Research jobs

This is a brilliant time to join our Research and Impact team. We are at the start of a new strategy which has learning and development at its heart. We have embedded a strong monitoring, evaluation and learning culture within the organisation and have a highly evolved theory of change. We have a learning plan for the year ahead and a 5-year vision for where we want our learning culture to get to in the next strategy period. Our work is central to BookTrust’s ambition to deepen our impact for children and families, and build our profile, public affairs and income generation work in support of our overall mission.

We are looking for someone committed to and excited by the potential for research and insight to strengthen our impact for children and families, with a specific focus on our work with primary and secondary schools.

The role will suit a mixed methods researcher, with experience of data led problem solving – i.e. analysing and presenting data from a range of sources to develop and test hypotheses, generate insights and help others apply these to shape and inform decisions or drive change. It requires excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, and a keen eye for detail. The role requires someone who is happy to work collaboratively and flexibly in a changing environment, potentially changing focus and approaches in line with evolving organisational priorities. It requires high levels of organisation and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

This is an early career position, but we are looking for candidates with one or two years’ relevant experience outside academia.

Please apply through our Career’s portal with your CV and a covering letter showing how you meet the person specification and your motivations for applying for the role. Your covering letter should not be longer than two sides.

Please also answer this question in your cover letter:

BookTrust sees good data, and good use of data as key to delivering our strategy. In your application, please tell us: what are some of the principles of good use of data that BookTrust should incorporate into our work? (Even if you use AI for a little help, please focus your answer on the principles that you personally feel are most important.)

Please also attach one or two examples of written outputs (reports, blogs etc) you have produced and also specify if you are applying to be based from our Leeds of London office.

Location:  Hybrid working - Part London office-based and part home working. The post holder will work a minimum of one day a week in the office. 

Salary: £31,800 per annum 

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Closing date: Tuesday 13 January 2026 at 10.00am 

Interview date: Thursday 22 January 2026 

This is a permanent role. 

Who we are looking for 

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Research and Involvement Officer to help us build on this momentum. 

As a Research and Involvement Officer you will provide administrative support to the Head of Research Operations in managing our UK research portfolio, Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge funding and other UK-based funding programmes. This includes providing vital support in the pre- and post-award processes, working closely with research teams, internal colleagues and external stakeholders, as well as ensuring that information about Breakthrough T1D funding opportunities is communicated clearly through our website.

You will also play a key role in delivering our Patient and Public Involvement activities, including ensuring that opportunities to engage people who live with T1D in research are communicated clearly to people affected by T1D and the research community alike.

Experience required 

You’ll have previous experience of: 

• Supporting project management processes 

• Use of project management software such grant management platforms or equivalent

• Providing support to committees/panels 

• Awareness of Patient and Public Involvement and Participation 

• Biomedical Sciences and research (Undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences or equivalent) 

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 

• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

At Breakthrough T1D we do understand that AI (Artificial Intelligence platforms like ChatGPT) can be a useful tool for candidates to assist in applying for our roles. We ask that applicants do ensure their authentic voice is present, and we look forward to seeing examples of your specific experience. 

To move social entrepreneurs from the margins to the mainstream will require us to amplify the voices, stories and impact of our social entrepreneurs, working with them in an equitable and inclusive way. It will require us to deepen our work around impact, be open to the learning opportunities failure creates and seek out opportunities to share insights in new and powerful ways to influence stakeholders to make the changes needed for social entrepreneurs to flourish. 

As a Researcher at UnLtd, you will be responsible for a range of research and evaluation activities on key programmes and projects. You will work across the project lifecycle, developing new work, as well as collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to produce insights and reports that inform and influence internal and external stakeholders.  

Alongside this, you will contribute to developing a culture of learning, ensuring that insights and evidence generated by our research and evaluation activity feed back into the organisation, allowing UnLtd to iterate our work and be an impact-driven, agile, learning organisation. This is an independent role within a dynamic delivery organisation, so we are looking for an implementation researcher to help elevate our research to the next level.

Salary: £33,765 - £37,000 per annum depending on experience.

Hours: Full-time and permanent. 35 hours per week

Place of work: Hybrid with a minimum requirement of 12 in-person days per annum. In addition, there will be a requirement to attend site visits, conferences and events as required.

