Deadline for applications: 12 May 2020 16:00 (UK)
Summary
The David Phillips Fellowship (DPF) provides support for researchers wishing to establish their first independent research group. The DPF will invest in scientists who can demonstrate that they are on an upward trajectory and are eager to lead their own fully independent programme of research. David Phillips Fellows strive for continuous personal and professional development and have a strategy for how they will develop themselves and their team over the lifetime of the award. As such, the DPF enables BBSRC to supply the UK with highly skilled, professional research leaders.
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 £1 million (80% fEC). Please note: BBSRC will provide funds of up to £1 million (80% of the full economic cost). The total costs (100% full economic cost) requested may be up to £1.25 million. 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 (see below – value for money).
Proposals from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements (for example part-time) are encouraged; see the Fellowships handbook for further information (downloads section).
Eligibility
To be considered eligible applicants should have a PhD or be expecting to have undergone successful PhD viva prior to 30 November 2020. There is no limit on the number of years of postdoc experience. However, applicants should not hold, or have held, an academic position of lecturer level (or the equivalent in institutions other than universities) or an equivalent competitive fellowship that provides the opportunity to establish an independent research group and therefore independent researcher status. Nor should they have had an offer of such an appointment prior to the commencement of a fellowship, if awarded. This applies to both fixed term and permanent positions.
BBSRC would consider fellowships where the applicant is eligible to supervise PhD students or submit research grants as a PI as equivalent to a lectureship. For example, Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellowships, MRC Career Development Awards or NERC Independent Research Fellowships. Note: holders of postdoctoral training fellowships such as the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions can apply. Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkins Fellows who meet the research experience eligibility requirement outlined above may also apply.
In addition, applicants will normally have no less than three years of active postdoctoral research experience. 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.
For more information, or to apply, visit the call webpage.