Research support jobs

About Picker

Picker is an Oxford-based charity with an international reputation for measuring and improving patient, service user and staff experience. Our mission is to make person-centred health and social care a reality for everyone. We work with NHS organisations, government bodies, charities and healthcare providers in the UK and internationally.

About the role

The Research Manager is responsible for the programme management of the NHS Staff Survey Programme, providing leadership across all aspects of programme development, delivery and continuous improvement. The post holder is accountable for maintaining high standards of quality and customer service, ensuring the needs of NHS England and programme stakeholders are met.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of a high-profile national programme and help shape the future direction of staff experience measurement across the NHS.

Skills and experience

We are looking for someone with:

• Significant experience of applied quantitative research, including survey design, research methods, data analysis and reporting.
• Experience of managing complex research or survey programmes involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, including planning resources, monitoring progress and driving successful delivery.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with experience of working effectively with clients, partners and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate findings clearly to a range of audiences.
• A degree (or equivalent professional experience) in a relevant discipline.

Experience of healthcare, social care or charity-sector research, alongside knowledge of software such as SPSS, Qualtrics or ClickUp, would be advantageous.

If you're passionate about using research to improve health and care services and are looking for an opportunity to lead high-profile national survey programmes, we'd love to hear from you.

Head of Health Information and Support

Permanent

Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per annum, plus benefits

London N1

Full time – 37.5 hours a week 

We're a hybrid working employer, meaning you're required to come into the office on average 2-3 days per week, currently Tuesday and Wednesday or Thursday

Closing date: 11.59pm, Mon 31 August 2026

First Interviews: 9/10/11 September 2026

Second interviews: 22/23 September 2026

An exciting opportunity for a Head of Health Information and Support has arisen at World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).

World Cancer Research Fund champions the latest and most authoritative scientific research from around the world on cancer prevention and survival through diet, weight and physical activity, so that we can empower people to make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their cancer risk.

We are seeking an inspiring, strategic and collaborative leader to shape and deliver WCRF’s Health Information and Support strategy across three core audiences: the general public, health professionals and cancer survivors. The team turns WCRF’s scientific evidence on cancer prevention and survival into practical, accessible information, training and support based on our Cancer Prevention Recommendations. The postholder will lead and develop the team, ensuring its work is innovative, evidence-based, high quality and demonstrably effective.

Working across Science, Policy, Fundraising, Communications and Engagement, you will create new ways to share our health information, improve existing resources and services, and build impactful partnerships. You will ensure that public and patient insight shapes our work from cancer prevention to survivorship, strengthen programmes for health professionals and make effective use of digital channels. Responsibilities include contributing to our Medical Education programme, participating in working and steering groups and speaking at national conferences, networking at events, engaging corporate audiences and acting as a spokesperson in broadcast and print media. Ultimately, you will help establish WCRF as the go-to source of information and support on the links between cancer, nutrition and lifestyle.

The successful candidate will have a strong track record of implementing strategy, developing business and operational plans, and leading high-performing teams. 

You will bring substantial experience in areas such as health information or education, working with healthcare professionals, UK health policy, health science or research, or marketing health information and services. You will be confident in measuring impact, managing budgets and using data to improve performance, with strong knowledge of non-communicable diseases and issues including nutrition, obesity, diet and physical activity. An excellent communicator and relationship-builder, you will be proactive, creative and results-focused, able to operate at senior management level and open to using digital, AI and other emerging tools to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Application Details:

If you are interested in this role and feel you possess the necessary requirements, please submit a current CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) by the closing date. You must have current right to work in the UK.

Please note: Your cover letter should highlight how your skills and experience will benefit WCRF and equip you for the role.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

Are you passionate about using research and evidence to influence climate policy and support local and strategic authorities to deliver their climate targets? Do you enjoy working across research, policy and stakeholder engagement in a collaborative, mission-driven organisation? Are you interested in data and impact? Then you could be UK100's new Research and Insights Officer!

You will support the delivery of UK100's research programme, helping to design and deliver projects that generate practical insights for local government. From conducting desk research and stakeholder interviews to producing reports, you'll help turn evidence into actionable recommendations that support ambitious climate action.