Join Our Team!

We’re looking for someone to join us on a permanent basis in the New Year to support the delivery of the charity’s research aims in accordance with the research strategy.  This includes our programme of grants, working with networks and partners to drive increased investment in research for people with Crohn’s and Colitis and our work to support increased patient and public involvement in research.

About Us

We're the UK's leading charity for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.  Right now, an estimated 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease many people have never heard of and for which there is no known cure. Because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these diseases, thousands of people are suffering in silence. But we’re here to support and champion their cause and our ambitious plans will help to make a real difference.

About You

You’ll have experience of research administration or management at a University, Research Institute or funding organisation and of supporting patient and public involvement in research or as part of quality improvement projects in a UK-wide healthcare context.  You’ll  have proven communication and team-working skills and can evidence your ability to horizon scan and network to keep up to date with research and quality improvement developments. We’re looking for candidates who ideally have experience of working in health/science research environments and a knowledge of project management methodology. A knowledge of the needs of people affected by Crohn’s and Colitis would also be an advantage.

If you like the sound of our role then this could be an opportunity to join a leading charity as we enter the next stage of growth and expansion.

Please see our Recruitment Pack for details of our full Job Description and Person Specification.

Our Location

We are based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, so we are easily accessible by road and rail. In this role, there is plenty of scope for a hybrid approach working from home,  although there will be times when you will need to be at face-to-face meetings in Hatfield or across the UK. There is a requirement for you to attend a minimum of 12 in person days a year, including two Directorate meetings and the charity’s mandatory ‘All Staff Together’ days which take place four times a year at our offices in Hatfield or a location in London. In addition, there will be a requirement to attend site visits, conferences and events as required.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing one day per year up to 30 days
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing programme
• Interest free loan for season tickets
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking and secure bike locks at the Hatfield office
• Training and development financial support and/or study leave
• Performance review and development scheme

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to the applicant residing in the UK and a valid right to work in the UK being provided.

We will not be accepting any contact from Recruitment Agencies or Media Sales

In Spring 2028, the National Gallery will launch a new, public-facing Research Centre to facilitate and showcase our world-leading research in the history and science of painting. This will be a complex space sitting at the intersection of multiple valued research stakeholders both within and beyond the Gallery, including the Gallery’s own wide array of research-active staff, our Artists-in-Residence, specialist users of our extensive Library & Archive collections, and a research-engaged general public attending events and consulting materials.

We are now recruiting for a new role, a Research Centre Manager, to support in the creative planning and daily delivery of an exceptional experience at the Research Centre. The role-holder will provide vital clarity and consistency in the day-to-day running of this multifaceted space to ensure a smoothly functioning whole. This includes coordinating all aspects of the Research Centre operations, managing staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining the Research Centre facilities and administration. They will also think creatively about the Centre’s different spaces and, alongside Gallery colleagues, will help produce exciting research programming.

An ideal candidate will have experience in a comparable multifaceted role, and will bring to the Gallery strong leadership, excellent communication, creative programming, innovative problem-solving, and strong organisational skills to manage both day-to-day operations and strategic planning for the Centre.

This is a full time, permanent position and requires on-site working 5 days per week.

Applications closing date is 2nd January at 23:30hrs.

The internships positions are for a 6-Month basis starting between either January - July or July - December.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute and gain insight into L&W’s high-impact research, policy, and campaigning activity across all areas of our Strategic Plan. You will be responsible for participating in our programme of research, as well as proactively supporting other colleagues across the organisation. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Your principal duties and responsibilities will be to contribute to L&W’s research programme across a range of high-profile and time-critical projects for government, trusts and foundations and other funders. Suitable candidates should demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity throughout the conduct of their duties.

Assist the L&W research team with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. This may involve review and analysis of national and local data sources, recruitment for qualitative research, conducting depth interviews and focus groups with service users, staff and other stakeholders, and managing and analysing data.

• Carry out literature and evidence reviews, including identifying relevant research evidence, appraising the quality of evidence and writing up key findings.
• Support income generation, in collaboration with other Learning and Work staff, including contributing to the preparation of research proposals.
• Work as part of research project teams and actively participate in project meetings.
• Assist in other tasks to support the work of the research team as required. This will involve some research administration.
• Proof-reading reports, events programmes and marketing material for clarity and accuracy to ensure they meet our high quality standards.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity.

