Advise UKRI and our councils

Current opportunities

Current opportunities to join an advisory committee, panel, forum or network.


BBSRC applicant-led mode committee chair and deputy chair vacancies

Closing date
17 July 2025
Number of positions
One chair

Two deputy chairs

Length of term
Three years

Committee A chair role commencing 1 July 2026

Committee A deputy chair role commencing 1 July 2026

Committee C deputy chair role commencing 1 February 2027

Time commitment
Approximately 24 days per calendar year (including applicant-led mode meetings, assessment preparation plus committee chairs and other ad hoc activities)
Remuneration
Attendance fee per meeting, for both in-person and virtual meetings

Travel and subsistence for in-person meetings

Interview date
To be confirmed 2025
Outcomes communicated
October 2025

We are inviting expressions of interest to join the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) applicant-led mode committees A and C as:

  • chair
  • deputy chair

BBSRC strategy advisory panels: member vacancies

Closing date
17 July 2025
Number of positions
One for Bioscience for Advanced Manufacturing and Clean Growth
Two for Bioscience for Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Up to four for Bioscience for an Integrated Understanding of Health
Up to two for Transformative Technologies
Length of term
Standard term length is three years (one year in the first instance with an anticipated extension if mutually agreed to a full term of three years)

The term can be extended further in exceptional circumstances, up to a maximum of six years

Time commitment
Approximately 10 days per year, consisting of at least two strategy advisory panel meetings per year (one to two days each)

This includes a maximum of five to six days for meeting preparation, and a maximum of five to six days for additional responsibilities (for example, ad hoc strategic advice for UKRI and BBSRC)

Remuneration
Attendance fee per meeting for both in-person and virtual meetings

Travel and subsistence for in-person meetings

Outcomes communicated date
October 2025

The Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council’s (BBSRC) Strategy Advisory Panels (SAPs) provide expert insight to develop, monitor and provide assurance on our strategy, policies and ideas.

Our panels aim to reflect the diversity of thought and experience across the bioscience community, spanning academia, industry, and policy.

We are inviting applications to join the panel for:


BBSRC People and Talent Strategy Advisory Panel Researcher Subgroup: member vacancies

Closing date
7 August 2025
Number of positions
Eight
Length of term
Three years
Time commitment
Four days per year
Remuneration
£170, plus travel and subsistence cover where required. Caring costs incurred due to attending subgroup meetings can be expensed
Outcomes communicated
September 2025

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) would like to invite members of the bioscience research community to join our People and Talent Strategy Advisory Panel (PAT SAP) Researcher Subgroup.

The Researcher Subgroup focuses on issues related to the careers and development of early career researchers and equivalent roles working within the biosciences and to help shape BBSRC strategy for supporting these individuals.


ESRC Assessor College: 2025 recruitment round

Closing date
26 August 2025
Number of positions
At least 70, depending on suitability
Length of term
Minimum of two years
Time commitment
Up to three panel meetings a year
Remuneration
Travel and subsistence for any in-person panel meetings will be paid, and some panels may also offer an attendance fee per meeting
Outcomes communicated
Late September 2025

We are inviting applications from academics and other advisors to join a new ESRC college which we will use to find members for our assessment panels.

The college will consist of academic members drawn from across the social sciences, representing the broad range of expertise, skills, career stages and approaches needed to help ensure we support the highest quality ideas across our remit.

Members will also include individuals from the public, business and civil society sectors to help ensure ESRC funds high-quality research with economic and societal impact.


Chair of the STFC Science Board (Facilities and Laboratories)

Closing date
31 August 2025
Number of positions
One
Length of term
Two years
Time commitment
30 days per year, including attendance at Science Board and STFC Council meetings
Remuneration
Employer will be reimbursed in recognition of time spent on STFC business
Interview date
Mid to late September 2025
Outcomes communicated
October 2025

The Science Board (Facilities and Laboratories) is seeking a chair. The board advises:

  • national and international multidisciplinary facilities related to or supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
  • the STFC National Laboratories
  • related technologies

The board reviews and advises on strategy. The board will comprise of approximately 16 members, in addition to a chair. It represents a broad cross section of STFC’s facility user and stakeholder communities.

The board will normally meet between two and four times a year, either in person or by videoconference.


Mid-Range Equipment for Biomedical Research Panel Chair

Closing date
14 September 2025 11:59pm UK time
Number of positions
One
Length of term
Two years, plus additional two years after review
Time commitment
One day per month including one shortlisting meeting and one panel meeting per year, plus preparation and reading time, as well as occasional ad hoc meetings
Remuneration
Annual honoraria
Interview
Dates and times available for interviews which will last one hour:

3 November 2025, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
13 November 2025, 09:30am to 12:30pm
21 November 2025, 09:30am to 12:30pm

Outcomes communicated
By mid-December 2025

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Equipment Panel plays a key role in providing vital funding for equipment to support world-class laboratories across the UK. Its primary function is to assess applications submitted to MRC’s annual mid-range equipment funding opportunity but may also assess other opportunities as required. The panel expertise spans the full breadth of MRC’s scientific remit.

