Advertise on podcast: Clinical Research Career Conversations

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Jessica Crossan, a Senior Clinical Studies Officer within the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network in NHS Lothian. She shares insights into her role coordinating and delivering research studies, the collaborative work of the network across Scotland, and her journey to becoming a research nurse and now a Principal Investigator (PI) through the NIHR PI Pipeline Program (PIPP). She also discusses the value of nurses, midwives, and AHPs stepping into PI roles and offers practical advice for anyone considering a career in clinical research.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, host Jo Merrifield talks with Izy Utley, a speech and language therapist, research fellow, and clinical doctorate student at the University of Stirling. Izy shares her non-linear journey into research, built through small opportunities that led to a clinical doctorate. She discusses making research more accessible for people with communication differences, the differences between a PhD and a clinical doctorate, and how research can enrich clinical practice. Izy’s story highlights the varied routes into research and the value of building experience piece by piece.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, host Jo Merrifield speaks with Sean White, a specialist dietitian and postdoctoral clinical academic, to explore how a passion for patient care can evolve into a thriving research career.  Sean shares how his clinical work with people receiving enteral feeding sparked his curiosity about shared decision-making, eventually leading him through the NIHR Clinical Academic Pathway—from a Master’s in Research Methods to a Doctoral Fellowship and PhD. He discusses how collaboration within multidisciplinary teams has shaped his work, how his research has influenced his clinical practice, and what it means to translate evidence into better patient outcomes. For anyone considering a clinical academic career, Sean offers candid advice on persistence, networking, mentorship, and creating space for research within clinical roles. His story is an inspiring example of how curiosity, collaboration, and resilience can drive professional growth and impact across healthcare.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, host Jo Merrifield speaks with Lauren Muir, Research Governance Manager at the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility. Lauren shares her journey from a lab-based biomedical scientist to overseeing governance across hundreds of studies. She explains how her role ensures research is safe, ethical, and compliant, and discusses the key skills needed to succeed. Whether you’re starting out or considering a career shift, this episode offers insight into the vital, behind-the-scenes work that keeps clinical research running smoothly.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield is joined by Dr Daisy Sandeman, Clinical Nurse Manager for Advanced Practice at NHS Lothian. Daisy shares her inspiring journey from working in intensive care nursing to leading influential research on delirium following cardiac surgery. She explores how curiosity, collaboration, and everyday clinical observations can spark meaningful change in patient care and offers thoughtful advice for anyone considering a career in research. Daisy also reflects on how small clinical questions can grow into impactful studies that shape policy, education, and clinical pathways, while helping to build research capacity across nursing and allied health professions.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Dr Tom MacGillivray, Deputy Director of the Image Analysis Core at the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility. They discuss the important role of image analysis in clinical research, real-world examples of its applications, and Tom’s own career journey - including his advice for those considering a similar path.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Dr Lucy Whitaker, Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Consultant Gynaecologist at the University of Edinburgh. Lucy shares her career journey, her research into endometriosis and pelvic pain, and the realities of balancing NHS work with academic research. She highlights the rewards, challenges, and her top tips for anyone considering a career in clinical research.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Senior Trial Monitor Liz Craig shares insights into the role of monitors within academic clinical research. She explains how monitoring helps protect patient safety and ensure data quality, outlines the varied responsibilities involved, and reflects on both the challenges and rewards of the job. We also explore her own career path, the key skills needed to succeed, and her advice for those interested in pursuing a career in monitoring.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Dr Jenna Breckenridge, an Occupational Therapist by background and currently Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences at the University of Dundee and the Lead for Allied Health Professions (AHP) research in NHS Tayside.  Jenna reflects on her career journey, highlights why AHP involvement in research is essential, and shares practical advice for those interested in getting involved in research.

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Send us Fan Mail In this  episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Alice Thomson speaks  with Dr Sarah Gregory who shares her journey through dementia research, ethics committee work, and academic teaching. From managing large cohort studies to navigating fixed-term contracts and volunteering for research ethics, Sarah offers insightful perspectives on building a fulfilling career in clinical research—and the value of saying yes to what sparks your interest.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Dasha Dyachuk, a Clinical Support Worker (CSW) at the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility. Dasha shares her inspiring journey from nursing in Canada to working in clinical research in Scotland. She opens up about the learning curve of transitioning into clinical research, the rewarding variety in her daily work, and how the supportive team environment has helped her thrive. Dasha also reflects on her passion for contributing to meaningful research and how this role is shaping her future career plans.  If you're curious about research careers or considering a move into becoming a Clinical Support Worker in research, this is a must-listen!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield sits down with Lorn MacKenzie, Quality Assurance (QA) Manager at ACCORD, to explore the critical role of QA in clinical research. Lorn shares insights into her journey to becoming a QA professional, the importance of ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and regulatory standards, and how QA plays a key role in safeguarding participant safety and ensuring the integrity of research outcomes. Lorn also offers advice for those interested in pursuing a career in QA and highlights the continuous learning opportunities within the field.  Tune in for an insightful conversation about the behind-the-scenes work that ensures quality in clinical trials.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, host Jo Merrifield sits down with Dr. Chris Humphries, an Emergency Medicine doctor and Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh. Chris shares his journey into research, explaining how his work on the groundbreaking MAIL trial aims to improve treatment for paracetamol poisoning. Chris offers candid insights into the challenges of balancing clinical training with research, as well as practical advice for those looking to follow a similar path. For more information on clinical research career opportunities, check out the following resources: NIHR FellowshipsNHS Research Scotland (NRS) Fellowships

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Dr Corrienne McCulloch, Deputy Director of Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility. Corrienne shares her inspiring career journey, from being a critical care research nurse to leading research operations. She discusses the challenges and rewards of managing diverse research teams, balancing clinical and academic roles, and offers valuable tips for anyone considering a career in research.  Tune in for an insightful conversation full of practical advice!