You'll also play a key role in translating research into policy and advocacy, through monitoring policy developments and helping to coordinate member networks and working groups. You'll lead on tracking the impact of our programmes by gathering evidence and maintaining organisational knowledge and data systems.

Research programme delivery:

• Support the Research Manager across UK100’s research, policy and member engagement workstreams, contributing to the development and delivery of projects and outputs aligned with organisational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Support the delivery of a research project focused on improving energy performance in the private rented sector. This will include stakeholder and policy mapping, coordination of qualitative fieldwork with local authorities and key stakeholders, and contributing to the development of outputs such as reports.
• Support the broader research programme through activities such as stakeholder interviews, desk-based research, and the development of research tools including surveys, questionnaires, discussion guides and workshop materials.

Policy, advocacy and parliamentary engagement:

• Translate research insights and evidence into policy and advocacy outputs.This includes monitoring relevant legislation, inquiries and policy developments; contributing to consultation responses and policy briefings; and identifying opportunities for engagement.
• Support engagement with parliamentarians and government departments, helping to organise roundtables and meetings that enable members to share evidence and insights with decision-makers.

Impact tracking:

• Lead the tracking and demonstration of UK100's impact, including gathering qualitative and quantitative evidence of our work's outcomes, speaking with member councils about the difference our support has made, and developing case studies that capture and communicate this impact.
• Support the development and maintenance of UK100’s CRM database, website and Knowledge Hub, using data and insights to help track, and demonstrate organisational impact.

Member engagement:

• Support member engagement networks and working groups, including agenda setting, meeting coordination, development of materials, and ongoing administrative support to ensure effective delivery against timelines and objectives.

Communications and dissemination:

• Support the dissemination of research and policy outputs across UK100's network and wider stakeholder base through social media, events, email communications, and contributions to the newsletter.
• Organise and support UK100’s presence at internal/external events, and positively contribute to raising UK100's profile in line with our guidance on branding, tone of voice and key messages.

Job Specification:

Essential Criteria:

• Understanding of research methods
• Knowledge of UK public policy and policymaking processes.
• Experience supporting research projects from planning to delivery and producing written outputs such as reports or briefings.
• Experience coordinating meetings or workshops
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders and managing competing priorities.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent organisational and project coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Committed to the vision, mission and values of UK100

Desirable Criteria:

• Understanding of the structures and functions of local government in the UK
• Awareness of climate, energy efficiency, or sustainability policy issues.
• Familiarity with communications and public affairs.
• Experience working in a policy, research, think tank, charity, or local government environment.
• Experience collecting and analysing impact or evaluation data.

First interviews will take place online across the 22nd and 23rd of September.

For more information, please read the attached recruitment pack.

We are looking for a Research Manager to join a small team responsible for commissioning, managing and conducting high quality, robust social research.

The Research Team works closely with colleagues across the Youth Futures Foundation to support our mission as a What Works Centre.

The Research Manager will manage the next phases of work on two of our key evidence resources, the Youth Employment Toolkit and the Youth Employment Evidence and Gap Map.

They will:

• Contribute to our wider research strategy, including conducting evidence synthesis,  and supporting Youth Futures’ mission to create, translate and embed evidence to improve youth employment outcomes.
• Design, manage and carry out research projects, including analysis and synthesis of evidence on youth employment and related themes.
• Lead research commissioning processes and manage commissioned research projects, including contracts and budgets, securing high quality research from providers.

This will be a Fixed term contract of 6 to 9 months maternity cover and can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub.

We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

Please download our recruitment pack for more information on this opportunity.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

We’re looking for someone who makes things happen

We’re looking for a proactive, curious and practical research and evaluation leader who spots opportunities, builds partnerships, and helps us turn lived experience into evidence that improves services, influences policy and drives change.

The Hepatitis C Trust is one of the UK’s biggest lived-experience organisations working in Inclusion Health. With almost 500 staff and volunteers, our teams work in communities and prisons across England, and in parts of Scotland and Wales, reaching people that mainstream health services routinely struggle to engage.

