Bristol Futures Research Development Fellowships Now Open

The University of Bristol invites applications from talented researchers from groups currently under-represented across academia with the skills and experience required to become the academic leaders of the future. APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED.

As part of its new strategic plan the University is seeking to appoint a diverse range of talented and innovative academic staff to help grow its research and education endeavour through a major new investment in Life Sciences. The closing date for submissions is 23.59 BST on 28th October.

About the Programme

This career development programme will create opportunities for early career researchers of Black or Black Mixed heritage to develop their research portfolio at the University of Bristol, collaborate with others and build the skills, experience and networks to support the transition into a sustainable academic career. 

About the Roles

We are delighted to offer two fellowship opportunities, each hosted by one of our five schools in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, and Psychological Sciences), and your research interests should be appropriately aligned to one or more of these areas.

Roles and Responsibilities

As a Bristol Futures Fellow, you’ll be self-directed in your research output, and passionate about building your independent research vision, with appetite to build your own research group. You’ll be supported through targeted mentorship and have access to a range of resources to support your development towards future academic leadership.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Bristol Futures Fellowship you’ll need to belong to one of the following ethnicity categories – Black African, Black Caribbean, Any Other Black background, Mixed Heritage– White and Black Caribbean, Mixed Heritage– White and Black African, Other mixed heritage background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other). You will also hold a relevant PhD in a related subject at the time of appointment, hold the right to live and work in the UK at the time of application and be at an early stage of your research career or will be seeking to re-enter academia from industry or other non-traditional career routes.

Further Information and How to Apply

Supporting information for applicants

• While the role is advertised as full-time, flexibility will be provided for circumstances such as caring responsibilities or disability, tailored to individual needs wherever possible.

• Awarded Fellowships provide funding covering full salary costs and research and travel expenses for 4 years.

• Fellows will have both a fellowship sponsor and access to the Bristol Clear Mentorship Scheme, alongside access to a range of leadership and development programmes.

• Full details of the fellowship including more information on submitting your proposal and an outline of activities can be found in available supporting documents here.

Application process

Expressions of interest should first be sent by email to Alastair Poole (a.poole@bristol.ac.uk), who will arrange an informal discussion to explore your research proposal and identify an appropriate potential academic sponsor. Following this, you must complete the application proforma, which can be downloaded from the digital application page, after clicking the apply button. This must be uploaded, alongside completion of this digital form.

Should you experience any issues in applying, please contact Alexia Hall (alexia.hall@bristol.ac.uk), Resourcing Business Partner for the faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

The closing date for submissions is 23.59 BST on 28th October.

Applicants successful during the shortlisting process will be notified of interview by 8th November, with interviews anticipated for week commencing 25th November. Start dates will be as soon as possible thereafter.