Early Career Academic Programme , Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition

Early Career Academic Programme 2026, Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition (ECAP
2026)

The University of Aberdeen is committed to the Scottish Clinical Research Excellence Development Scheme and the long-term aim of nurturing and developing future clinical academic leaders.

Accordingly, the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, with NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and NHS Grampian and Highland is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for suitably qualified trainees at core or run-through training stage as a bridging scheme to support their academic ambition. Now in its seventh year, the Early Career Academic Programme (ECAP) (formerly Academic Core/Run-through Training (ACT) scheme is open for applicants starting in 2026.

This opportunity is part of the Aberdeen Clinical Academic Training (ACAT) programmes and is intended for entrants to core training programmes (CT1-2 or IMT) or run-through ST training in any discipline within NHS Grampian or NHS Highland starting in 2026. Applicants should have a proven interest in research shown, for example through their intercalated BSc (Hons)/ BSc Med Sci  or equivalent, and be motivated to continue this during their training and demonstrate an intention to pursue an academic career in future.

It is also possible to pursue a medical education track as part of this scheme. This is part of continued support to nurture and retain the best trainees in the North and it is expected that the academic trainees will continue to a clinical PhD, fellowship, SCREDS Clinical Lectureship or other extended period of research.

Over a two-year programme, successful trainees will be given an academic mentor, an honorary university title (Honorary Clinical Fellow), access to the full support of the academic infrastructure, opportunities to apply for budget for research/publications and travel to conferences, help with applying for fellowships and identification of research opportunities.

There will not be protected time but rather the support provided is intended to make it possible to set and pursue research goals alongside your training requirements. You will therefore be an excellent trainee capable of managing your time to meet clinical training goals primarily whilst also driving forward with research interests. Following interview, up to ten trainees will be appointed.

Selection will be by interview and will be held in November 2026.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 16 September 2026