This gives us a unique reach among populations whose voices are too often missing from research, policy and service design.

Our research and evaluation programme aims to:

• Evidence the impact of our programmes and services.
• Understand what works, and what doesn’t, in improving outcomes for marginalised and excluded communities.
• Strengthen our understanding of the value and potential of peer-led and lived experience approaches.
• Improve the representation of excluded populations in research, policy and service design.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a strong background in research and evaluation, including both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Is proactive, self-directed and comfortable taking ownership of projects.
• Has experience of generating evidence that informs policy, practice or service improvement.
• Is excited by the potential of lived experience and peer-led approaches.
• Builds strong relationships and enjoys working collaboratively.
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Is committed to equity, inclusion and social justice.

Why this role?

You’ll have genuine autonomy to help shape a growing research and evaluation function within one of the UK’s leading lived-experience organisations. Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to generate evidence that changes services, influences policy and improves outcomes for some of the most marginalised communities in society.

Recruitment timetable

Application deadline: 11:59 PM on Sunday 23rd August

First-round interviews: 7-8 September 2026

Salary: £38-40k

The role can be full-time or part-time, depending on the successful candidate’s availability. Ideally, you’ll work from our London office at least two days a week, although we can be flexible for the right person.

The Hepatitis C Trust is committed to equity and inclusion, and particularly welcomes applications from people with lived experience of hepatitis C, drug use, homelessness, the criminal justice system, or other experiences of social exclusion.

Join BrainWaves at an exciting stage of growth and help build the sustainable income behind our ambitious plans to improve young people’s mental health.

This is a rare opportunity for a proactive fundraiser to take real ownership of a growing fundraising programme, working with experienced specialists while broadening your expertise across trusts, major donors, corporate partnerships and individual giving.

About BrainWaves Research

BrainWaves Research is a charity working to improve young people’s mental health and wellbeing through research, education and collaboration.

We bring together scientists, educators, schools and young people to build a stronger understanding of adolescent mental health and translate evidence into practical support. Our work combines a major longitudinal research study with evidence-based educational resources for schools.

BrainWaves is a long-term collaboration involving the University of Oxford, Swansea University and The Day News & Media. We are entering an exciting stage of growth and are looking for a proactive and versatile Fundraising Manager to help secure the sustainable income needed to achieve our ambitions.

The opportunity

You will lead the day-to-day delivery of fundraising across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships and individual giving, developing new opportunities as well as managing and growing existing relationships.

The role may particularly suit someone with strong experience in one area – most likely trusts and foundations or high-value giving – who is ready to broaden their expertise across a mixed portfolio.

You will work particularly closely with our fractional Fundraising Director, who will provide strategic direction and support, as well as experienced specialists in major gifts and events, senior volunteers and colleagues across BrainWaves.

This is a hands-on role with significant autonomy. We are looking for someone proactive, ambitious and organised who enjoys turning strategy into action, building relationships, improving systems and hitting targets. Above all, you will be passionate about our mission to improve young people’s mental health.

Key responsibilities

Fundraising and income growth

• Work with the Fundraising Director and COO to deliver BrainWaves’ fundraising strategy and annual income plan.

• Manage and grow a pipeline across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporates and individual giving.

• Research and develop new prospects, partnerships and sustainable income opportunities.

• Prepare compelling cases for support, grant applications, proposals, presentations and donor communications.

• Take ownership of agreed income targets, deadlines and activity plans, monitoring performance and forecasting income.

• Manage funder and supporter relationships from initial approach through to reporting and stewardship.

Major donors, corporates and supporters

• Work with the Fundraising Director, trustees, senior volunteers and specialist advisers to identify, cultivate and steward high-value prospects.

• Build relationships with companies whose values and interests align with BrainWaves and develop appropriate partnership opportunities.

• Help develop our individual-giving programme, including appeals, regular giving and supporter journeys.

• Manage and improve our use of JustGiving and other digital fundraising platforms.

• Support donor and cultivation events, including prospect identification, communications and follow-up.

