Jobs for the Research sector

HR Advisor (maternity cover)

Reports to: People Partner

This is a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy. 

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a People Advisor to join our fast-paced, supportive HR team at the Crick. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced People Advisor to join our friendly People Partnering team to provide maternity cover.

In this role, you will act as a trusted advisor to managers, lead allocated ER casework, and will work on a selection of people projects. Working collaboratively with a team of Advisors, you will also have an opportunity to contribute to the continuous improvement of People processes and policies. 

This is a role that delivers first-line support to all employees and managers across the Crick. A visible and influential position, requiring confidence, independent judgment, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and relationship-building. It will suit an individual able to navigate a dynamic environment and comfortable working with a level of ambiguity. 

If you are a HR professional looking for a fixed term opportunity, interested in gaining experience of working in a scientific institute, this will be an ideal opportunity for you.

What you will be doing

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Trusted Advisor to Group Leaders and Operational Heads and managers, supporting with all people issues
• Provide expert HR advice on all aspects of the employee lifecycle, working with minimal supervision and high autonomy
• Lead on the full range of employee relations cases of varied complexity, including investigations, hearings and appeals, ensuring best practice and consistency
• Support managers with restructures and redundancy processes with the ability to deliver the end-to-end process
• Work in partnership with managers to proactively identifying people challenges and propose appropriate solutions in line with Crick values
• Design and deliver management training

About you

You will have: 

• Good level of experience at HR Advisor level, with evidence of working independently on  employee relations issues *
• Strong influencing and coaching skills, with the ability and confidence to challenge constructively and build trust at all levels *
• Excellent judgment and ability to balance risk and pragmatism in HR decisions *
• A track record of leading or significantly contributing to HR projects or organisational change initiatives
• Strong analytical skills with experience translating people data into actionable insights
• Proven ability to build positive workplace relationship across all stakeholder groups *

*Minimum requirement

About Working at the Crick

Our values

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture! 

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences.

We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please contact us via our website.

What will you receive?

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development: 

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays. 

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%. 

• Health & Well-being: 

• 24/7 GP consultation services. 

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs. 

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

• Back-up care for dependents. 

• Childcare support allowance. 

• Annual leave purchase options. 
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction. 

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received. 

Role

In this role, you’ll lead and inspire a diverse portfolio of community fundraising projects and champion the supporters behind them—ensuring every fundraiser feels valued, supported and motivated, while consistently delivering against agreed KPIs and driving meaningful impact.

What we’re looking for 

• Experience within a customer facing role
• Experience working on multiple projects at the same time
• Strong team player
• A self-starter who can plan their own diary and use initiative
• Experience building relationships
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to prioritise and multi-task
• Excellent customer service skills 

What we offer

• Hybrid working between home and our Head Office in Holborn (3 days a week in the office)
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 25 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Closure at Christmas (additional 3 days)
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to discount schemes
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme (WeCare) designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

Working with the Director of Research, this role will have management of the clinical development process at Cure Parkinson’s. The charity supports a large treatment selection process that feeds new clinical trials seeking disease modification. This is an exciting time in Parkinson’s research and there is the opportunity to have a really meaningful impact by joining the Cure Parkinson’s team as we expand our funding schemes and initiate new ventures.

As our Clinical Research Manager, you will have a PhD in life sciences (an MD or MBSS would advantageous) and significant experience in clinical trial development. You must have a strong understanding of Parkinson’s, the biology associated with the condition, and the agents currently in development. You will require excellent organisational and communication skills as you will be representing the charity via stakeholder engagement. Working as an effective member of our Research Team you will be able to handle multiple tasks with precision simultaneously and be comfortable building relationships and providing support for researchers.

We are looking for a Mission Communications Lead

About Nesta

We are Nesta, the UK’s innovation agency for social good. We design, test and scale solutions to society’s biggest problems. Our three missions are to give every child a fair start, help people live healthy lives, and create a sustainable future where the economy works for both people and the planet.

