Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Manager - Capability and Innovation

Salary: £37,841 per annum

Hours:
Full time (minimum 0.8 FTE) (flexible working available)

Contract Type: 2 x Fixed Term (12 Months)

Location:
Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire (hybrid)

Grade: UKRI Band D

Closing Date:
Sunday 12th July 2026

BBSRC is 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.

You will help shape and deliver BBSRC’s strategic portfolio of academic‑industry research investments, supporting high‑impact bioscience innovation across the UK.

The role focuses on developing and managing collaborative funding opportunities that connect researchers with businesses across a range of themes and challenge areas. You will engage with partners to inform strategy, support delivery of investment programmes, and monitor impact to guide future priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering interprofessional research investments
• Engaging with academia, industry, government, and policy partners
• Participating in BBSRC strategy and identifying emerging opportunities
• Monitoring portfolio performance and evidencing impact

Essential

• A degree in a biological or related subject, and/or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• An understanding of how and why BBSRC and UKRI support bioscience commercialisation approaches and an appreciation of the different types of benefits and impact that arise from working with businesses and wider users of bioscience research.
• An ability to proactively plan and prioritise your work and manage multiple complex activities in order to meet deadlines.
• An ability to work with ambiguity and deal with difficult situations by showing initiative and judgement in a constantly evolving environment.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, including the ability to interpret, summarise and present complex information for different audiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to work flexibly both independently and as part of a team to deliver shared objectives.
• Awareness or experience of research and innovation strategy or policy development.

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privileged days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.