CRM, data and fundraising operations

• Take day-to-day ownership of BrainWaves’ CRM, ensuring supporter, prospect, donation and relationship records are accurate and up to date.

• Improve how the CRM is used for pipeline management, reporting, segmentation, stewardship and task management.

• Establish clear and consistent processes for recording and using fundraising information.

• Produce regular pipeline, income and forecasting reports and use data to identify opportunities, gaps and risks.

• Ensure information from JustGiving and other platforms is captured and followed up appropriately.

• Maintain high standards of data protection, fundraising compliance and data quality.

Collaborative working

• Work closely with the Fundraising Director and experienced freelance specialists in fundraising strategy, major gifts and events.

• Collaborate with colleagues across communications, research and operations to develop strong fundraising propositions and materials.

• Support trustees and senior volunteers in their fundraising activity.

• Attend occasional meetings and events, primarily in Oxford and London.

About you

You will be a confident and proactive fundraiser with strong experience in at least one income stream and an appetite to broaden your expertise.

You will be a persuasive communicator and excellent relationship builder, comfortable managing multiple prospects, deadlines and priorities. You will enjoy working in a small, evolving organisation where initiative is valued and will be effective working independently from home while staying closely connected to the wider team.

Most importantly, you will be motivated by ambitious targets and genuinely excited by BrainWaves’ mission.

Essential experience and skills

• Experience of securing income within a charity, university, research institution or other purpose-led organisation.

• Strong experience in at least one fundraising stream, such as trusts and foundations, major donors, corporates or individual giving.

• Evidence of meeting fundraising targets or contributing significantly to income growth.

• Experience of managing prospects from research and qualification through to solicitation and stewardship.

• Excellent written skills, including producing persuasive applications, proposals and donor communications.

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills.

• Ability to understand complex information and turn it into a clear and compelling case for support.

• Experience of using a fundraising CRM to manage pipelines, records and reporting.

• Excellent organisation, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• A proactive, resourceful and collaborative approach.

• A genuine commitment to BrainWaves’ purpose.

Desirable experience

• Experience across more than one fundraising income stream.

• Trusts and foundations and/or major donor fundraising experience.

• Experience of corporate partnerships.

• Experience of using and improving a CRM, particularly Beacon or a similar system.

• Experience of JustGiving or similar digital fundraising platforms.

• Experience of fundraising for mental health, young people, education, science, health or research.

• Knowledge of fundraising regulation and data protection.

• Experience of donor cultivation or fundraising events.

What we offer

• The opportunity to shape and grow fundraising within an ambitious charity.

• Close working with an experienced Fundraising Director and senior fundraising specialists.

• Significant autonomy and the opportunity to broaden your fundraising experience.

• Meaningful work supporting research and education focused on adolescent mental health.

• A flexible, predominantly home-based role.

• 25 days’ annual leave pro rata.

• Auto-enrolment into our pension scheme after successful completion of a three-month probation period.

• Reasonable travel expenses for required meetings and events.

To provide support to the small Finance and Administration team at Heart Research UK.

The role is office based and for 22.5 hours per week, with working pattern to be agreed but must include Friday morning.  

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

· Assist the team in maintaining accounting records for both the Charity and the Trading Company

· Purchase Invoices – obtain relevant authorisation, code and process invoices onto Xero, produce and send remittance slips

· Process staff expenses onto Xero

· Create and upload payments on bank account

· Process all credit card transactions onto Xero

· Process expenses

· Arrange set up of new standing orders, direct debits and other regular payments

· Input any other income or expenditure onto bank as required

· To assist in uploading regular donations to Beacon

· Create sales invoices as required and maintain sales ledger 

· Credit control – periodic review outstanding balances and chase overdue amounts

· Undertake general administration tasks including call handling, sending out mail and issuing temporary parking passes.

· Cover reception area in the absence of receptionist

· Undertake any other appropriate duties as requested  

Person Specification

HRUK is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing equal opportunities for all.

You will be proactive, resourceful and a great team player.

You will be an excellent communicator to a variety of audiences.

You will have a genuine interest in the charity sector and a shared commitment to HRUK’s culture and values.

