Defra has launched its first Defra R&D Fellowship Programme, which is open to a broad range of candidates, including social scientists, modellers, economists, as well as natural and environmental scientists.
Championed by Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Gideon Henderson, the programme offers an opportunity to experience working at the science-to-policy interface while helping to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by society today.
The Defra R&D Fellows will use their scientific or analytical skills to work alongside Defra policy and evidence teams on a range of priority and strategic policy issues, including:
- Animal and Plant Health – pathogen surveillance and disease control, animal welfare, woodland management, tree health
- Biodiversity – landscape resilience, intersections between biodiversity, climate and poverty
- Environment and Net Zero – water quality, environmental monitoring and reporting, emission reduction
- Food and Farming – soil pollution, land management, horticulture, food supply chain, genetic improvement, fertilisers, paludiculture
- Marine and Fisheries – marine conservation zones, land-sea interface, fisheries management, marine litter
- Resources and Waste – circular economy data observatory and textiles focus
- Systems, Innovation and Futures – novel Earth Observations technology, ecological modelling, innovation, behavioural insights, economic growth
Championed by Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Gideon Henderson, the programme offers an opportunity to experience working at the science-to-policy interface while helping to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by society today.
Fellows will receive a salary of £30,317 to £40,262. The jobs will be based in one of Defra’s core hubs: Bristol, London, Newcastle, York (with expectation of attendance at least 60%). Other locations subject to negotiation. They are short-term appointments, of up to 12 months, to be completed by 30th March 2025.
The closing date for applications is 8th January 2024. Full details about the programme and how to apply can be found at Research and Development Fellowship Programme – Defra Jobs – UK Government.
