About Adolescent Health Study
The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.
Purpose of the post
The Research Officer will play a key role in supporting the scientific foundation, development, and coordination of AHS. The post holder will focus initially on supporting the development of the AHS pilot, contributing as required to methods selection, co-development of materials and assessment processes, writing of protocols and ethics submissions and preliminary testing of processes. Activities will involve conducting comprehensive literature reviews, supporting the development of piloting tools and protocols, engagement with schools, adolescents and parents, and addressing operational and logistical considerations necessary for successful delivery. The position is essential to ensuring the pilot and future study are grounded in robust evidence and implemented effectively.
Main responsibilities
Research & Evaluation
- Support in summarising existing evidence, and ongoing work with the research community, to identify insights and knowledge gaps that inform piloting and study research questions
- Support in conducting literature reviews and background research on determinants of adolescent health and identify tools and measures suitable for field-based assessment
- Contribute to the design and delivery of qualitative and/or quantitative research activities in support of study set-up
- Contribute to the design and delivery of public engagement and involvement activities
Piloting Design & Planning
- Contribute to developing piloting protocols and frameworks
- Assist in drafting documents for submission for ethical approval
- Help design, test and adapt measurement tools (e.g. questionnaires) and visit processes
- Support in the preparation of piloting recruitment materials
- Assist in the recruitment of, and relationship building with, schools for pre-testing
Data Collection & Fieldwork Support
- Support procurement of logistics for fieldwork
- Support in the preparation of field worker training materials
- Support training for data collectors and field staff
- Assist in data collection where required
- Be a part of a core team that ensures adherence to ethical standards and protocols
Piloting Coordination Support
- Support meetings and workshops on workstreams
- Support write-up of feasibility testing findings, and contribute to revisions on plans based on findings
- Support the senior study project manager as required on managing piloting timelines, risks and progress
Administrative and Logistical Support
- Take meeting minutes for the scientific study team as required
- Manage piloting documentation and version controls
- Respond to stakeholder queries as required
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential criteria
- A Masters degree in epidemiology, public health, social sciences, or a related discipline
- Demonstrable experience in supporting research studies, preferably in population and/or adolescent health.
- Ability to translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights
- Ability to synthesise literature and evidence concisely for reporting to diverse audiences
- Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to protocols and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to form strong working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders at all levels, both in person and virtually.
Desirable criteria
- A PhD in epidemiology, public health, social sciences, or a related discipline (completed or due to be submitted within 3 months of application)
- Prior experience of working on adolescent health, youth development, or related public health issues
- Experience of conducting and reporting on literature reviews
- Experience with Research Ethics Committee submissions
- Good knowledge of basic principles of ethical research
- Clear understanding of study designs (including piloting) and data collections tools, and their application in school settings
- Experience with the development, testing, or adaptation of research instruments (e.g. questionnaires)
- Experience of working with young people and/or schools (through research and/or public involvement)
Dimensions
- Full time role with flexible working arrangements
- AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK
- Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK. Travel may be required to AHS locations, fieldwork sites and partner organisations
Application Process
This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.
The closing date for this position is EoD Sunday 08 March 2026.
Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 30 March 2026.
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.
Values
It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration
Thank you!
Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?
At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.
Finance Director
The ideal candidate
We seek a finance leader driven by values, with extensive experience directing finance operations and delivering top-tier financial planning, reporting, and governance. This role requires strong technical accounting abilities, exceptional communication skills, and the talent to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
You should be a collaborative, inclusive leader who excels at developing team members, managing risks, negotiating effectively, and guiding the organisation through periods of change. Most importantly, you must be committed to Action Together’s mission of social justice, equity, and community empowerment.
The role
The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring Action Together remains financially robust, sustainable, and compliant as a charity and employer. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will partner closely with the CEO and Board to shape a resilient business model, strengthen financial governance, and provide strategic direction that supports our mission and values.
You will lead and develop a high performing finance function, oversee annual budgeting and long‑term financial planning, and ensure high‑quality financial insight is available to the CEO, SLT and Board. The Finance Director has responsibility for the production of monthly accounts package, annual audit and statutory accounts, risk management, payroll assurance, investment strategy, and organisational compliance with Companies House, the Charity Commission, and all financial governance requirements.
You will play an integral role in supporting strong governance, working closely with the Treasurer and Board to provide clear, timely, and insightful financial performance updates, forecasts, and risk assessments.
You will also work with the Treasurer to shape investment strategy, strengthen financial controls, and uphold governance across all statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements
Equality , Diversity and Inclusion
At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.
In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:
- A disabled person and/or
- A member of a community experiencing racial inequality
Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.
Right to work
We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK
Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.
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