Clinical Research Career Conversations

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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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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