For over 20 yeas, we have worked to support, encourage and inspire innovation. We work in three roles: as an innovation partner working with frontline organisations to design and test new solutions, as a venture builder supporting new and early stage businesses, and as a system shaper creating the conditions for innovation.

Harnessing the rigour of science and the creativity of design, we work relentlessly to change millions of lives for the better.  

Summary

The purpose of this role is to use communications to contribute to the success of Nesta’s healthy life mission, which aims to halve obesity by 2030. The post holder will lead on strategic communications for the healthy life mission, seeking and securing opportunities for Nesta to advance its policy agenda and build its public profile.

This includes proposing and planning communications, partnership development and management, public affairs activities; being the strategic lead for stakeholder relationships across the mission; and owning the mission narrative and messaging, ensuring salience and consistency of key messages and communications outputs.

The role will:

• Lead on strategic communications: translating and applying communications skills to a health context, providing tailored communications advice that is specific to the domain area to deliver high-impact communications activity for the mission. This will include the development and delivery of influencing strategies for our policy priorities and related public affairs activity.
• Draft and edit a variety of communications content, driving through from conception to delivery and evaluation.
• Act as strategic lead on healthy life mission stakeholder relationships: identifying target stakeholders, having an overview of engagement with them across the mission, planning and supporting engagement activities.
• Manage partnership communications with partners, from high profile industry partners to NGOs, identifying and mitigating risks to protect Nesta’s reputation and spotting and delivering on opportunities to enhance it
• Use excellent project and people management skills to coordinate the smooth, efficient delivery and evaluation of a number of high-impact communications campaigns at any one time.
• Lead on discrete communications projects such as commissioning creative content, audience research or narrative development and testing.

This role sits as part of both the communications team (made up of specialists across media, marketing, events and content production), and healthy life mission team (including experts across policy, research, behavioural science, data science and design).

The role does not have direct line management responsibility, but all communications and mission team members are expected to play a role in supporting the learning and development of more junior members of the team.

Please note this is a 12 month parental leave cover

The person

You should have the following skills and/or experience:

• Professional communications experience (essential): You will have proven experience of working in a communications or public affairs role. A creative thinker and experienced writer and editor, you will have experience of working on a variety of communications outputs designed to inform and influence different audiences and stakeholders, such as blogs, briefings and pitch decks.
• Managing integrated communications campaigns (essential): You will have proven experience of driving and delivering successful communications campaigns to achieve policy impact and influence.
• Project delivery skills (essential): You will have proven experience of delivering high-impact communications campaigns from conception to delivery and evaluation. You can proactively plan and deliver work, and identify and act on risks and find solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills (essential): You will have experience of applying these effectively to collaborate well with colleagues, build stakeholder relationships and develop partnerships.
• Knowledge of the UK health and/or food sector (essential): You will have knowledge of how the UK health and/or food sector works from experience gained in a heath and/or food-related communications role, either in the NHS, local or national government or the third sector. If you don’t have relevant professional professional experience, you will have a proven interest.
• Knowledge of political systems and government in the UK (desirable): You will have knowledge and understanding of how policy is made and developed, and of the wider political system, including central and devolved governments and parliaments, ideally gained in a professional context.

As with all members of the Nesta Group communications team, the postholder will also be at their best working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, have a flexible approach and an appetite for taking on new tasks and challenges. They will also have excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to write for a range of different audiences.

What we offer

Salary: £58,000 plus an array of benefits.

Location: This role is based in London, with a hybrid working arrangement and a minimum of two days in the office

Term: 12-month parental leave cover

Hours: This is a full-time role, but we offer a range of flexible working arrangements and encourage our people to take advantage of them. Many do.

Reports to: Group Exec. Director of Communications

Making an application

To apply for this role, please submit your application before 8:00am on the 11th February 2026.

Interviews will take place w/c 23rd February 2026.

At Nesta, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results.

