Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council David Phillips Fellowships 2017, UK

Publish Date: Apr 06, 2017

Deadline: May 11, 2017

David Phillips Fellowships

The David Phillips Fellowship (DPF) will provide support for researchers wishing to establish their first independent research group. The DPF will invest in scientists who have shown high potential, can demonstrate that they are on an upward trajectory with clear evidence of strong scientific outputs and leadership qualities, and are aiming to establish their own fully independent programme of research. As such the DPF represents part of our commitment to the supply of highly skilled professional research leaders to the UK.

Nature of award

Awards are for five years, and include personal salary and a significant research support grant to enable fellows to establish their own independent research group. It is expected that up to five fellowships will be awarded, each at a value of up to £1M (80% fEC). Please note: BBSRC will provide funds of up to £1M (80% of the full economic cost). The total costs (100% full economic cost) requested may be up to £1.25M.

In addition to this investment, it is also expected that a substantial demonstration of support for the fellow be made by the host Research Organisation (e.g. in terms of access to facilities and equipment, training, research costs etc.). Applications are welcome from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements (e.g. part-time); see the Fellowships handbook for further information (see downloads section).

Value for money

Applicants and host organisations should note that value for money is an essential criterion against which fellowship applications will be assessed, alongside excellence and other key criteria. For this competition the reviewers and Research Committee E will be looking for written evidence that the host organisation will contribute significant support, either financially or in-kind support if an award is made. Proposals that do not provide clear evidence that the research programme is highly competitive in terms of value for money, and in providing additional funding commitments, are unlikely to be successful.

Applicants must ensure that the Partnership Details section of the Je-S proforma contains details of all institutional support that will be made available if the applicant is successful in obtaining a BBSRC award. In addition, the justification of resources attachment must clearly show why the resources requested are good value for money and why it is in BBSRC's interests to provide investment. Also letters of support from all parties contributing financial or other support should be uploaded to the proposal under the Letters of Support attachment giving full and accurate details of the commitments being made.

Research areas

Proposals can be submitted in any area of science within our remit. We particularly encourage applications that are aligned with our overarching strategic priorities (see related links including our strategic priorities).

Background

Aimed at researchers who want to establish their first independent research group undertaking a programme of excellent research. Applicants will be able to demonstrate great potential and have a scientific career showing a clear upward trajectory.

Eligibility

  • Applicants should hold a PhD, but not hold, or have held, an academic position at Lecturer level (or the equivalent in institutions other than universities). Please note that if applicants have previously applied for BBSRC grant funding as a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator (therefore confirming that they hold a lecturer level or equivalent post) they are not eligible to apply for a fellowship
  • It is expected that applicants will have at least three years of active postdoctoral research experience prior to February 2017
  • Please note that David Phillips Fellowship eligibility was previously limited to those with less than 10 years of active research experience; this limit has been removed in response to our 2015 "Review of BBSRC strategy for investing in fellowships"

Note: David Phillips Fellowship applicants are not eligible to apply to any additional 2017 BBSRC fellowship competitions.

Non-European economic area applicants

  • All successful applicants who require a visa to work in the UK will be eligible to be considered under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa route. In line with the highly prestigious nature of the award, this visa route is designed for people who are internationally recognized as world leaders or potential world-leading talent in the fields of science and the arts and enables the holder to be both adaptable and flexible during their research in the UK
  • The grant of any visa is always subject to the standard Home Office general grounds for refusal of a visa. RCUK is able to provide additional guidance regarding the appropriate evidence required to complete the visa application process under the Exceptional Talent visa. Please contact fellowtier1info@rcuk.ac.uk for further details

Assessment criteria

The fellowships are designed to provide career enhancement to support outstanding scientists in the initial stages of their career, and there is therefore a strong emphasis on the scientific potential of the candidates. In making these awards, BBSRC will be seeking to identify scientists who can be expected in the future to be among the leaders of their generation of bio-scientists, and applicants should demonstrate how a BBSRC David Phillips fellowship will be of benefit to them.

As such, the excellence of the proposed research project, the research environment in which the fellowships will be undertaken, and the career trajectory, potential, and track record of the applicant will all be considered by Research Committee E. The following will therefore be looked at:

Project:

  • Scientific quality and feasibility of the proposed research project
  • Timeliness of the research project and how it will advance the field

Person:

  • Track record
  • Career trajectory
  • Evidence of independence and leadership
  • How the applicant will use the fellowship to establish themselves as a research leader

Research Environment:

  • The scientific environment of the host department and institute
  • Evidence of career and professional development support (e.g. access to mentoring programmes, training events, clear plan for tenure track etc.)
  • Evidence of research support (e.g. additional financial support or research staff, access to core facilities etc.)

For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.


This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/filter/david-phillips/

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Disciplines

Biology

Biomedical Sciences

Biotechnology

Study Levels

Research

Opportunity Types

Fellowships

Eligible Countries

International

Host Countries

United Kingdom