About You

Essential

• Degree in a relevant subject (e.g. social sciences, economics, research methods, etc) or equivalent qualifications or experience in a research capacity.
• Experience of writing for external publication e.g. websites, reports, newsletters.
• Experience of undertaking qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis
• Accuracy and attention to detail, and ability to show initiative and work independently.
• Excellent understanding of Microsoft Office suite (in particular, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Ability to work to deadline and manage multiple, competing priorities.
• Experience of working with vulnerable groups
• A commitment to the values of Learning and Work Institute

Desirable

• Understanding of a range of research and evaluation methodologies and methods.
• Understanding and interest in a subject area of relevance to L&W: adult learning, skills and employment policy and/or practice.
• Experience of working with vulnerable groups

Benefits

-Salary of £25,878 Leicester or £28,475 London pro rata per annum (Living Wage)

- 27 days' holiday, of which 3 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays. This will be prorated based on length of contract.

- Generous company pension scheme with 8% employer contribution

- Group Life Assurance 3*salary

- Hybrid working (with 40%-60% of your time in the office)

- Flexible working practices

- Employee Development Scheme

- Retailer Discounts

- Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay

- Enhanced occupational sick pay

- Eye care scheme and flu jab reimbursement benefit

- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme

- Gold award in Investors in People

Purpose of the job 

 In UK Youth’s Impact department, we find, create and use evidence to respond to the needs and preferences of young people and the professionals who support them. We conduct research and evaluations to prove and improve the impact of youth work, and we co-design high-quality programmes and support offers that can be scaled. This new role will work across these areas, supporting research and evaluation projects with real implications for policy and practice. 

 Reporting to the Evaluation & Learning Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of a portfolio of research and evaluation projects. This will involve conducting research in-house and coordinating with external partners and the organisations we fund to build and share high-quality evidence. There will be opportunities to lead on fieldwork, data analysis, reporting and insight sharing with strategic guidance and hands-on support from other members of the team. 

 You will be organised, keen to develop your research skills and have a passion for working with data. You will support high profile research and evaluation projects, including the evaluation of the Adventures Away From Home Fund – a major, Government-funded outdoor learning programme. You can expect to support other projects, gathering and sharing insights from our network and young people and helping the team to work efficiently and effectively. 

Why work at UK Youth? 

We want all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving). Our strategy positions UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with a network that shares this ambition to build cross-sector understanding of youth work’s transformational potential, secure sufficient investment for sustainable provision, and help to embed effective solutions that will increase the quality as well as accessibility of youth work. Come and be part of this change. 

Responsibilities

• Evaluation and Learning

• Knowledge and Data Management

• Research and Horizon Scanning

Experience we're after

• Experience of managing datasets on digital platforms/software (quantitative and/or qualitative)

• Experience of leading or supporting quantitative and/or qualitative research and data analysis in any setting

• Experience of conducting literature reviews to analyse existing evidence on specific topics

• Experiencing of working across multiple projects and competing priorities and managing your time and tasks proactively

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Tuesday 6th January 2026 at 09:00am

Provisional Interview Dates: 14th and 15th January 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

The Digital Lead is the operational backbone of the Digital team, responsible for ensuring the smooth, day-to-day running of all digital functions. This role is a key partner to the Head of Digital, freeing them to focus on strategy, vision, digital transformation and high-level stakeholder engagement.

The Digital Lead will be the primary line manager for the digital managers (web, social media and digital campaigns & email), focusing on workload management, resource allocation, and supporting the development of a high-performing culture. While providing support and a delivery mindset for the broader Digital Transformation Programme (DDT), the Digital Lead’s core focus is on maintaining a sustainable workload, effective planning, and managing the team's operational goals and wellbeing.

Join us at a pivotal moment as we embark on a major journey of transformation across our digital, data, and technology offering!

This is an 18-month fixed term contract. 

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Management & Team Leadership

· Line Management and People Development: Serve as the primary line manager for the digital managers of web, digital campaigns & email and social media, overseeing day-to-day operations and team performance. Conduct regular check-ins, performance reviews, and support individual development plans, iterating and embedding the "Digital Wavemakers Manifesto" and team development approach.