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

This means that when we are recruiting, we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates. It also means that we are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Community Fundraiser – South East (Kent, Surrey or Sussex)​​

​​We are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!​

This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the South East region.​

As the Community Fundraiser covering the South East you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.  Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1.5 million.

​

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Do you live in Kent, Surrey or Sussex?
• Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?​

​

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start? ​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​

​​​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​

L&W is growing our research team and looking for a Head of Research to lead innovative, impactful research and evaluation projects across our focus areas of employment and skills.

This role will expand our capacity to win and deliver evaluation and qualitative research, while strengthening our methodological capability. We’re open-minded about what that means—but we want people who can go beyond standard process evaluations and basic qualitative approaches. You might have experience mapping and evaluating complex system-level change, applying realist evaluation methods, or developing co-design and participatory research projects. You will have have applied these while working alongside the practitioners and policymakers who need these insights to make decisions.

You will join a team that is enthusiastic about learning and improving, and a peer group of experienced qualitative and quantitative research leaders who you will work alongside.

If you have research consultancy experience and want to join a purpose-driven organisation that delivers real impact locally and nationally, we’d love to hear from you. But you might come from a different professional background and still meet our criteria. 

Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.

Team:Research and Development

Salary:£45,650-£59,080 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location

Duration:Permanent

Working hours:0.6 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (eg, condensed hours, flexible start and finish times

Main Purpose

The Head of Research: Evaluation and Qualitative Methods is a new post for L&W – as we seek to deepen our capability and expand our capacity.

The post-holder will direct research projects across all of our areas of work, providing specific leadership and expertise in programme and system-level evaluations, and projects mobilising innovative or advanced qualitative methods (such as system mapping, co-design methods, ethnographic methods, creative methods and/or theory-based/realist evaluation).

They will work with the Head of Research: Employment and Better Work to develop the wider qualitative and evaluative skills of the wider research team.

They will also play a key role in leading and writing responding to tenders and working with colleagues to develop pro-active research proposals that fill key evidence gaps and respond to the interests of our funders. They will be a good relationship manager – who can understand what commissioners are interested in, and shape projects to deliver meaningful insights that solve the problems practitioners and policymakers face across employment and skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Line manage members of the R&D team
• Co-lead the qualitative methods group at L&W: supporting the wider research team to develop their skills. 

Income

• Write and contribute to reactive and proactive funding proposals across L&W’s areas of work, with a specific focus on process and theory-based evaluations, and proposals using advanced/innovative qualitative methods
• Build relationships with current and potential funders
• Identify and build relationships with research partners

Impact

• Ensure that all projects under their direction generate meaningful insights and recommendations that respond to the real-world concerns and challenges faced by practitioners and policymakers
• Communicate insights clearly and effectively to funders and other stakeholders

Delivery

• Act as Project Director for research and evaluation projects: liaising with funders; shaping research proposals and plans; supporting project managers; leading project meetings; ensuring project margins are delivered effectively; carrying out research directly where appropriate
• Work with External Affairs team to develop appropriate comms and influencing plans for projects under your direction
• Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team

Person Specification 

Expericence 

Experience of delivering and directing high-quality programmes evaluation and policy-relevant research: shaping research plans, working with funders and delivering meaningful insights -Essential 

Experience of responding to research and evaluation tenders and writing proposals. -Essential 

Experience of managing, supporting and developing researchers and research managers -Essential 

Experience of carrying out research and evaluation in the areas of employment and skills -Desirable

Skills

Advanced qualitative evaluation and research skills, eg. One or more of theory-based evaluation, ethnographic methods, creative/art-based methods, co-design methods, system-level evaluation -Essential 

Effective and efficient relationship management -Essential 

Clear and direct written communication style -Essential 

Knowledge

Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose -Essential 

Demonstrable knowledge in the areas of employment and skills policy and practice -Desirable

Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.

Longer working lives and ongoing economic transitions are reshaping careers: how we start them, and how we move through them. But too many people remain paid in low-paid, low-quality work – with damaging consequences for them personally, and our economy as a whole. We’re seeking a senior, policy-oriented research leader to help us and our partners generate insights that enable more people to move into and progress through better work.

