Defra Research and Development Fellowship 2027
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is recruiting research fellows. This marks the fourth year of Defra’s flagship R&D Fellowship Programme. Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Anjali Goswami championed this ongoing initiative. Approximately sixty-five fellowships are available across diverse policy areas. Fellows gain hands-on experience at the science-to-policy interface directly. This program bridges academic and industry expertise with government decision-making.
Program Snapshot
- Host Organization: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
- Locations: Bristol, London, Newcastle, or York
- Grade: Higher Executive Officer or Senior Executive Officer
- Salary: £33,590 to £44,500, depending on grade and location
- Duration: Six to twelve months, ending by March 2028
- Application Deadline: September 14, 2026, 23:55
Focus Areas
- Agriculture, food security, and sustainable farming
- Animal and plant health, biodiversity, and land use
- Climate strategy, water management, and circular economy
- Marine and fisheries science, environmental quality
About the Programme
This fellowship follows three previous successful cohorts within Defra. Fellows work directly alongside existing government scientists and policy analysts. They bring recent, relevant research into ongoing departmental activities and decisions. Past fellows highlight valuable networking and genuine understanding of government processes gained.
The programme deliberately doesn’t require prior policy experience from applicants. Instead, Defra actively supports skill development throughout the fellowship term.
What Fellows Will Do
Fellows contribute scientific or analytical expertise to pressing policy challenges. This includes evidence synthesis, project delivery, and communicating complex findings clearly. Analysts might specialize in economics, statistics, geography, or social research broadly. Scientists typically hold specialism in one of Defra’s specific work areas. Both roles involve translating research into materials useful for policymakers.
Who Can Apply
Applicants need an undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific field. A postgraduate degree or equivalent professional chartered status is also required. Alternatively, proven equivalent research experience may satisfy this qualification instead. Strong communication skills and prior research experience matter significantly here. Senior-level SEO applicants should also demonstrate project leadership experience specifically.
Required Materials
Applicants complete an online form detailing employment history and qualifications. A 500-word personal statement should explain relevant experience and genuine motivation. Applicants also select their preferred policy areas of specific interest.
How to Apply
Complete your application through the Civil Service Careers official portal. For questions, email RDF.Recruitment@defra.gov.uk directly.
Click Here to Apply
Conclusion
This fellowship offers a genuinely valuable bridge between academic or industry research and real government policy impact, with the security of a salaried Civil Service appointment. Its openness to diverse scientific and analytical backgrounds makes it accessible well beyond traditional government career paths. Given the detailed technical and communication requirements, applicants should prepare a clearly targeted personal statement well before the September 14 deadline.
