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- Tasks: Apply for funding to support innovative research in biotechnology and biological sciences.
- Company: BBSRC, a leading research council in the UK.
- Benefits: Up to £2 million funding for five years, covering 80% of project costs.
- Why this job: Kickstart your research career with significant funding and support for new investigators.
- Qualifications: Must be a researcher with previous co-lead experience on successful grant applications.
- Other info: Opportunity to collaborate with international partners and develop multidisciplinary projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Opportunity status: Open
Funders: BBSRC
Funding type: Grant
Maximum award: £2,000,000
Publication date: 25 September 2025
Opening date: 25 September 2025 9:00am UK time
Closing date: 14 January 2026 4:00pm UK time
Apply for funding to support excellent new investigator-led research across the breadth of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) scientific remit. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for BBSRC funding. This scheme is designed primarily to assist newly employed university lecturers, researchers (at a level equivalent to lecturer) in research council institutes, and fellows (at a level equivalent to lecturer) to secure their first major element of research support funding. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £2 million. Funding is available for up to five years. BBSRC will fund 80% of the FEC.
Who can apply
To lead a project, you must be based at an eligible organisation. Individuals based at an international research organisation are not eligible to be a member of the core team. International collaborators can be added as project partners on an application.
Who is eligible to apply
Researchers who have been project co-leads (previously co-investigators) on successful grant applications are eligible to apply for a new investigator award. You must not have received, or currently be in receipt of, competitively obtained research or support funding from any source as a project lead (previously principal investigator) where such funding includes or included research and innovation associate (previously postdoctoral research assistant) staff support costs. This includes grants associated with fellowships. If, however, research and innovation associate support has been provided by an institution as part of an internal support agreement or as part of the applicant's start-up package, this must be declared but would not render the applicant ineligible. Other grant funding requests where the results are not known at the time of submission, but which are subsequently successful, will also come under this category and therefore details of such requests must be given in the application and their outcome notified to BBSRC immediately they become known.
You may submit only one new investigator application to each BBSRC grant round, and you may not submit another type of grant application as a project lead to the same grant round. Researchers may be awarded only one research grant under the new investigator scheme. The project lead should be the intellectual leader of the proposed project. Expertise across multiple disciplines may be an important aspect of a project and one which facilitates career development into a new field. Therefore, project co-leads are permitted, but only when they bring expertise to the project which is outside the project lead’s own skill set. Project co-leads may also satisfy the eligibility requirements for the new investigator scheme.
Resubmissions
We will not accept uninvited resubmissions of projects that have been submitted to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) or any other funder.
BBSRC new investigator award : 2026 round one : applicant-led mode in Swindon employer: NERC - the Natural Environment Research Council
Contact Detail:
NERC - the Natural Environment Research Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land BBSRC new investigator award : 2026 round one : applicant-led mode in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow researchers and academics in your field. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups to make connections that could lead to collaboration opportunities or insider tips on funding.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your pitch down! Whether it’s a casual chat or a formal presentation, being able to clearly articulate your research idea and its impact is crucial. Practice makes perfect, so rehearse with friends or colleagues until you feel confident.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from feedback! Share your proposal drafts with mentors or peers for constructive criticism. They might spot gaps or suggest improvements that can strengthen your application before you submit it.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the resources you need to guide you through the application process. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application meets all the necessary criteria for the BBSRC funding.
We think you need these skills to ace BBSRC new investigator award : 2026 round one : applicant-led mode in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Eligibility Criteria: Before diving into your application, make sure you fully understand the eligibility criteria. We want to ensure you're applying as a suitable candidate, so check if you're based at an eligible UK research organisation and meet the other requirements.
Craft a Compelling Project Proposal: Your project proposal is your chance to shine! Clearly outline your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. We recommend being specific about how your work aligns with BBSRC's scientific remit to grab their attention.
Be Transparent About Previous Funding: If you've had any previous funding or support, be upfront about it in your application. We want to see your journey, so include details of any internal support agreements or past projects that might be relevant.
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your submission and ensure everything goes smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at NERC - the Natural Environment Research Council
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of your proposed research project. Be ready to discuss its significance, methodology, and potential impact on the field of biotechnology and biological sciences. This will show your passion and commitment to the project.
✨Familiarise Yourself with BBSRC Guidelines
Read up on the BBSRC's funding criteria and previous successful applications. Understanding what they value in proposals can help you tailor your pitch and demonstrate how your project aligns with their goals.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Anticipate questions about your experience as a co-lead and how you plan to manage the project. Think about how you can highlight your leadership skills and your ability to collaborate with others, especially if you’re bringing in co-leads with different expertise.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Rehearse your presentation multiple times, ideally in front of colleagues or mentors who can provide feedback. Focus on clarity and confidence, ensuring you can convey your ideas succinctly and effectively within the time limits.