Help shape research and policy that challenges systemic racism in the criminal legal system.

UNJUST is looking for a Research and Policy Lead to develop and deliver impactful research, influence policy and work alongside communities, stakeholders and decision-makers to drive meaningful change.

This role is responsible for developing and implementing research activities and policy advocacy strategies that support UNJUST's vision to challenge systemic racism in the criminal legal system and dismantle discriminatory processes, policies and practices.

Working closely with community partners, sector stakeholders and decision-makers, you will:

• Develop and deliver impactful research centred on racial equity.
• Undertake interviews, desk research, data collection and analysis.
• Develop evidence-based policy positions and draft briefings, consultation responses and submissions.
• Track political developments and identify opportunities to influence policy at local and national levels.
• Build and maintain relationships with communities, policymakers and other stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to integrate policy messaging into campaigns and public statements.
• Represent UNJUST in coalitions, working groups, roundtables and external forums.

We're looking for someone with experience in policy advocacy, research and influencing change, together with a strong understanding of policing and criminal justice policy, particularly racial justice and human rights. You'll be motivated by social justice, able to build effective relationships and committed to working collaboratively with communities whose lived experiences help shape our work.

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), hybrid role based in Brixton, London, offered on a 24-month fixed-term contract. Flexible working is available.

Lead change. Shape policy. Amplify the voices of bereaved families.

Child Bereavement UK is looking for an accomplished Head of Policy & Research to lead our evidence and policy agenda at a pivotal time for the charity.

You'll bring a strong track record of leading policy and research activity, developing influential partnerships, and translating evidence into meaningful change. With an established understanding of the policy landscape and the credibility to engage senior stakeholders across health, social care, government and the voluntary sector, you'll play a key role in shaping policy and practice for bereaved families across the UK.

You'll lead our research programme, develop evidence-based positions, build strategic partnerships, and ensure the experiences of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are reflected in policy and practice across the UK.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience and established networks in policy and research.
• Can translate complex evidence into compelling recommendations for change.
• Is an exceptional relationship-builder, communicator and strategic thinker.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents.

This is a rare opportunity to shape national conversations, influence decision-makers and ensure lived experience is at the heart of policy and practice.

Please note, the role will involve regular travel to London based conferences, events and network meetings as required, plus occasional travel to team meetings in Birmingham.

Join us and help create lasting change for bereaved families across the UK.

Passionate about using research to make a real difference? Salford CVS is looking for a Research and Insight Worker to help deliver impactful research projects that amplify the voices of local communities and the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector across Salford and Greater Manchester.

You'll gather and analyse data, work directly with community groups and VCSE organisations, and turn insight into high-quality reports that influence decision-making and drive positive change. If you're an organised, confident communicator who enjoys working with people and is motivated by social impact, we'd love to hear from you. 

Main purposes of the post

To deliver Salford CVS’s research and insight work, which includes the collection and analysis of data and producing timely written reports of the findings. This exciting Research and Insight role involves a combination of VCSE engagement and community insight work across Salford and in Greater Manchester.

Hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week.

Days: To be confirmed (core hours are worked between 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday).

Contract: 1-year fixed-term contract, subject to the successful completion of a 3-month probationary period.

Place of work: In person at Salford CVS’ offices, The Old Town Hall, 5 Irwell Place, Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN.

The Benefits of Working for Salford CVS:

• 28 days’ holiday - rising to 30 days (after five years), plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part-time)
• Enhanced company sick and maternity pay, subject to terms and conditions of service
• Pension scheme - with 7% employer contribution (and 1% mandatory employee contribution)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Membership of the Hospital Saturday Fund via an employer subsidised scheme (optional and non-contractual)
• RHS family membership (optional and non-contractual)
• Development opportunities - we support and encourage our staff to progress in their careers (including formal training)
• A supportive working culture - we respect and support one another to do the best we can

We are an accredited Living Wage Employer, Living Hours Employer and Living Wage Funder, ensuring not just our staff are paid the ‘real’ Living Wage but also that any projects we fund can do the same.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the ‘apply’ button.

Closing date: Noon on Wednesday, 26th August 2026.