· Demand & Workload Management: Actively manage the team's workload and capacity. Implement and maintain processes for demand management and effective planning to ensure the team can deliver its goals sustainably.

· Resource Planning: Ensure resources are allocated effectively across the team's goals, from daily operations to specific projects.

· Team Culture: Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture. Monitor team health and morale using surveys and qualitative feedback, ensuring the team is well-supported and motivated.

Goal & Objective Delivery

· Operational Goal Delivery: Drive the delivery of the Digital team’s operational goals and objectives for the fiscal year. This includes ensuring all goals related to digital purpose, principles, and team objectives are met, as per the established department plan.

· DDT Programme Support: While not a core part of the role, the Digital Lead will provide operational support to the Head of Digital and the broader digital transformation programme. This includes ensuring the Digital team's resources and deliverables (e.g. website development, cyber security, Salesforce embedding) are planned effectively to support the DDT's success, without taking on direct project management responsibility for them.

Planning & Reporting

· Operational Planning: Support the Head of Digital with the development of the team's operational plans, including learning and development initiatives, and the Digital Acceleration Training Programme.

· Performance Monitoring: Track and report on key departmental metrics, such as learning programme participation rates and team satisfaction, to the Head of Digital. Ensure all departmental objectives and goals are on track.

What we are looking for:

· Extensive experience in an operational management role within a digital or technology team.

· Proven ability to Line Manage and mentor a team, with a focus on people development and wellbeing.

· Strong skills in workload and demand management, with a track record of building sustainable and effective operational processes.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

· Familiarity with digital project lifecycles, and the ability to support project teams without direct management of the projects themselves.

· Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organisational goals into impactful digital

· Proactive, results-oriented, and passionate about using digital platforms to drive positive impact.

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £65,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 4th January 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview.

Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the more than 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

As part of our safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities, this role requires a DBS check and professional/character references. We are committed to inclusion and will consider each application fairly.​

About you:

This is a terrific opportunity to play a fundamental role as Research Communications Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK’s in developing and shaping our research communications ensuring the timely and proactive communication of our research impact.

• You will have a strong ability for explaining research and science to a lay audience. 
• You  will also proactively identify communication opportunities and ideas for engaging content to promote and publicise our research projects.
• You will work closely with teams across the organisation providing them with information about our research activity to support their work.
• You will manage the charity’s research information service, our Research Line.
• You will work with the Director of Research and Innovation and Director of Marketing and Communications to lead the development of our research communications plan.​

Your Cover Letter Guidance
When submitting your application, please ensure your cover letter provides clear evidence of the following:

• Experience of communicating scientific and clinical information to a range of target audiences
• Proven experience in communicating complex research topics to a lay audience
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective relationships internally and externally
•Proactive and able to identify communication opportunities and ideas for content in a range of formats
• Excellent copywriting, editing and proof-reading skills with ability to write copy for a range of audiences

Your cover letter should demonstrate how your background aligns with these criteria, using specific examples where possible.

​

About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically. ​

This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

Values and behaviours:

• A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.
• Seek opportunities to contribute to the development of the charity.
• A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Always demonstrate role model behaviour.
  
   

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally.

​

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offerrange of benefits includes ​great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...

​

Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1). ​

Closing date: Sunday, 11th January 2026​

NB Interviews likely to be held on Wednesday, 21st January 2026​

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

To develop policy goals and recommendations in line with Women for Refugee Women’s (WRW) overarching campaigns strategy to improve the lives of women seeking asylum in the UK; to develop and deliver policy interventions such as policy briefings, evidence for parliamentary committees, responses to inquiries and consultations; to plan and carry out research projects for influencing purposes, ensuring that these are informed by and co-delivered with women in WRW’s network.

We are part of the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative. The network supports inclusive recruitment of people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system. If this is your experience, you can find useful resources on the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative website.

Transparency International (UK) are looking for a Research Officer

This role is responsible for delivery of tasks to support our research and advocacy efforts around corruption in the defence and security sector, including quality control of data, liaison with expert researchers, and consolidation of research inputs.

The role contributes both practically and intellectually to the successful delivery of high-end research and advocacy with a focus on effecting change.

The Research Officer will report to Head of Research and perform this within the (Defence and Security Programme).