You’ll have a proven track record in scoping and securing funding for research and influencing activity, with significant autonomy to lead your own programme at L&W. You’ll be supported by committed researchers and managers whom you will coach, lead, and develop—alongside a peer group of Deputy Directors working across other key pillars. We welcome quantitative expertise, but most important are the skills to design and deliver high-quality, impactful research programmes.

You’ll join an organisation with a national reputation for driving policy change—and a friendly, highly capable, delivery-focused team. 

Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.

Team:Research and Development

Salary:£64,450 -£77,880 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location

Duration:Permanent

Working hours:0.8 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (e.g. condensed hours, flexible start and finish times)

Main Purpose

The Deputy Director, Policy and Research (Better Work and Progression) will have overall ownership of the ‘Better Work’ pillar of our strategic plan at L&W: overseeing all projects and activity in this area and generating new work (including developing project ideas and securing funding).

While there is significant scope to shape the ongoing programme of research and impact work, we anticipate that key areas of focus in this area going forward will be: understanding & better supporting career change; understanding and improving policy to increase employer investment in skills; high quality and fair access apprenticeships and technical education; understanding how to better support progression from low pay.

They will be a senior leader for the organization – helping to continuously shape our strategy and the plans we are implementing to deliver it.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Intellectual leadership of the Better Work pillar: developing and owning policy positions, messages, theory of change and research priorities, and supporting the wider team to feed into and understand them
• Line management of senior and mid-level staff
• Act as a senior leader at L&W – including taking on specific organization-level responsibilities where appropriate

Income

• Write and/or co-ordinate responses to reactive research and evaluation tenders in the areas of employment, better work and progression
• Develop pro-active proposals that will drive change in your area, and respond to the interests of funders and partners
• Build relationships with current and potential funders and research partners

Impact

• Act as an external expert on the issues of better work and progression: writing press quotes, articles and blogs;speaking on platforms
• Building relationships with practitioners, policymakers and partners to improve our insights, and get our recommendations implemented
• Develop appropriate means of tracking impact towards our better work goals, and monitor against them. 

Delivery

• Deputy Director/Project Director-level oversight of projects being delivered in your and related areas: supporting project team to shape research plans, deliver sharp insights and manage funder relationships
• Quality Assurance of research proposals and outputs
• Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team

Person Specification

Experience

Experience of developing, overseeing and delivering programmes of policy-relevant research at a high level - Essential

Experience of business development in a policy/research context: developing ideas, writing bids and building relationships with funders- Essential

Experience of building senior-level relationships with external stakeholders for impact and influence -Essential

Track record of delivering national and/or local policy change - Essential

Experience of senior organisational leadership as part of a team - Desirable 

Experience of responding to tenders- Desirable 

Skills

Advanced research skills (qualitative of quantitative) -Essential

Quantitative skills: experience of using key national research and administrative data sets to generate insights into the labour market -Desirable 

Clear and direct written communication style - Essential

Knowledge

Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.- Essential

Demonstrable knowledge of employment and/or skills policy in the UK - Essential

Demonstrable knowledge in the specific areas of Better Work and/or progression -Desirable 

Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.

​​We are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!​

This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the East Anglia region.​

As the Community Fundraiser covering East Anglia you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.  Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1.5 million.​

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Do you live in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk or Suffolk?
• Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?​

​

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start? ​

If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack which is attached in this advert.​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​

We are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!​

​​This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals.​

We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the Mid-North Wales and West Midlands region.​​

​As the Community Fundraiser covering Mid-North Wales and West Midlands, you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.​

​​Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1 million.​​

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• ​​Do you live in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire,​Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire or Mid-North Wales?​
• Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?​​Have you answered Yes to these questions?​
• Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start? ​​​

If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack provided with this advert.​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

This is an exciting opportunity to get experience with a large and growing charity with an engaged and fun team. You will be a key part of our mission to ​find a cure for all types of brain tumours.​

​Our Systems Manager is being seconded to an internal project for the next 6-9 months and so we are seeking an experienced IT professional to join our team for an interim basis for six months with the possibility of a three month extension.​​​​

In this role you will you lead a team of three people in supporting our staff team of 70 by providing reliable, effective and efficient IT systems and equipment. This include ​the monitoring and maintenance of our IT software and, with external support, our IT hardware. ​​

You will line manage the Database Assistant ​and Data Processing Assistant.

