The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council invites applications for the David Phillips fellowships. These support researchers who wish to establish their first independent research group in any area of science within the council’s remit, which includes research on plants, microbes, animals, and tools and technology underpinning biological research. Applications that address the following strategic priority areas are particularly encouraged:

•agriculture and food security;

•industrial biotechnology and bioenergy;

•biosciences for health.

Applicants should hold a PhD but not hold, or have held, an open-ended academic position of lecturer level or equivalent. They should have at least three years of active postdoctoral research experience prior to February 2017; however, there is not limit on the number of years of postdoctoral experience an applicant can have. Host institutions may be any UK university or BBSRC-sponsored institute.

Up to five fellowships per year are available. Each fellowship is worth up to £1 million at 80 per cent full economic cost and covers personal salary and research support. The host institution should also make a substantial demonstration of support for the fellow, in terms of access to facilities and equipment, training and research costs.