Interviews: Tuesday, 8th September 2026 - in person at Salford CVS’ offices.

The Communications and Research Officer is a new post designed to help bridge the gap between the research and campaigning work of Drone Wars UK and our supporters and the general public. The role is split 50/50 between communications and research. The communications element combines social media activity, website content creation and email communications, helping to ensure our messages are communicated clearly, consistently and creatively across a range of channels.  The research element consists of undertaking a number of short-term specific research projects alongside participation in on-going longer-term research work.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys creating engaging content as well as undertaking in-depth investigations that contribute to positive social change. In addition, the person appointed will take an active role in the forthcoming strategic review shaping the organisation’s work over the next few years.

Job Description

Communications

• To be responsible for Drone Wars UK’s website, managing regular content updates and improving the content, layout and structure.
• To schedule social media content and manage social media accounts to increase engagement and reach.
• To use appropriate design tools in the creation of content for website and all digital and public facing channels.
• To undertake email campaigns in conjunction with the staff team to promote our work and increase participation in events.
• To participate in engagement with legacy and new media alongside other members of the staff team in order to promote the work and campaign aims of Drone Wars UK.
• To undertake appropriate speaking engagements on behalf of DWUK.

Research

• To undertake specific pieces of research into the use of armed drones, autonomous weapons and the militarisation of space as agreed with the Director.
• To write and produce accessible reports, articles and briefings based on the research undertaken.
• To write appropriate copy for the website.
• To contribute to on-going research work by keeping abreast of new and emerging military technologies.
• To contribute to maintaining the Drone Wars UK internal information database 

General

•  To work collaboratively with the staff team to set priorities and to develop existing and future research projects and campaigns.
• To network with other communicators, researchers and campaigners working on these issues in relevant organisations. 
• To undertake tasks as directed by the Director to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
• To participate in campaign activity to limit the harms caused by armed drones, autonomous weapons and the militarisation of space.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• A degree, preferably to Master’s level, or equivalent experience in a subject area relevant to the post (Essential).
• Three years experience of engaging in research work, preferably in the peace and security/human rights sector or similar field (Essential).
• Commitment to the aims and objectives of Drone Wars UK (Essential) 
• Demonstrable ability to write and express thoughts and positions clearly, succinctly and accurately in English in a variety of formats, including major reports (Essential).
• Hands-on experience of managing websites (WordPress) and utilising social media, email marketing platforms, and varied digital tools to drive engagement (Essential). 

Skills and Attributes

• Understanding of the on-going legal and ethical debate around the use of armed drones, autonomous weapons and/or militarisation of space (Essential).
• Ability to manage workloads and professional duties without day-to-day managerial oversight (Essential) 
• The right to work in the UK (Essential)
• Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities (Essential). 
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team (Essential).
• Experience in engaging with legacy and new media to promote campaign objectives (Desirable). 
• Familiarity with national and international security issues and institutions (Desirable).
• Willingness to learn new skills and work co-operatively with others to build strong campaigns (Desirable). 

Help senior professionals hold their industries to account.

Inside Track is hiring one or more Research Officers to support our Insider groups and help to turn their collective insight into meaningful change.

About Inside Track

There are millions of people going to work each day with a sense that they are, in some way, working against the world they want to live in. They may know what needs to change and have ideas about how change could happen, but lack a safe and credible route through which to act.

Inside Track creates that route. We build confidential movements of senior professionals inside powerful industries, giving them protected spaces to share what they see. Their insight helps key stakeholders understand the cultures, structures, norms and incentives creating negative social and environmental outcomes, and apply targeted pressure to redress these.

The Research Officer is key to the ongoing success of this work. You will be hands on from day one supporting group facilitators, conducting background research on key issues and industries, collating and analysing Insider insights, and supporting Partnership Leads to build our network and ensure the Insider voice is heard where it is needed the most.

This is not a conventional campaigning, research or policy role. It combines outcome-focused research with dynamic operational support. You will need to be a clear communicator, highly organised, and skilled at prioritising relevant areas of focus. Above all, we hope you will be deeply excited by the potential of this work, and happy to muck in where needed to ensure it is successful.

