Research fellow jobs in royston, hertfordshire

Project Manager, Policy Fellow

Terms: Part-time 4 days a week; fixed-term contract to 31 March 2026, with possibility of extension

Salary: £36,050-46,350

Location: Remote working, with the opportunity to work from co-working space if agreed and regular in-person team meetings.

Start Date: September 2025

Line Manager: Programme Manager, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament

Line Management Responsibilities: External Consultant (Non-Resident Fellow)

Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK, Germany, or Italy. 

Closing Date: 5th September 2025.

Please note that, due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come.

For nearly 40 years, we have developed a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to help states overcome complex strategic and political differences. 

We comprise an intellectually and culturally diverse team of expert-practitioners with wide-ranging areas of expertise, globally headquartered in London with presences in Berlin and Rome. We are recognised internationally for our inclusive and positive team culture.

We are proud to be an independent voice in policy debate, and we are transparent about our funders and funding ethics. We receive no core funding from any state.

About Nuclear for Good

Nuclear for Good is an interdisciplinary movement dedicated to promoting the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and combat the global ecological crises. 

The movement celebrates the myriad positive impacts that nuclear technologies can have when applied responsibly across human and environmental development, and is building a groundswell of international support and knowledge to advance their uptake and impacts.

The movement will represent a multi-stakeholder coalition of policy experts, academics, private sector technologists, nuclear regulators, and international development professionals globally unified by this shared belief in the positive roles of nuclear technologies.

Role Description

BASIC is seeking a motivated and dynamic leader to serve as the Head of the Nuclear for Good movement. This individual will be expected to lead the Nuclear for Good Steering Group to grow the movement’s membership, co-develop movement strategy, develop its funding, and supercharge its impact.

This high-impact role offers the opportunity to manage a positive and dynamic initiative seeking to advance multiple interlinked goals, including: sustainable development; food and water security, sustainable energy futures, and nuclear non-proliferation. The successful candidate will bring a strong record of policy engagement, project delivery, and leadership in international development, international security, or nuclear governance.

The successful candidate will oversee the project’s delivery across multiple outputs, working closely with internal and external partners, including international consultancies, technical experts, and UK government stakeholders.

The Head of Nuclear for Good is expected to be an enthusiastic professional with outstanding communication skills in the field of nuclear policy. Responsible for overseeing a set of specific tasks, they must demonstrate a clear understanding of and alignment with the movement's overall objectives, strategies and goals. The position will report to the Programme Manager of  the Non-proliferation and Disarmament Programme.

Taking charge of the Nuclear for Good movement, the appointed individual will navigate the entire project cycle, from generating fundraising ideas to developing them further and building knowledge of funding relationships. 

The Head of Nuclear for Good must be a strong communicator, with the ability to translate relevant scientific and technical ideas to a general audience. This skillset must be coupled with a proven ability to build community, conduct high-level networking and outreach activities. The ideal candidate is an established public figure with a specialisation in nuclear science and technology issues as well as, ideally, some knowledge of the peaceful uses pillar of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). 

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

1. Project Delivery

The Head of the Nuclear for Good movement will need to deliver a set of key deliverables during the contract, to advance the project’s international reach and influence.

To advise the existing Steering Group, the successful candidate will need to start by appointing an Advisory Group to the project, comprising experts with diverse nuclear-related specialities to support the movement. The Advisory Group will meet quarterly.

The main thrust of the role is geared around an ambitious outreach and community-building strategy. The successful candidate will recruit new member organisations, individuals, and influencers to the movement – exchanging ideas and further developing Nuclear for Good’s strategy and goals as the movement evolves. As a multi-stakeholder movement, the pool of potential members could include policy experts, academics, private sector technologists, nuclear regulators, and international development professionals.

The successful candidate will attend a range of key conferences related to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, non-proliferation, and sustainable development. These include the UN General Assembly First Committee, the IAEA General Conference, and the UN Climate Conference. Participation in these events will help raise awareness of the project among relevant stakeholders. This will include organising a side event at the IAEA General Conference. This activity will not only promote the movement to new audiences, but also demonstrate our support for the IAEA and its flagship initiatives, while inviting attendees to apply to join the Nuclear for Good network.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Lead monthly Steering Group meetings. 

• Maintain active communication with UK government stakeholders.

• Oversee delivery by subcontracted partners.

• Ensure contractual obligations are met and outputs are delivered to agreed standards.

3. Fundraising

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Develop a project, by independently and confidently scoping funding opportunities.

• Liaise with the Programme Manager on funding priorities and opportunities.

• Manage projects with minimal day-to-day manager input.

• Develop new and existing relationships with funders.

• Write and edit funding applications.

4. Communications

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Collaborate with various stakeholders including international partners to build strong funding relationships.

• Facilitate dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders.

• Promote our / their work confidently and internationally. 

• Skillfully use online social media platforms, and press contacts.

5. Office support

Applicants will need to be able to support the running of the organisation and colleagues with a range of administrative tasks wherever required.

Role Requirements

Essential:  Educated to Master’s level – or demonstrate the equivalent in work experience

Essential:  7+ years of work experience in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation or government working on international security issues

Essential:  Passion and commitment to our organisational mission of promoting dialogue to advance global security

Essential:  Familiarity with issues relating to civil nuclear energy, strategic stability, or dual-use technologies is essential.

Essential:  Demonstrated ability and track record in leading the creative development and delivery of policy projects in the UK or internationally, including budgeting and reporting

Essential:  Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds and with broad variations in seniority and function

Essential:  Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research

Essential:  Well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team

Essential:  Strong track record of previous fundraising experience and success

Essential:  Experience organising policy roundtables and workshops

Essential:  Willingness to travel internationally when required

Essential:  Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail

Essential:  Good personal network in their research area

Essential:  Previous line management experience

Desirable:  Science/technology or ideally science communication background

Desirable:  Formal project management qualification