​

​If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack provided in the advert.

​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. ​ We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​​​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. ​

Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​

​

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

Our people and volunteers are at the heart of our mission. This role is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced, people-focused manager to shape and deliver both our employee and volunteer experience. You will lead on the design and delivery of our people processes, recruitment, and engagement initiatives, while also driving forward our volunteer strategy and ensuring a positive, consistent experience for our 400+ volunteers.

Working closely with team members across The Charity, you’ll bring expertise, energy and creativity to support, engage and inspire people to give their best - whether they are employed by the charity or volunteering their time and skills.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

This is a truly generalist HR role where we are seeking a CIPD qualified HR professional and purpose-driven manager who will bring energy, empathy, and expertise to our employee and volunteer experience. You’ll be equally confident in advising managers and leaders on people matters as delivering operational processes, from recruitment and onboarding to pay and contracts.

You’ll be able to navigate processes with confidence, ensuring our people feel supported, valued, and equipped to perform at their best You will have experience of creating a positive, engaging and inclusive experience for everyone who chooses to give their time and skills to The Charity both an employee and a volunteer. Whilst we recognise candidates won’t necessarily have experience of managing a volunteer workforce, a passion for volunteering or volunteering experience is desirable.

You’ll be curious, digitally minded and comfortable using insight and feedback to drive improvements. But above all, you’ll be motivated by our vision to find a cure for brain tumours and will be inspired by how incredible people and volunteering practices can play a part in making this happen.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Managing people operations and advisory support

· Support managers with employee relations advice and guidance (informal and formal people processes), acting as a trusted expert on all people policy and process matters.

· Oversee the employee lifecycle from recruitment through to leaving The Charity, ensuring inclusive, legally compliant and engaging processes throughout each stage.

· Work with the People and Culture Officer to design recruitment campaigns and talent attraction that contribute to building a diverse talent pipeline.

· Manage onboarding and induction processes to ensure a positive first 100 days at The Charity.

· Oversee the communication and administration of policies, contracts, payroll changes, and compliance checks (Right to Work, DBS, references).

· Partner with People & Culture team members to plan and deliver initiatives relating to wellbeing, performance, reward and recognition, and EDI.

· Maintain accurate records on PeopleHR (our HR database) and Team Tailor (our Applicant Tracking System), ensuring compliance with employment law and GDPR.

Managing volunteering operations

· Lead the operational plan with respect to volunteering, ensuring volunteering supports departmental priorities. This will include acting as the central point of contact for volunteering operations, providing guidance, support and inspiration to teams and volunteers on volunteering policy and process.

· Oversee the recruitment, induction and training of volunteers, working with the People and Culture Officer, Learning and Development Lead and People Administrator, developing digital and in-person learning resources. This will include promoting volunteering opportunities internally and externally, ensuring clear and engaging communications.

· Support the Head of People and Culture to develop recognition initiatives to ensure volunteers feel valued and connected, including campaigns such as Volunteers’ Week and Trustees’ Week, working alongside the Internal Communications Manager role.

· Support Volunteer Coordinators across teams with advice, training and problem-solving to ensure a consistently excellent volunteer experience.

· Ensure volunteering activity is safe and aligned with safeguarding, risk and data protection standards through ensuring policies and procedures are up to date and compliant with legislation.

· Manage the volunteer management system (Volunteero) and use data and feedback to evaluate and improve the volunteer experience.

Supporting values-led best practice through our work

· Build strong collaborative relationships with team members across The Charity to maximise the contribution of both employees and volunteers.