Inside Track is growing quickly. For the right person, this is a chance to gain unique insight into how people, power, and institutions operate and shape societal outcomes, while influencing each through your everyday work.

Who this could suit

This is not your typical Research Officer role, and as such there is no single route in. It could suit someone with experience in consulting, professional services, research, the public sector, or another NGO. There are no absolute criteria, but we hope you will bring the following:

• 2+ years of relevant work experience;
• demonstrable experience in producing thorough and strategic qualitative research;
• a clear writer and strong communicator;
• the resilience and organisational nous to manage a complex workload with competing deadlines under time pressure;
• comfort operating in a high-trust, high-confidence environment;
• a desire to learn and a willingness to ‘pitch in’ and pick up whatever comes your way;
• a working proficiency in MS Suite, particularly PowerPoint and Excel;
• a demonstrable interest in, understanding of, and commitment to tackling the social and environmental issues the world is currently facing;
• comfortable self-starting and working through uncertainty without a complete playbook;
• warm, curious, resilient, high conviction and low ego.

A working understanding of the structures and incentives which underpin major economic sectors would be useful but not expected.

Key details

• Contract type: Full-time, initial 12-month contract
• Working pattern: 4-5 days per week
• Salary: £32,000 pro rata
• Location: London based hybrid working with ability to work in person 2-3 days per week.
• Deadline for applications: 12pm Monday 24th August

A note on inclusion and culture

We are all here because we believe deeply in this work and its potential to create a better world and we hope that our culture reflects this passion for and commitment to doing the right thing.

We are committed to building a team that reflects a wide range of experiences, backgrounds and perspectives and supports team members to grow.

The successful candidate will receive professional coaching and support, alongside substantial ownership and genuine flexibility in their working pattern.

If you are not sure whether you tick every box, but feel excited about the work, we strongly encourage you to apply.

We particularly welcome candidates from backgrounds underrepresented in traditional campaigning and systems change roles — including people of colour, disabled candidates, and those from working-class or non-traditional paths.

Please note that to be considered for this post, you must be legally eligible to work in the UK. We are unfortunately unable to hire anyone that isnʼt already living in the UK, nor are we able to sponsor visas.

About The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is an independent membership organisation dedicated to the education, training and advancement of surgeons, dental surgeons, doctors, and various individuals throughout healthcare who are involved in the surgical care of patients. The College has a current membership approaching 33,000 and growing, with members spanning over 100 countries around the world. From our founding in 1505, the College has been committed to the advancement of surgery and driving patient safety standards worldwide. In our 520 year history, there has never been a better time to join the College than now.

Working with us

At the College we aim to embrace views from across the organisation, sharing common goals and values for the betterment of healthcare through the advancement of surgical and dental professionals. We aim to develop teams that are reflective of the needs of our members and maximise the potential of every employee. To reflect the varying needs across the organisation, we offer a range of policies and benefits for our workforce including 42 day annual leave, flexible working practices, enhanced employer pensions contribution and various discounts throughout the College including the Ten Hill Place Hotel, 1505 Café and free entry to Surgeons' Hall Museums.

About the Role

Surgeons' Hall Museum holds a complex medical human remains collection, one of the largest and most significant of its kind in the world. Much of the collection was acquired before modern standards of consent and documentation, and the records that survive were shaped around pathology, diagnosis and the interests of those who assembled the collection rather than the individuals represented within it.

This two year project will improve what the Museum knows about this collection, including the people in it. Working through historic catalogues, medical case notes, College and Museum minutes and archival records, you will investigate origins, acquisition contexts and life histories of these people, and integrate your findings into the Museum's Collections Management System. Your research will inform catalogue records, future interpretation and displays, published listings, and the Museum's preparedness for any future return of collections.

In March 2026, the College’s Trustees approved a new Human Remains in Collections Policy, developed with an expert panel drawn from across the UK and Ireland, committing the Museum to provenance research, transparency, community engagement and readiness for return. This post directly supports the work to put this policy into practice.

