awards/ prizes.  
• Holds an academic or research position, typically at a Post-doctoral, Research Fellow or Lecturer level (or equivalent). 
• Is typically between 2 and 10 years post-PhD (or equivalent research experience). Career breaks are taken into consideration, and we also recognise that career pathways and progression rates vary across disciplines and individuals, meaning some individuals may fall outside this range. 

Aligned Capacity Development Lead  

Applicants are required to identify and contact the most relevant Capacity Development Lead prior to submitting an application to confirm their agreement to act as the aligned Capacity Development Lead. 

Role recognition 

The CDML will receive a contribution to their salary at the below FTE and a contribution to overhead costs at 30% of actual salary expenditure, if based at a HEI. The increasing FTE reflects the expectation that the CDML will take on increasing responsibilities over the Consortium duration as their knowledge and expertise grow.  

Application Process 

Interested applicants should submit the below application form and a CV (max 2 pages) to [email protected] by 5pm 30^th September.  

Applications need to be signed by the relevant aligned CDL and a Line Manager/ Supervisor prior to submission. 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short online interview. Further details are available in the guidance document.