· Champion our values of being bold, collaborative, innovative, and community first through all people and volunteer initiatives.

· Keep abreast of external best practice in HR and volunteering to ensure our approaches are inclusive and effective.

· Provide line management support to People and Culture team members where relevant, ensuring clarity of expectations and activities, and supporting their development and wellbeing.

Animal Free Research UK is the leading charity working to create a world where human diseases are cured faster without animal suffering. By pioneering excellence, inspiring and supporting scientists and influencing change, we are ending the use of animals and improving medical research.

We are looking for a Media & PR Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping our public profile, strengthening our reputation and helping to change how the world talks about medical research.

This is a managerial role that will:

• lead the development and delivery of high-impact PR and media activity aligned with organisational priorities
• position Animal Free Research UK as a trusted and authoritative voice across science, policy and public debate
• build strong relationships with journalists, broadcasters, influencers and external advocates
• secure sustained, high-quality coverage across national, sector and digital media
• lead on issues management, reactive media and crisis communications in sensitive or high-profile contexts
• work closely with digital and engagement colleagues to align media, social and campaign activity
• use insight and performance data to strengthen impact and inform future strategy

You will work closely with colleagues across the charity to ensure our media and public narrative supports scientific credibility, policy influence and public engagement at a critical moment for animal-free research.

About You

We are looking for someone who brings:

• demonstrable success in securing high-impact media coverage across national, broadcast and digital channels
• experience building trusted relationships with journalists, influencers and senior stakeholders
• strong copywriting and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific or policy issues into compelling stories
• confidence operating in high-profile, fast-moving or sensitive media environments
• a strategic mindset with the ability to deliver tactically under pressure
• a deep commitment to animal protection, scientific integrity and the mission of Animal Free Research UK

A background in science or biomedical research is welcomed but not essential if you can demonstrate the ability to engage credibly with complex evidence and policy.

How to Apply

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway.

We recognise that people use AI tools in many contexts. For this application, please ensure your submission reflects your own specific experience and insights. We use follow-up questions at interview to confirm authenticity.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to take part in the application or interview process, please let us know when you apply or contact us via email.

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter explaining how you meet the person specification and requirements of the role. 

Closing date: Monday 9 February 2026, 5pm
First-round interviews: Thursday 12 February 2026 (via Microsoft Teams)
Second-round interviews: Monday 23 February 2026 (via Microsoft Teams)

The Community Fundraising Team is an integral part of the Charity Fundraising Portfolio, by supporting a diverse range of inspiring supporter led fundraising activities. It is an exciting time to join the Team, as we plan for 25/26.  

You will be one our 6 Regional Community Fundraisers, based across the UK. Covering Yorkshire, Northeast and Northwest of England, you will focus on our key audiences of Individuals, Supporter Groups, Community organisations, Regional Corporates & Volunteers. Through the provision of exceptional stewardship & fundraising support, you will engage the community, maximising opportunities to raise funds in the Region. You will make the most of your boundless energy & creativity to inspire our community and will be the regional driving force, ensuring our Supporter Groups continue to thrive, & our annual Community Fundraising Campaigns including, The Big Bake & Twilight Walk Own Walks are a success. 

You will be passionate about the Role and in supporting the delivery of our strategic plans and objectives across the Region.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

You’ll be a talented and highly motivated individual with a proven track record in community fundraising. With a “can do” approach, passion and enthusiasm, you’ll inspire and motivate our supporters. You will work tirelessly to ensure that they receive the best possible experience and see themselves as an integral part of our community. You will be confident in juggling a myriad of competing priorities and work well under pressure to meet deadlines. With exceptional communication skills & the ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders, you will be creative & agile in your approach in making the most from a fundraising opportunity.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

   Developing & implementing a Regional Community Fundraising Strategy 25/26.

· Achieving agreed regional fundraising KPIs & contributing to the overall delivery of annual fundraising budgets and targets.

