At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead grant applications and peer reviews to support groundbreaking bioscience research.
- Company: Join the BBSRC, a leader in funding innovative bioscience projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days annual leave, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on scientific advancements and contribute to global challenges.
- Qualifications: Degree in biological sciences or relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 37841 - 37841 £ per year.
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire - Hybrid working available
Salary: £37,841 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months parental leave)
Hours: Full Time and Part Time will be considered (minimum 0.8 FTE, flexible working available)
Closing Date: 1 Sept 2026
Interviews: w/c 21 Sept 2026
About the role
BBSRC are seeking to recruit Portfolio Managers to join our Bioscience Advancing Knowledge Directorate. The team leads BBSRC’s applicant-led investments, championing curiosity-driven, researcher-led discovery and empowering the research community to pursue bold, high-risk ideas across the breadth of bioscience. The role will focus on delivering peer review and awarding applications from the academic community that advance knowledge and address major bioscience challenges. You will also contribute to the development of portfolio insight, enabling BBSRC to take a more strategic, evidence-led approach to supporting its portfolio of investigator-led investments.
Your responsibilities
- Leading the grant application, assessment, and award processes for BBSRC investment activities; providing oversight on the peer review of applications and managing expert assessment panels.
- Organising and leading the delivery of peer review meetings, ensuring that all applications are assessed fairly and robustly.
- Building and using your knowledge of UKRI’s funding programmes and policies to provide advice and guidance to the research and innovation community and internal colleagues on how to apply for grants, funding policies and peer review processes.
- Building and utilising your knowledge of best practice in funding processes to contribute to the ongoing continuous improvement of funding application, assessment, and award processes; and supporting the office and research community throughout the implementation of changes.
- Developing and applying insight into BBSRC’s applicant-led portfolio to support portfolio management approaches where appropriate, effective monitoring of grant investments, and communication of the outcomes and impact of applicant-led investment strategy.
- Collaborating with BBSRC colleagues on the development and creation of new funding calls.
- Providing advice and outreach to the research and innovation community, and other partners, on BBSRC’s funding programmes, processes, and policies; and helping to develop a clear narrative on applicant-led investments to demonstrate how they advance knowledge, improve lives, and drive economic growth.
Personal Specification
- Holds a degree in a biological or related subject, and/or have previous relevant professional experience.
- A demonstrable interest in, and understanding of the aims and objectives of BBSRC.
- An ability to plan and prioritise your work, manage a range of activities and meet deadlines.
- Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in teams with colleagues and external partners.
- Effective communication skills including the ability to produce clear and well-structured documents and presentations for internal and external audiences.
- Effective analytical skills with the ability to analyse data and derive significant information accurately and responsibly.
- Willingness to travel in the UK and internationally and work for a minimum of 40 - 60% of your time in Polaris House, Swindon.
About hybrid working
We support a hybrid approach, and you can expect a mix of working from home, the office, and occasionally at other UK locations. BBSRC staff will be assigned to Tier 2 meaning a standard expectation of 40–60% onsite attendance (pro-rated against working time) including those hosted by BBSRC. This will come into effect on 1st October 2026. At times, this may involve overnight stays and/or occasional work outside of standard office hours.
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. Committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!
A list of benefits below:
- 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
- Flexible working options.
- Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!
For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
About Us
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
About the Team
The BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. We are the UK's largest public funder of research of the non-medical biosciences. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.
Portfolio Manager in Swindon employer: UKRI International
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and safety. Located at the prestigious Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell, Oxfordshire, employees benefit from a generous leave policy, a solid pension scheme, and flexible working hours, all while contributing to meaningful research and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Manager in Swindon
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like UKRI International. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like UKRI International!
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Manager in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show UKRI International that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at UKRI International.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that UKRI International does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI International
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at UKRI International. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into UKRI International's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at UKRI International. This shows your passion for the industry!
