Early career researcher opportunities: Join our research committees

We are inviting early career researchers (ECRs) to join either our Discovery Network Advisory Board or our Translational Research Review Committee.

You will join for one funding round as a development opportunity, gaining insight into research funding, grant review and strategic decision-making while contributing your perspective to our work towards a world free of MND.

Discovery Network Advisory Board

The Discovery Network is an ambitious research programme funding interdisciplinary, multi-institutional teams focused on uncovering MND disease mechanisms. Teams receive up to £1 million to use over three years, and come together in a highly engaged research consortium, built on principles of collaboration and open science. The Network will reopen for applications soon, with an updated scope for this new round.

The Advisory Board oversees the due diligence of our Discovery Network funding. They review expressions of interest and full applications to make funding recommendations to our Board of Trustees. Advisory Board members also provide strategic guidance and advice on the delivery of our Discovery Network programme.

Two ECRs will join the Advisory Board for one full funding round (approximately one year). Applicants should review the Discovery Network scope and structure and the Board’s Terms of Reference.

Translational Research Review Committee

The Translational Research Review Committee (RRC) steers and reviews applications for our translational research programmes.

The Advancing Treatments Award (up to £500k over five years) supports early-stage development of MND treatments, focusing on validating therapeutic targets and preclinical development.

The Catalyst Award (up to £100k for one year) supports bold, early-stage, and potentially high-risk ideas by funding the evidence needed to develop them.

The RRC makes recommendations to our Board of Trustees on which research projects should be funded. Input and advice from the RRC play an important role in ensuring we fund the highest quality translational research that will have the greatest potential impact for people living with MND.

Two ECRs will join the RRC for one full funding round of each award scheme (approximately one year). Applicants should review the Advancing Treatments Award, Catalyst Award and the Committee’s Terms of Reference.

Role description

You will join either the Advisory Board or the RRC as an ECR member, gaining insight into research funding, grant review and programme development while contributing your perspectives to strategy, funding priorities and project assessment.

This opportunity is for ECRs working towards independence; you will work with our research team and receive mentoring from experienced committee members.

During the approximate one-year term, you may:

• Review research funding applications (both expression of interest and full application stages) and provide written feedback;
• Attend two panel meetings per year (one in person, one virtual); 
• Contribute to strategic and operational discussions;
• Participate in occasional meetings and communications; 
• Support due diligence on project proposals;
• Offer your perspective on funding processes. 

See the current committee members here and our research policies here.

Eligibility and how to apply

Applicants must be postdoctoral MND researchers at a UK academic institution, with experience peer-reviewing research papers and/or project proposals.

Apply by Friday 13 November 2026 with:

• A personal statement (maximum 600 words) stating which committee you wish to join, explaining your motivation and relevant expertise;
• A CV (maximum two pages); 
• A support letter from your PI.

Please submit applications to research@myname5doddie.co.uk

Applications will be reviewed by our research team, the relevant Chair and selected Advisory Board or RRC members. Outcomes are expected in December 2026.