· Recruiting, building and maintaining relationships with the Community across the Region.  Aiming to increase their fundraising and encourage their ongoing participation in events and activities. This may be through community fundraising or using our fundraising products or initiatives.

· Recruiting, training and managing a network of regional volunteers who will support activity in the Region.

· Working collaboratively across the wider Charity Team to identify fundraising opportunities & maximise income in the region.

· Keeping our CRM fully up to date with information about our supporters and their activities. Using that data to understand what motivates our supporters in order to provide excellent stewardship.

Working pattern: This is a full time permanent hybrid role (4 days a week in the office) on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary: From £61,000 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Application closing date: 8th of February 2026 at 23.59

About us 

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy. 

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Fire Safety Engineer to act as the Institute’s Technical Authority and Systems Owner for all active fire and life safety systems, including fire alarms, suppression systems, and associated protection technologies. This is a critical operational role at the heart of keeping the Crick safe.

You will bring deep operational and technical expertise. Your background will enable you to interpret risk, understand how systems integrate within a complex building, and ensure our fire protection infrastructure is designed, maintained, and operated to the highest standards.

As the Institute’s subject matter expert, you will provide authoritative guidance to senior leadership, engineering projects, and operational teams. You will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of our fire safety management system, ensuring we not only meet but exceed our obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Building Safety Act 2022, and all relevant British and European standards.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Fire Safety Engineer to act as the Institute’s Technical Authority and Systems Owner for all active fire and life safety systems, including fire alarms, suppression systems, and associated protection technologies. This is a critical operational role at the heart of keeping the Crick safe.

You will bring deep operational and technical expertise. Your background will enable you to interpret risk, understand how systems integrate within a complex building, and ensure our fire protection infrastructure is designed, maintained, and operated to the highest standards.

As the Institute’s subject matter expert, you will provide authoritative guidance to senior leadership, engineering projects, and operational teams. You will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of our fire safety management system, ensuring we not only meet but exceed our obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Building Safety Act 2022, and all relevant British and European standards.

What you will be doing

As a Fire Safety Engineer at the Crick, you will:

• Act as the Systems Owner and Technical Authority for the entire portfolio of active fire protection systems
• Undertake and lead the development, implementation, and ongoing review of the Institute's Fire Safety Policy, Strategy, and Management System.
• Lead the investigation of all fire incidents, alarms, and near-misses to identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the Fire and Rescue Service, building control, and other enforcing authorities.
• Collaborate with and support Engineering Project Managers, ensuring project works are delivered without compromising the live environment and meet all fire safety regulations.
• Prepare and present a comprehensive Fire Safety Dashboard and operational reports to the quarterly General Health and Safety Committee and Fire Safety Group, providing data-driven insights, trend analysis, and actionable recommendations.

About you

You will have:

• NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management or an equivalent qualification (e.g., IFE Level 4 Diploma, Certified Fire Protection Specialist - CFPS).
• Graduate or Member grade of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (GradIFSM / MIFSM) or equivalent professional membership (e.g., IOSH, RICS).
• Significant experience as a Fire Safety Specialist/Engineer in a complex, high-risk environment (e.g., healthcare, research, industrial, major commercial).*
• Demonstrable, hands-on experience as a Systems Owner for a range of complex fire protection systems (sprinklers, gaseous suppression, fire alarms), including administering isolations and impairments.*
• Expert knowledge of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Building Safety Act 2022, and in-depth technical knowledge of British/European Standards for fire safety systems.*
• Proven ability to analyse complex situations, identify underlying risks, and develop pragmatic, effective solutions.*
• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to act as a trusted advisor to all levels of the organisation and external authorities.

*Minimum Criteria

About Working at the Crick

Our values

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture 

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply.

What will you receive?

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development: 

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK 

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays. 

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%. 

• Health & Well-being: 

• 24/7 GP consultation services. 

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs. 

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

• Back-up care for dependents. 

• Childcare support allowance. 

• Annual leave purchase options. 
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction. 

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.