Academic career opportunities in nursing have become more diverse in recent years, as the profession looks to expand its teaching and research activities and capacity.
If you are an experienced nursing professional who has moved into a teaching and research career, you may be looking at what opportunities are available to you further up the academic ladder.
Here we look at some senior-level academic jobs in nursing and what qualifications and experience you need to progress your career to greater heights.
Job Descriptions
Professor of Nursing
Professors of Nursing are senior-level academics nurses who manage teaching and research programmes within higher education nursing schools.
They are responsible for the development and delivery of the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in nursing and leading research activities.
Duties:
- Leading and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programmes
- Leading research and innovation activities
- Curriculum development and management of lecturers/tutors
- Mentoring doctoral students
- Developing local, national and international partnerships
- Publishing research outcomes and securing further funding
- Delivering key note speeches at conferences
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD or professional doctorate in a relevant discipline is essential for professorships in nursing. A Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) qualification as a registered nurse would also be essential.
You would have an established academic career in a nursing specialism with significant experience in both teaching and research. A recognised teaching qualification would also be highly desirable.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for professorships in nursing vary between specialisms and many are not disclosed in job adverts. However, most salaries range from between £50,000 and £93,306.
What can it lead to?
A professorship in nursing is already a senior level academic role, however professors can be selected to become a head of department, associate Dean or move into a Deanship.
Where can I find Professor of Nursing jobs?
Most professorships are offered on a permanent basis, with a smaller pool of jobs available. However, there are more senior level opportunities for academics who have teaching and research experience in the areas of older people, dementia, mental health and child nursing.
Find Professor of Nursing jobs here
Senior Nurse Lecturer
Senior Lecturers in Nursing are established academic nursing professionals who lead teaching and research programmes in specialist nursing fields, from midwifery to mental health. Many senior nurse lecturers also have a background in clinical trials.
Duties:
- Leading and delivery of teaching on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in your nursing specialism
- Curriculum development and management of a lecturing team
- Planning, developing and conducting research objectives, projects and proposals
- Supervising and mentoring students on placement
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in a relevant nursing or healthcare discipline is usually essential for senior lectureships in nursing. However, an employer may accept equivalent specialist qualifications and significant teaching and research experience, depending on the role.
An NMC qualification as a registered nurse would also be essential. A recognised teaching qualification would be highly desirable.
You would also need at least two years’ experience of teaching undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students, as well as a proven track record of research activity.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for senior lectureships in nursing range from £42,149 to £50,296, depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
Progression depends on your willingness to take on further duties as well as research output and quality of teaching practice. Other senior roles you could move up to are professor of nursing or course director/head of department.
Where can I find senior nurse lecturer jobs?
Most senior lecturing jobs are offered on a full-time, permanent basis, and application rates and competition for roles are high.
There are more senior lectureship roles available in Northern England and the busiest time for recruitment is between May-June.
Find senior lecturer jobs in nursing here
Clinical Trials Manager
Clinical Trials Managers come from all health-related and sciences backgrounds, including nursing. They are responsible for managing and administrating clinical trials for research into new drugs and treatments.
Duties:
- Coordination of the set up and running of a clinical trial
- Management of data collection activities
- Management of trial budget and deadlines
- Leading a team of clinical trials nurses, researchers and technicians
- Ensuring trial protocols and safety are met
- Monitoring progress towards targets during each phase of the research
What experience and qualifications do you need?
You will need substantial experience of previous clinical trials and trial management. A PhD in a relevant area or equivalent professional experience would be essential.
If you are from a nursing background, you will also need a first degree in nursing as well as current registration with the NMC.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for clinical trials managers range from around £42,149 to £50,296, depending on the role and specialism.
What can it lead to?
On gaining management experience, the next step would be senior clinical trials manager/director, or a move into a senior lecturing role in a university.
Where can I find clinical trials manager jobs?
Clinical trials manager posts are usually offered on a fixed-term contract for the duration of the study. Clinical trials managers can be employed by universities, research organisations, charities and pharmaceutical companies.
Find clinical trials manager jobs here
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