The panel consists of technical, scientific and clinical experts from across the UK, including research technical professionals. Successful applicants will have a track record of supporting or delivering top quality research in an area of science relevant to MRC’s remit.


MRC Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme Panel: member vacancies

Closing date
14 September 2025 11:59pm UK time
Number of positions
Eight
Length of term
Two years, plus an additional two years after review
Time commitment
Two days per month
Remuneration
£160 per day, plus travel and subsistence expenses as appropriate
Outcomes communicated
By mid-December 2025

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is inviting applications from talented researchers and research technical professionals, with relevant expertise and experience to become members of the Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme Panel (DPFS).

It is essential you are an experienced researcher and reviewer with appropriate expertise related to the vacancy that you are applying for.

MRC’s research boards and panels play a key role in delivering MRC objectives across our portfolio of research. They make funding recommendations and contribute to the development and delivery of MRC strategy.


MRC Equipment Panel: member vacancies

Closing date
14 September 2025 11:59pm UK time
Number of positions
15
Length of term
Two years, plus additional two years after review
Time commitment
Two days per month
Remuneration
£160 per day, transport and subsistence as appropriate
Outcomes communicated
By mid-December 2025

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is inviting applications from researchers and research technical professionals to become members of the Equipment Panel.

It is essential you are an experienced researcher and reviewer with appropriate expertise related to the vacancy that you are applying for.

MRC’s research boards and panels play a key role in delivering MRC objectives across our portfolio of research. They make funding recommendations and contribute to the development and delivery of MRC strategy.


MRC Infections and Immunity Board (IIB): member vacancies

Closing date
14 September 2025 11:59pm UK time
Number of positions
Six
Length of term
Two years, plus additional two years after review
Time commitment
Two days per month
Remuneration
£160 per day, transport and subsistence as appropriate
Outcomes communicated
By mid-December 2025

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is inviting applications from researchers and research technical professionals to become members of the Infections and Immunity Board.

It is essential you are an experienced researcher and reviewer with appropriate expertise related to the vacancy that you are applying for.

MRC’s research boards and panels play a key role in delivering MRC objectives across our portfolio of research. They make funding recommendations and contribute to the development and delivery of MRC strategy.


MRC Molecular and Cellular Medicine Board member vacancies

Closing date
14 September 2025 11:59pm UK time
Number of positions
Seven
Length of term
Two years, plus an additional two years after review
Time commitment
Two days per month
Remuneration
£160 per day, plus travel and subsistence expenses as appropriate
Outcomes communicated
By mid-December 2025

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is inviting applications from talented researchers and research technical professionals, with relevant expertise and experience to become members of the Molecular and Cellular Medicine Board from 1 April 2026.

It is essential you are an experienced researcher and reviewer with appropriate expertise related to the vacancy that you are applying for.

MRC’s research boards and panels play a key role in delivering MRC objectives across our portfolio of research. They make funding recommendations and contribute to the development and delivery of MRC strategy.


MRC Neurosciences and Mental Health Board (NMHB) member vacancies

Closing date
14 September 2025 11:59pm UK time
Number of positions
Six
Length of term
Two years, plus additional two years after review
Time commitment
Two days per month
Remuneration
£160 per day, transport and subsistence as appropriate
Outcomes communicated
By mid-December 2025

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is inviting applications from talented researchers and research technical professionals, with relevant expertise and experience to become members of the Neurosciences and Mental Health Board (NMHB) from 1 April 2026.

It is essential you are an experienced researcher and reviewer with appropriate expertise related to the vacancy that you are applying for.

MRC’s research boards and panels play a key role in delivering MRC objectives across our portfolio of research. They make funding recommendations and contribute to the development and delivery of MRC strategy.


MRC Population and Systems Medicine Board (PSMB) member vacancies

Closing date
14 September 2025 11:59pm UK time
Number of positions
Five
Length of term
Two years, plus additional two years after review
Time commitment
Two days per month
Remuneration
£160 per day, travel and subsistence as appropriate
Outcomes communicated
By mid-December 2025

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is inviting applications from talented researchers and research technical professionals, with relevant expertise and experience, to become members of PSMB from 1 April 2026.

It is essential you are an experienced researcher and reviewer with appropriate expertise related to the vacancy that you are applying for.