Main responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of TI-DS’s research agenda by undertaking qualitative and mixed-methods research projects under the guidance of the Head of Research
• Produce and facilitate literature reviews, synthesis studies and case-based studies on the key topics set-out to contribute to support the development of our expertise on defence and security sector corruption and the overall achievement of our strategic objectives
• Collect and analyse secondary data, and produce primary data as needed, to provide new insights into corruption risks in the defence and security sectors
• Contribute to high quality research tasks across the work conducted through the Government Defence Integrity Index (GDI)
• Undertake detailed rigorous review and fact-checking of GDI country assessments and sources from a variety of experts, including assessors, peer reviewers, government reviewers, and institutional partners
• Review GDI assessment process and provide suggestions for improvements in methodology

Who we are looking for:

• Educated to Masters’ level in a relevant field of the social sciences, such as security studies, political science, or governance; or of business studies with an interest in defence and corruption
• First rate research skills and familiarity with a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies;
• Demonstrated self-starter with ability to successfully undertake and complete a project, while working across teams and making a positive contribution to collective outcomes.
• Strong written communication and verbal presentation skills with ability to deliver high quality briefings, reports and presentations with minimal supervision.
• Great interpersonal skills being able to build relationships internally and externally.
• Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across teams
• Strong critical-thinking skills being able to apply sound judgement, problem solve, identify risks and suggest improvements.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in qualitative and mixed-methods research. Experience in quantitative analysis and applying rigorous fact-checking and source validation.
• Ability to produce clear concise literature reviews supported by good understanding of governance and corruption risks
• High standard of written communications and able to tailor writing to the audience
• Expertise in developing qualitative and mixed-methods research frameworks and structuring case studies.

Why TI-UK?

Transparency International is a global movement sharing one vision: a world in which government politics, business and the daily lives of people are free of corruption. Transparency International UK is the UK national chapter of this movement. We work with the UK and devolved governments, parliamentarians, civil society and the private sector to tackle corruption at home, addressing the UK’s global corruption footprint and helping multinational companies prevent corruption by operating with integrity. We are also home to two major global programmes tackling corruption in the Defence and Security and the Global Health sectors on behalf of the wider Transparency International movement.

What can you expect from us?

• A collaborative, flexible and friendly working environment where you will be provided with:
• A competitive salary for our sector
• Up to 6% contributory pension
• A 35-hour working week for full-time roles with flexibility to support your work/life balance. Our approach to blended working (full details on our website) allows you to benefit from regular connection and collaboration. You can also request a formal change to your working pattern and work location.  
• Generous annual leave: 28 days plus statutory public / bank holidays as well as discretionary a gifted winter holiday break of three to four days each December between Christmas and New Year
• Enhanced leave beyond statutory requirements to support your parental or caring responsibilities
• Family friendly policies
• Additional leave to support your volunteering or community service
• Employee Assistance Programme (Aviva) to support your physical, mental & financial health.
• Training and Development related to your role
• Season ticket loan/ Cycle to work scheme

We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.

In this role, you’ll lead major clinical research programmes, including a strategic clinical trial funding scheme, build strong partnerships across the research community, and oversee the UK Blood Cancer Research Network. You’ll help shape funding opportunities, ensure robust programme governance, and champion meaningful involvement of people affected by blood cancer to drive impactful, patient-centred research.

We’re looking for someone with experience delivering research funding programmes, strong knowledge of UK clinical research, and excellent communication and relationship-building skills. You’ll be confident managing multiple projects, using data and technology, and working with diverse stakeholders. A relevant science background and ability to improve systems and processes will help you thrive.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives.

Please note, we may close this ad early at our discretion.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, passionate team at a pivotal moment in our growth. As our Research & Impact Manager, you will commission and oversee world-class research and ensure that the findings are turned into action. You will ensure evidence leads directly to change: shaping grants, informing strategies, strengthening impact, and improving outcomes for babies.

