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Portfolio Manager – Capability and Innovation
Salary & Contract Details
- Salary: £37,841 per annum
- Hours: Full-time (minimum 0.8 FTE, flexible working available)
- Contract Type: 2 × Fixed-term (12 months each)
- Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire (hybrid)
- Grade: UKRI Band D
- Closing Date: Sunday 12th July 2026
- Proposed Interview Dates: 27th / 28th July 2026
About the Role
BBSRC are recruiting two Portfolio Managers to join the Business Interaction Unit within the Capability and Innovation Domain.
You will help shape and deliver strategic investments that drive the social and economic impact of UK bioscience, aligned with BBSRC’s Forward Look, the Industrial Strategy, and wider government priorities.
These are dynamic roles involving collaboration across BBSRC, UKRI, and external partners, including businesses and policymakers. You will gain valuable insight into innovative bioscience, innovation, and policy, while contributing to high-impact programmes.
Key Responsibilities
You will oversee and deliver BBSRC’s strategic portfolio of academic-industry research investments, supporting high-impact bioscience innovation across the UK. The role focuses on:
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- Developing and managing collaborative funding opportunities that connect researchers with businesses
- Engaging with partners (academia, industry, government, policymakers) to inform strategy and delivery
- Participating in BBSRC’s strategic planning and identifying emerging opportunities
- Monitoring portfolio performance and evidencing impact to guide future investments
Person Specification
The following criteria will be considered in shortlisting (S), interviews (I), or both (S&I). Applicants should clearly demonstrate relevant experience and skills in their application.
Essential
- A degree in a biological or related subject, and/or equivalent professional experience. (S)
- An understanding of how and why BBSRC and UKRI support bioscience commercialisation, including knowledge of different types of benefits and impacts from collaboration with businesses. (S&I)
- Ability to proactively plan, prioritise, and manage multiple complex tasks while meeting tight deadlines. (S&I)
- Ability to work with ambiguity, show initiative, and handle difficult situations in an ever-changing environment. (S&I)
- Strong analytical and writing skills, including the ability to interpret, summarise, and present complex information for diverse audiences. (S&I)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including relationship-building with stakeholders. (S&I)
- Flexibility to work independently and collaboratively to deliver shared objectives. (S&I)
- Awareness or experience in research and innovation strategy/policy development. (S&I)
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Ongoing professional development is supported, so experience across industry, research, or policy is encouraged.
Benefits
UKRI values its employees and provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- 30 days’ annual leave (plus 10.5 public/privilege days)
- Employee discounts (retail, leisure, and more)
- Employee assistance programme (confidential support)
- Flexible working options
- Additional wellbeing initiatives promoting work-life balance
Further details: Benefits of Working at UKRI
UKRI is an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident Employer.
Please apply online. For support with applying, contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
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