We particularly encourage applications from currently under-represented groups, including:

  • women
  • people who identify as minority ethnic
  • people with a disability
  • people with long-term health conditions

We welcome applications from people based in all regions and nations of the UK.

MRC’s research boards and panels play a key role in delivering MRC objectives across our portfolio of research. They make funding recommendations and contribute to the development and delivery of MRC strategy.


MRC Training and Career Development Non-Clinical Panel Chair

Closing date
14 September 2025 11:59pm UK time
Number of positions
One
Length of term
Two plus two years
Time commitment
Two panel meetings per year, each typically last two full days
Remuneration
Annual honoraria
Interview
Dates and times available for interviews which will last 1 hour
Tuesday 3 December, 1pm to 4pm
Thursday 5 December, 10am to 1pm
Monday 16 December, 10am to 1pm
Outcomes communicated
December 2025

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is seeking to appoint a new Chair for the Training and Careers Non-Clinical Panel to commence on 1 April 2026.

The Non-Clinical Panel assesses applications, spanning the full range of MRC’s work, to our Career Development Award fellowship scheme, for talented researchers to:

  • lead their own research plans
  • establish their own research team
  • make the transition to independent researcher

The Chair will need to value and include diverse research expertise, backgrounds, experience levels and contributions to work together in assessment of each application and development and delivery of our wider training and careers strategy.


MRC Centres of Research Excellence Outline Panel: member vacancies

Closing date
14 September 2025 11:59 UK time
Number of positions
Six
Length of term
Two years, plus an additional two years after review
Time commitment
Two days per month
Remuneration
£160 per day, transport and subsistence as appropriate
Outcomes communicated
By mid-December 2025

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is inviting applications from researchers and research technical professionals to become members of the Centres of Research Excellence (MRC CoRE) Outline Panel.

It is essential you are an experienced researcher and reviewer with appropriate expertise related to the vacancy that you are applying for.

MRC’s research boards and panels play a key role in delivering MRC objectives across our portfolio of research. They make funding recommendations and contribute to the development and delivery of MRC strategy.


MRC Board and Panel Associates Scheme: Associate vacancies

Closing date
15 September 2025
Number of positions
Two per board or panel
Length of term
Two years
Time commitment
One day per month, rising to two days per month
Remuneration
Daily rate of £160 for attendance at board or panel meetings, plus reimbursement for travel and subsistence expenses
Outcomes communicated
November or December 2025

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Board and Panel Associates Scheme provides researchers the opportunity to gain valuable experience of expert review, serve on an MRC funding board or panel and receive mentorship as part of a two-year programme.

It is aimed at researchers from underrepresented groups who have established independence and have recently transitioned or have clear plans to transition into a leadership role.

The scheme aims to nurture diverse talent and support the development and retention of researchers needed for the future research and development workforce. This initiative aligns with the objectives in our strategic delivery plan.


MRC expert reviewer selector vacancies

Closing date
Open-ended
Number of positions
Multiple
Length of term
Ongoing
Time commitment
Varies based on your availability and expertise
Remuneration
£110 for a standard application

£145 for a more complex application

Outcomes communicated
Every four to six months

We are looking for people who have experience of research and interests relevant to health research funding to become Medical Research Council (MRC) expert reviewer selectors.

MRC expert reviewer selectors are responsible for identifying the most relevant experts that could review applications for funding submitted through MRC funding opportunities.

This is a flexible role and you can choose which MRC funding opportunities you work on and how many applications you are sent at any time. Expert reviewer selectors usually work with us remotely.

Applications from individuals currently on a career break or parental leave are welcome.

You should not apply to be an MRC expert reviewer selector if you are a current UKRI employee or an active researcher.


Recent vacancy opportunities

Quantum Technologies Early Career Forum: member vacancies
Advisory Panel for Public Engagement
Astronomy Grants Panel
CERN Fellowships Panel
Commercialisation Scheme Panel
DiRAC Resource Allocation Committee: Particle Physics and Nuclear Theory Sub-Panel
Education Training and Careers Committee
Ernest Rutherford Fellowship Panel
Innovation and Business Board
Leadership Fellow in Public Engagement Funding Panel
Nuclear Physics Advisory Panel
Nuclear Physics Cross Community Committee
Nuclear Physics Grants Panel
Nucleus Public Engagement Funding Panel
Particle Astrophysics Advisory Panel
Particle Physics Advisory Panel
Projects Peer Review Panel
Science Board (Facilities and Laboratories)
Science Board (PPAN)
UKRI Research Organisation Consultation Group: member vacancies
NERC British Geological Survey (BGS) Board Chair
Innovate UK SMMI Programme Advisory Group Chair
STFC Computing Advisory Board

Last updated: 21 July 2025

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