Location (UK): Office Hybrid* - London
Hours: Full-time, 35 Hours per week
Salary: £55,155 per annum (London)
Benefits: Read more about the excellent benefits we offer on our website
Contract type: Fixed-term - 2 years
Travel: Occasional travel across the UK including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Closing date: 23:59 hours, Sunday 4 January 2026

Join us and use your skills, knowledge, passion and energy to help us achieve a future free from arthritis.
You will join the UK Advocacy and Health Intelligence Department within the Chief Executive's Directorate. The team is responsible for leading UK strategy development and delivery across advocacy (policy, public affairs, campaigning) and health intelligence, working closely with colleagues across the UK to ensure effective delivery of the strategy in each nation. The department sits in the Chief Executive's Directorate to ensure driving positive change with and for people with arthritis is at the heart of the organisation.

The Department works closely with colleagues across the charity, including Services, Research and Income and Engagement to ensure we are joined up in our approach to arthritis.

About the role
The Researcher is a new, important post at Arthritis UK. Working within our Health Intelligence team, you will lead on providing expertise on the latest relevant research evidence, providing a responsive, robust and balanced assessment of the available evidence and any key gaps to shape the charity's UK advocacy agenda, and drive organisational priorities. Working across a range of issues you will play a crucial role in ensuring that the experiences and needs of people living with arthritis are understood and acted upon, and that arthritis is taken seriously across the UK.

About you
If your knowledge, skills and experience include the following then we'd love to hear from you:

• In-depth knowledge and experience in working in health-related, research.
• Experience in the synthesis and evaluation of research evidence across a range of sources (including grey literature), including in the design and delivery of rapid reviews.
• Experience in communicating clearly and succinctly to non-technical and non-expert audiences, through both written formats (e.g. briefing papers) and verbally (e.g. via presentations and meetings with senior stakeholders), with a robust approach to accessibility throughout communication.
• Demonstrable understanding of how research can be used to shape policy and practice.
• Experience of consistently applying a range of techniques and research methods applicable to framing research questions, evidence review and research evaluation.
• Able to communicate findings and conclusions clearly to non-specialist and specialist audiences.
• Educated to at least master's degree level or equivalent.

*As a hybrid worker the expectation is that you will spend around 40% of your working time in our office spaces or working in community settings. As an inclusive employer we will consider home-based working for anyone where office-based hybrid working would be a barrier to being able to work for us, for example for someone living with a long-term health condition or disability.

Benefits
Your excellent benefits include:

• Flexible hours, environments and working practices to promote a healthy work/life balance.
• Health and wellbeing support - including the Employee Assistance Programme (free confidential 24/7 support with mental health, legal and financial queries).
• Simplyhealth cash plan.
• Supportive and inclusive culture, with a wide range of employee networks and support groups available to join.
• Learning and personal development opportunities.
• Competitive annual leave, with the option to buy/sell up to five days per year.
• Generous pension plan, with employer contribution of up to 10%.
• Life Assurance plan (4 x salary).

Application deadline and shortlisting 
We advise candidates to apply early as we reserve the right to close applications ahead of this date.  
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 
We do not wish to receive contact from agencies or media sales. 

Please note that we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) during our recruitment and selection processes, and we would respectfully ask that you also refrain from using AI during the selection process. Whilst we do recognise that AI may be a beneficial tool for some when aiding research and preparation for an application or interview, we want to maintain a fair, inclusive and positive recruitment experience at Arthritis UK where candidates can feel supported to demonstrate their experience, knowledge, and skills without the use of AI generated answers.

Interview
Interviews are expected be held Thursday 15 January 2026, Arthritis UK London office

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee you will be offered an interview if you disclose a disability and demonstrate sufficient evidence within your application that you meet the essential criteria for this role. We will also make any reasonable adjustments you may require for your interview.

About us
We have made a commitment in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to increase the diversity of our charity and we welcome candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We want our employees, volunteers and trustees to represent the broad diversity of the communities of which we are a part.

There are over 10 million people living with arthritis. That's one in six, with over half of those living in pain every single day. The impact is huge as the condition slowly intrudes on everyday life - affecting the ability to work, care for a family, to move free from pain and to live independently. Yet arthritis is often dismissed as an inevitable part of ageing or shrugged off as 'just a bit of arthritis'. We don't think that this is OK. Arthritis UK is here to change that.

Arthritis UK is committed to keeping children, young people and vulnerable adults safe from harm. During the recruitment process we will undertake safer recruitment practices and relevant checks to ensure applicants are suitable to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Arthritis UK is a Registered Charity No: 207711 and in Scotland No. SC041156.