What is a BBSRC Fellowship?
The UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Fellowship is a prestigious funding scheme that supports researchers with the potential to become future leaders in the biosciences. The fellowship provides protected time, resources and training to enable researchers to establish independence and develop ambitious programmes of work.
In addition to funding for independent research, BBSRC Fellows benefit from tailored opportunities for career development, leadership training and skills acquisition, supporting the growth of strong research profiles, develop innovative programmes of work and contribute to the UK’s world-leading bioscience research base.
At The University of Manchester, BBSRC Fellows are embedded within a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment spanning molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, systems biology, environmental biosciences and related fields. Early discussion with the relevant department is strongly recommended to confirm suitability, sponsorship and internal requirements.
Key information
Status: Currently closed.
Next call: Expected early 2026.
Eligibility:
- A PhD or equivalent research, technical or innovation experience
- Must not hold, or have previously held, a lecturer-level (or equivalent) post
- Must not have held an equivalent competitive fellowship that allows you to establish an independent research group
- Research aligned with BBSRC’s remit.
Funding:
- Three years of fellowship support
- Full-time or part-time options available.
Before you apply: To help you develop a competitive proposal, we encourage prospective applicants to contact us well ahead of the funder’s deadline. Early conversations can:
- Identify potential academic sponsors
- Ensure your research vision aligns with Manchester’s strengths.
Benefits of a BBSRC Fellowship at Manchester
BBSRC Fellows at The University of Manchester receive dedicated support to establish independent research programmes and develop leadership capability within a world-leading bioscience research environment.
Manchester supports researchers at all career stages, promoting equality of opportunity and providing tailored guidance on fellowship applications, funding routes and support for childcare or other responsibilities.
As a BBSRC Fellow at Manchester, you’ll benefit from:
- A vibrant, interdisciplinary bioscience research environment across faculties and institutes
- Access to world-leading laboratories, facilities and research infrastructure
- Tailored mentoring from senior academics and experienced fellowship holders
- Training and development opportunities to support leadership, independence and career progression
- A collaborative culture with strong academic, industrial and translational links.
Application process
Confirm that you meet the fellowship’s eligibility criteria before preparing an application.
To apply:
- Be an outstanding researcher with the potential to develop independence and leadership in the biosciences
- Hold a PhD or have equivalent research, technical or innovation experience
- Must propose a programme of research aligned with BBSRC’s remit.
- Not hold and not have previously held, a lecturer-level (or equivalent) academic post
- Must not have held an equivalent competitive fellowship that allows you to establish an independent research group
Full eligibility details are published by the funder and should be reviewed carefully before applying.
You must contact a department well in advance of the funder deadline to confirm support and understand any internal requirements.
Some departments and institutes may operate additional internal processes or provide tailored support for fellowship applicants. These arrangements may affect how and when you apply and, in some cases, require an Expression of Interest or internal selection before submission to the funder.
Contact:
- For advice on departmental fit and internal processes, contact a potential supervisor in the first instance by searching Research Explorer.
If, after carefully reviewing Research Explorer, you are unable to identify a suitable supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposal, you may contact the Department’s Head of Research for further guidance. - For all other queries, including application development support, please contact the FSE Research Development and Innovation team.
As part of this initial engagement, you will be asked to discuss:
- Your proposed fellowship project
- Its alignment with departmental priorities.
Be prepared to provide:
- A CV
- A brief outline of your proposed fellowship project.
Early engagement helps to confirm departmental fit, identify appropriate sponsors and allow time for any required internal review.
Once departmental support is confirmed, you can prepare your application for submission to the funder.
Applications must be submitted via the Funding Service (email submissions cannot be accepted).
A typical application includes:
- A detailed research proposal
- Justification of resources
- CV and track record
- Host statement from The University of Manchester
- References (as required by the scheme year).
Please note that Manchester’s internal review process may require materials several weeks before the funder's deadline.
After submission, your application will be assessed by the funder.
This typically includes:
- External peer review
- Shortlisting by the funder's panels
- Interviews for selected candidates.
Final funding decisions are made by the funder shortly after interviews. Successful candidates will then agree start dates with their host institution.
What our fellows say
“The BBSRC Fellowship at Manchester provided the time, independence and support I needed to develop my own research programme. The mentoring and collaborative environment helped me grow as an independent researcher while building strong connections across the biosciences.”
BBSRC Fellow
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The University must prepare a host statement and complete internal quality checks, which usually means applicants are required to submit draft materials several weeks before BBSRC’s official deadline. Exact timelines vary by department, so early contact is strongly recommended.
Search Research Explorer to identify a potential supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposed project, then contact them directly to discuss your application.
Prospective applicants receive support identifying an academic sponsor, refining their research proposal and navigating internal review. You’ll also have access to guidance on developing a competitive fellowship application, feedback from senior academics, and information about facilities and research groups you can incorporate into your proposal.
Eligibility criteria vary between funding schemes. Most require a strong academic track record commensurate to your career stage and circumstances. Check the scheme's criteria.
Further questions? Contact us
Fellowship scheme questions
- For questions about eligibility, funding rules or BBSRC processes, please contact the BBSRC fellowship team.
Manchester-specific queries
-
Departmental fit and internal processes
- For advice on departmental fit and internal requirements, contact a potential supervisor in the first instance by searching Research Explorer. If, after carefully reviewing Research Explorer, you are unable to identify a suitable supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposal, you may contact the Department’s Head of Research for further guidance.
-
Application development and other Faculty queries
- For all other queries, including application development support, please contact the FSE Research Development and Innovation team.