Deadline: September 14, 2026
Applications are open for the Defra Research and Development Fellowship Programme 2026. 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 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.
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 evidence-to-policy interface while helping to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by society today.
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).
Eligibility
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 2027, 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 they 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
Nationality Requirements
This job is 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
Application
For more information, visit Defra Research and Development Fellowship.
