Fellowship
Open
7d left
Defra Research and Development Fellowship Programme 2026/27
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), UK Government
Starting an application unlocks tasks, requirements, notes, and deadline reminders.
Funding amount
HEO: £33,590–£44,500 per year
Deadline
September 14, 2026
Level
Mid Career
Early Career
What's covered
Fellowship
Research Support
Networking
About this opportunity
The Defra Research and Development (R&D) Fellowship Programme provides scientists and analysts with the opportunity to work at the intersection of research, evidence and government policy. Fellows join Defra for a short-term placement of 6–12 months, working on research and policy challenges across areas including environmental science, agriculture, food, climate, biodiversity and analytical policy. Approximately 65 fellowships are available for the 2027–28 cohort.
Requirements
- Must hold an undergraduate degree in a science, engineering or analytical discipline.
- Must hold, or expect to obtain before 1 April 2027, a relevant postgraduate degree in science, engineering or an analytical discipline; or be a chartered engineer/scientist registered with an appropriate professional institution.
- Applicants can come from backgrounds including social research, economics, statistics, operational research, geography, engineering, natural sciences and environmental sciences.
- Must demonstrate relevant technical expertise, communication skills and motivation.
- Previous government policy experience is not required.
- Fellows may work full-time or part-time; job sharing is also permitted.