Research and Development Fellowships 2026/27

Location: Based in one of Defra’s core hubs: Bristol, London, Newcastle, York (with expectation of at least 60% office attendance averaged over a month). Exceptions will only be considered where the project is in close collaboration with a Defra Public Sector Research Establishment.

Starting Salary: HEO National: £33,590; HEO London: £37,480; SEO National: £41,220; SEO London: £44,500. These fellowships may be eligible for a non-pensionable, non-consolidated Specialist Skills Supplement of £3,000 per annum (pro rata as appropriate).

Contract type: Short-term appointment of up to 12 months, with a minimum of six-month duration, to be completed by 30th March 2027. By exception we can offer successful candidates a secondment into Defra (i.e. remain an employee of their present institution) – these will be discussed on an individual basis if successful, including terms and conditions (we would require that your salary be in line with Defra salary bandings).

Number of fellowships available: Approximately 55

About the Fellowship Programme:
Defra is here to make our air purer, our water cleaner, our land greener and our food more sustainable. The importance of our work, and the importance of science and analysis to inform that work, has never been greater.

Following the success of the first two years of our fellowship programme, we’re delighted to launch the third Defra R&D Fellowship Programme, championed by our Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Anjali Goswami. This programme provides an opportunity for scientists and analysts to gain experience in a policy focused environment and understand how evidence is used within government.

Feedback from our past cohorts of fellows highlights the opportunity the programme has afforded to form new networks and connections, supporting career development, understanding how government works, working at the intersection of science and policy and being involved with research that has real world impact.

Our Defra R&D Fellows will use their scientific or analytical skills to work alongside policy and evidence teams on a range of priority and strategic policy issues.

Some examples of previous project areas include:

• Analysis and Insights
• Agriculture, Food and Farming
• Animal and Plant Health and Welfare
• International Biodiversity and Climate Change
• Natural Environment, Trees and Landscape
• Circular Economy
• Central Science Division
• Environment Strategy
• Environment Quality
• Marine and Fisheries
• Floods, Water, and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) Recovery
• Policy Response and Resilience

Research and innovation are critical for government’s work to reduce risk to the UK, to achieve positive societal, environmental and economic outcomes, and to inform policy. As an R&D Fellow you will work alongside Defra’s existing scientists and analysts to bring relevant and recent research into government activity. This fellowship offers an opportunity to experience working at the science-to-policy interface while helping to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by society today.

Fellows will join us on short-term appointments in Defra, for up to 1 year, with salary costs provided by Defra. We aim to onboard most Fellows as a cohort by 1st April 2026, but we can offer flexibility about start date and duration on a case-by-case basis. Fellowships are available on a full time or part time basis. All fellowships will end on or before 30th March 2027.

Please note short term contracts are not considered to be fair and open competition under Civil Service Commission rules, so you will not be eligible to apply for internal posts or consider it as part of your continuity of service. You will be eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme but must work for the Civil Service for at least 2 years before you are able to benefit from the scheme.

By participating in the Defra R&D Fellowship programme, you will gain skills and experience in project delivery, evidence synthesis, communicating complex information to non-experts, writing for a policy audience, working at pace, and balancing use of policy and evidence in government. You will be involved in work that will have a high impact, and you will benefit from networking with other scientists and analysts, including those in your cohort. You will gain valuable insight into the policy making process in a central government department.

About you:
We welcome applications from a range of backgrounds, career stages and experiences. The available roles cover a wide variety of topics and a breadth of skills, so we would encourage applications from a broad range of candidates, including social researchers, economists, statisticians, operational researchers, geographers, engineers, as well as natural and environmental scientists.

As a Defra R&D Fellow, you will have the following qualifications and skills:

• An undergraduate degree, including degree apprenticeships, in a science, engineering, or analytical discipline;

And:

• A postgraduate degree, or expect to have a postgraduate degree before 1st April 2026, in any science, engineering or analytical discipline;

Or:

• Be a chartered engineer or scientist registered by one of the professional institutions licensed by the Engineering Council or by the Science Council;

Or:

• Proven equivalent experience in a relevant science, engineering, or analytical discipline, demonstrated through conducting or applying research or analysis as a subject matter expert in the chosen area of specialism.

For all roles we are looking for candidates to demonstrate the following:

• Experience of working as a researcher and/or in an R&D environment
• Good communication skills; being able to translate science or analysis to both peers and non-specialists
• Evidence of being able to manage your own workload and prioritise
• An ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Experience of delivering sustained projects (e.g. research projects)

For the more senior fellowships, at SEO grade, candidates will also be able to demonstrate the following:

• Experience in project or programme leadership in a science, engineering, or analytical context
• Experience in creating and using networks across organisational boundaries

Things you need to know:
Selection process details
We will assess your technical skills, expertise, communication skills, and motivation for the role. You are not expected to already have policy experience, as we will help you to develop these skills during your Fellowship.

Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete an online form including your employment history, qualifications, and a 500-word Personal Statement outlining your relevant experience and skills, and your motivation to join Defra and our Fellowship Programme. We will ask you to select your policy area(s) of interest and to demonstrate your experience in these areas in your personal statement.

We will shortlist applications after the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with relevant Defra Group Science and Analysis teams. Interviews will be held virtually. Successful candidates will be matched to a Defra project based on experience and expertise. This is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the specific projects available. Feedback will only be provided to candidates following the interview. Not all successful candidates will be allocated a project but there will be a reserve list held for 1 year.

Expected timeline (subject to change)
Expected date of application sifting – by 3rd October
Expected interview date if successful at application sifting – from 13th-31st October
For analysts, please note that a second interview may be required to assess eligibility for the specialist skills supplement.

Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
• This mailbox is monitored between Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, and candidates should expect a response within two working days.

Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact [email protected]

Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate, and based on your own experience. Plagiarism – including presenting others’ ideas or AI-generated content as your own – may result in withdrawal of applications or disciplinary action for internal candidates. Please refer to our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Working for the Civil Service
The Code – Civil Service Commission sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  Further information on nationality requirements

London Based Candidates: A higher level of security is required for candidates that will be based in Defra’s London office. Please refer to the Candidate Pack for further details.

Contact point for applicants
For any queries, please email [email protected]

Links to Candidate Pack and Privacy Statement:

Candidate Pack

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