BBSRC Knowledge Exchange, Translation and Commercialisation College member vacancies

• Closing date: 30 April 2026
• Number of positions: 10 to 20
• Length of term: Ongoing
• Time commitment: Five to 10 days per year
• Remuneration: Attendance fee per meeting, for both in-person and virtual meetings.

  Travel and subsistence for in-person meetings.

• Outcomes communicated: Mid May 2026

We are recruiting members to the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Knowledge Exchange, Translation and Commercialisation (KETC) College, a focused group of experts supporting bioscience innovation funding. We are seeking individuals with experience in bioscience research translation and commercialisation. Members primarily assess translational funding applications and will typically contribute to assessment and evaluation across BBSRC’s translational research and wider innovation portfolios.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking individuals with a strong track record in bioscience innovation, knowledge exchange, translation and commercialisation.

You should have expertise relevant to the biosciences and direct experience of developing, applying or commercialising research.

We welcome applications from:

• bioscience researchers with translational experience
• founders and senior team members of spin-out or start-up companies
• technology transfer and knowledge exchange professionals managing bioscience portfolios investors in life science ventures
• individuals leading commercial development based on research

Examples of relevant experience in the biosciences include, but are not limited to:

• translating research outputs towards practical or commercial application
• leading or supporting the development of products or services arising from research
• creating or supporting research-based spin-out or start-up companies
• raising investment or contributing to investment decisions in life science or deep-tech ventures
• managing intellectual property and technology transfer from research organisations, business development and commercial strategy linked to research-led innovation
• working at the interface between research and its real-world use

Experience within the biosciences is essential. We are particularly interested in those who can advise on both scientific quality and the strength of proposed routes to impact.

What you’ll be doing

KETC College members contribute to the delivery and development of BBSRC’s translational and innovation funding.

Key responsibilities include:

• assess applications to translational research and innovation funding schemes
• contribute to fair, robust and evidence-based assessment processes
• provide input to evaluation and portfolio review activities
• advise on the development of translational funding approaches and innovation support
• share expertise on research translation and commercialisation
• highlight emerging trends, opportunities and challenges in bioscience innovation
• provide specialist input where required

Membership of the College does not commit you to all activities. Invitations are made based on expertise, relevance and availability.

How to apply

If you have any queries before applying, contact Faye Shannon by email: faye.shannon@bbsrc.ukri.org

You will need to submit an application via UK Research and Innovation Engagement Hub to apply.

The application form contains the following sections:

• personal information (for example name, organisation and contact details)
• diversity information
• free text sections, including evidence of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria

If you have any queries or additional needs to enable you to complete the application form, contact research.committees@bbsrc.ukri.org

How we’ll assess your application

In assessing applications, we will consider scientific expertise, diversity of people, institutional and industry balance as part of the decision-making process.

Role profile requirements

You should meet the following role profile requirements.

Essential criteria

You should have:

• evidence of contributions to bioscience innovation, including real-world impact, stakeholder engagement, and support for translation or knowledge exchange, relative to role and career stage
• evidence of experience in evaluating or advising on innovation, demonstrating understanding of feasibility, risk and strategic impact
• evidence of leadership, support, or contributions that strengthen the wider bioscience innovation ecosystem
• evidence of additional contributions relevant to KETC, including complex project management, public engagement, infrastructure, or engagement with investors or policy

Expected skills

You should demonstrate:

• impartial and objective judgement
• ability to assess proposals fairly and objectively against published assessment criteria
• ability to apply evidence-based thinking
• good preparation and time management
• ability to work collaboratively in a panel environment
• good understanding of funding policies and processes
• clear and constructive communication
• commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles
• professionalism and confidentiality

Desirable criteria

You may also have:

• previous experience of being on an assessment panel
• knowledge of BBSRC or UK Research and Innovation

Members should be able to commit appropriate time to college activities and have the necessary permission or support from their employer where required.

Further information

Equality and diversity

We recognise that diverse ideas, experiences, backgrounds and perspectives are fundamental to successful science and innovation. We are committed to ensuring that our committees, panels and boards are inclusive, diverse and representative of the research community.

We are committed to the principle of providing equal opportunities for all. Through this appointment activity, we aspire to increase the diversity of our structures and welcome applications from all individuals and sections of the community.

An equality impact assessment form (PDF, 134KB) has been developed to support and inform applicants and ensure that we enable participation and attendance at meetings. We will also contribute towards additional costs for caring responsibilities to enable you to attend.

Please do not hesitate to contact the office if you wish to discuss this further.

To support us in assessing how effective our policies and procedures are in eliminating unlawful discrimination and promoting opportunities, we ask that you provide diversity information that will be used anonymously by BBSRC for monitoring purposes.

This information will be treated in confidence by BBSRC and will not be used in the assessment of applicants.

Safeguarding good scientific practice

As a public investor in research, BBSRC aims to facilitate the highest standards for research integrity.

UKRI is a signatory to the Concordat to Support Research Integrity. BBSRC also implements the UKRI policy and guidelines on governance of good research, alongside our guidance on safeguarding good scientific practice.

Appointees to BBSRC committees, panels and boards are expected to be aware of their obligations in regard to these policies.

Learn more about UKRI’s guidance and policies on research integrity and misconduct as part of UKRI’s good research resource hub.

You must declare if you have been subject to any current or past scientific misconduct investigations. BBSRC reserves the right to reject any application when such issues are considered an impediment to the individual holding a public appointment. This information will be treated in confidence.

Last updated: 17 April 2026