Associate Professor/Senior Research Fellow
An Associate Professor in research or Senior Research Fellow focus on advancing knowledge within paramedic science, influencing both clinical practice and policy through high-quality research. They lead research initiatives, secure funding, and contribute to the development of interdisciplinary collaborations that enhance the evidence base for paramedic practice.
Beyond their own research, they support and mentor early-career researchers and postgraduate students, fostering research capacity and academic progression within the profession.
While many in this role hold advanced academic qualifications (such as a PhD or professional doctorate), demonstrated expertise in research leadership, publication, grant acquisition, and professional engagement are also critical factors. Some may also maintain clinical links, ensuring their research remains relevant to clinical practice and addresses real-world challenges in paramedic treatment and management of patients in whatever setting.
Case studies
Use the case studies below to learn more about the experiences of different individuals.
A person’s role may start to develop more formally into the other quadrants. Each person has a pie chart showing how much of the different quadrants is involved in their role.
Below is the colour code for each quadrant:
Education
Leadership & Management
Research & Development
Clinical Practice
Wayne Thomson
Job title: Air Ambulance Paramedic at Scottish Ambulance Service
Entry route: DipHE
What steps did you take in your professional journey to obtain your current position?
I Joined the Scottish Ambulance Service in November 2017 as a Student Technician, based at Stonehaven Ambulance Station. 18 months later, I qualified as a Technician working on frontline A and E vehicles as a relief staff member. In September 2020 I started my Dip HE studies through the Ambulance Service and Glasgow Caledonian University to become a Paramedic. This was a challenge as this was during lockdown and all education facilities were closed. We were used to see how higher education could be opened up safely. In October 2021 I qualified as a Paramedic and became registered with the HCPC. I continued in my role on frontline A and E vehicles going on to obtain my ALS qualification with the Resus Council and becoming an ILS instructor at the Univertisy of Aberdeen for the medical students. In March of 2023 I applied for and was successful in becoming a reservist on the fixed wing Air ambulance based at Dyce airport, Aberdeen and in October 2023 started a 5 year secondment to the air wing. In September 2023 I commenced by BSc Professional Practice (Paramedic Studies) through the University of Stirling.
What does your typical working week/day look like?
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What is your favourite thing about your role?
The best part of my job is taking patients home after weeks in treatment on the mainland and seeing their gratitude when they see their homes.
What about your role is most challenging?
The hardest part of this role is transferring palliative patients but it also comes with the sense of pride that you are fulfilling their last request to go home to be with their families and surroundings they cherish the most.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to reach your position?
A love of aviation and patience is needed as plans are fluid and change last minute due to limited resource availability. Having at least 2 years post registration experience would be of great advantage along with doing a PHEC or ALS course to give you the confidence of working alone. Set backs are expected and use them as positives to learn from. Researching a role is vital for interviews to know what the job is your going into and to show potential new managers you are passionate in doing the role you want.
Graham McClelland
Assistant Professor
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15%
60%
5%