Our Fellowship Scheme at The Pirbright Institute provides an opportunity for outstanding early-career scientists to join a world-leading centre dedicated to research and surveillance aimed at preventing viral diseases of livestock and controlling virus transmission from animals to humans. 

The scheme is designed to help Fellows develop their own research programmes within the remit of the Institute’s Science Strategy and to prepare them for the next stage of their careers. 

Our Fellowship Scheme: 

  • Employs early career scientists, who have a strong track record of already driving their own research and are ready to lead an independent research programme 
  • Offers a valuable opportunity for scientists to develop themselves and their research programmes within a scientifically focused and supportive environment
  • Supports the transition from postdoctoral scientist to principal investigator (PI)/Group Leader, and will prepare Fellows for opportunities at the level of independent PI at Pirbright or beyond
  • Emphasises a balanced approach of carrying out excellent science while building experience in leading and managing groups in a positive and supportive way
  • Provides access to The Pirbright Institute's unique, state of the art facilities, and a supportive, scientifically thriving, and vibrant environment to enable you to carry out research on viral pathogens and their mammalian, avian or insect hosts
  • Provides tailored management and career development, in addition to internal and external mentoring in a variety of areas

How to apply

Please visit the current vacancies page to see all Fellowship vacancies at The Pirbright Institute.

For more information about our Fellowships, including requirements, funding, how to apply, facilities, support and more, please download The Pirbright Institute Fellowship Scheme Handbook (PDF).

If you would like to discuss how your scientific ideas might fit with possible openings, please email the Head of Research and Innovation, Dr Louise Barton. We welcome informal enquiries at any time. 

External Fellowships

The Pirbright Institute is keen to act as a host or sponsoring organisation for externally funded fellowship applications to grant giving bodies, where the science falls within the remit of the Institute.

For enquires about supporting a Fellowship application, such as the BBSRC Discovery Fellowship, the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, please email the Head of Research and Innovation, Dr Louise Barton.

Details of your research plans, along with an up to date CV will then be requested and the Institute’s Science Committee will provide a decision (and feedback as necessary) on whether the Institute will sponsor an application. Discussions can then take place about the specific support that can be provided as part of the application, as appropriate.

 

Daphne Jackson Fellowships

The Daphne Jackson Trust provides flexible and part-time funded Fellowships to return talented STEM professionals back to work after a career break of two or more years taken for family, caring or health reasons. Visit the Daphne Jackson Trust website to find out more about the Trust.

As part of the strong equality, diversity and inclusion culture at the Institute, we are highly supportive of this scheme and keen to host Daphne Jackson Fellows. For an informal discussion about the opportunities available at Pirbright and how we could support your application for a Daphne Jackson Fellowship, please contact  our HR department.

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