Clinical Professor / Clinical Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing

Are you an established clinical academic with a passion to enhancing mental health care through embedding of cutting-edge research and knowledge to practice? 

This innovative joint appointment between Bournemouth University (BU) and Dorset HealthCare (DHC) has the primary focus to engage and exchange knowledge to capacity building research-related activity between the Mental Health care teams at the NHS Trust and the University. 

Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community.

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.  We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

The newly created post will meet a varied and vibrant portfolio of work supported through joint line management from Bournemouth University and Dorset HealthCare.  You will nurture and build a research culture within the mental health professional workforce that is inquisitive, curious, embedding research-based evidence to nursing practice. The generation and response to generate cutting edge research questions leading to the successful delivery of research bids, that impact and enhance the quality of mental health care pathways. 

As a Clinical Professor / Clinical Associate Professor you will provide research leadership, direction and support to grow a research community amongst the mental health nursing teams; ensuring co-delivery within an agreed framework of grass root generated and commissioned studies that also reflect NHS priorities. You will sit within the Department of Nursing Science (Faculty of Health & Social Sciences) at BU and within the Research and Development Team at DHC, with strong connectivity through clinical line management from the Directorate of Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Children, Young People and Families. You will contribute to and proactively support Bournemouth University (FHSS and Nursing Science) and Dorset HealthCare in the delivery of their strategic and operational research goals, especially enhancing the research culture and capacity building across both institutional teams to further their collaborative and synergistic development.

To succeed in the role, you will hold a PhD in Nursing or a closely related field. You will also have good understanding of the current national landscape and associated challenges for the delivery of care with those accessing and receiving mental health care. You should be able to demonstrate a strongly driven research interest and current contribution to developing evidence-based practice and system change to improve care outcomes.  

For those who want to apply for the Professorial role you will need to demonstrate a proven track record in leadership, a substantial body of impactful peer reviewed publications and a significant portfolio of externally funded work.

Both organisations are an equal opportunities employer which values a diverse workforce. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals can fulfil their potential. Together, we share a common set of values rooted in inspirational learning, world-class research and the latest thinking.  We provide opportunities for a powerful fusion of research, professional practice, and education, creating a unique academic experience and one that is impactful in both the NHS and the University.

Please clearly note on your application form whether you wish to apply for the post at Professor or Associate Professor level. 

For further information and discussion or the opportunity for an informal visit, please contact by email and for enquiries Sue Green, Head of Department Nursing Science  [email protected] and/or Carole Walford, Lead for Innovation and Research at Dorset HealthCare [email protected].