You will report to the Curator and be supported by the Museum's Provenance Research Working Group, which brings together colleagues from collections, conservation, archives, learning and senior leadership, including a specialist Human Remains Conservator. This work involves sustained engagement with sensitive and sometimes distressing material, and supervision, peer support and training are built into the post.

In the final six months you will work on site with three Scottish university medical collections in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, reviewing and enhancing their documentation, and will offer short consultancy visits to smaller Scottish museums holding human remains. The project concludes with a publication and a national conference at Surgeons' Hall, sharing the methods and findings across the sector.

The role is based in Edinburgh, with travel to partner institutions in the final phase. Reasonable travel and accommodation costs are met by the project.

Experience, Qualifications and Key Skills

You will be educated to degree level in a relevant discipline, such as history, anthropology, archaeology, medicine, pathology or museum studies, or hold equivalent professional experience, and have proven experience conducting research using historical records, archives or museum collections. You will understand the ethical issues surrounding human remains in museum or academic contexts and be comfortable working with confidential or ethically complex material. You will have experience working with collections databases and digital cataloguing systems such as Axiell or equivalent and be familiar with documentation standards and terminology audits.

You will have excellent analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to manage large volumes of complex data, and the ability to produce high quality written outputs including reports, summaries and catalogue entries. You will be self-motivated, able to plan and carry out independent research, and a clear and confident communicator in both verbal and written formats. Experience of provenance research, knowledge of UK museum policies relating to human remains and repatriation, or experience working with medical, anatomical, ethnographical, or archaeological human remains collections would be advantageous.

This role may particularly appeal to those who want to work on collections of real ethical complexity and see their findings shape policy, practice and public understanding.

Our thanks

This project, Recovering Histories: The McNab Human Remains Provenance Research Project, is made possible by Museums Galleries Scotland and by a generous legacy from John Winton McNab. We are grateful to both for backing work that is complex, long-term and genuinely needed.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A current CV (maximum two A4 pages); and

• A supporting statement (maximum two A4 pages) outlining your interest in the role and demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the person specification.

Head of Research and Engagement

Salary: £34,032 pro rata for 21 hours per week (£56,720 FTE)

Letchworth Garden City/ home working (hybrid)

Part time (21 hours a week)

Permanent

Flexible working considered

Lead research, insight and engagement that helps shape better MS care. If you are an experienced neurology or MS healthcare professional with strong leadership, research and stakeholder skills, this is an opportunity to turn evidence and lived experience into action for people affected by MS.

Join our friendly team
We are looking for someone who can bring people together around evidence, insight and improvement. You will be confident working with health professionals, researchers and external partners, and able to translate findings into clear, practical outputs that support better services and care. You will bring strong communication, project management and analytical skills, with the ability to lead a small portfolio and build trusted relationships across the MS community.

Our charity
The MS Trust is a UK charity which is here to help everyone make sense of MS. We are here for everyone affected by MS, from the moment of diagnosis and throughout their journey. We're here today, tomorrow and every day after that.

The role
Head of Research and Engagement: This is a senior and varied role where you will lead and oversee our research grants, MS service mapping, supported research and Helpline. Working closely with the Director of Services, you will set priorities, manage key roles, develop stakeholder relationships and make sure our research and mapping findings are shared clearly, accurately and accessibly. You will help strengthen our engagement with the NHS, professional bodies and partners, ensuring our work is rooted in real experience and has practical impact for people with MS.

What we can offer

· 28 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, which increases with length of service to 30 days.

· Company pension with enhanced employer contribution. Salary Sacrifice scheme available.

· Death in Service benefit.

· Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.

· Sick pay.

· Hybrid working.

· Employee assistance Programme

· Fantastic office location with free parking, local to town centre and train station. Good transport links to London and Cambridge.

· Learning and development policy to develop all staff.

· Cycle to work scheme, Volunteering day and Season ticket loans.

To find out more and apply

Please visit our website to download a job pack and application form (CVs will not be considered).

As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), we appreciate your time completing the form, as this allows us to keep our recruitment process fair and neutral.

Closing date: 1 September 2026 at 9.00am

First Interviews: 17 September 2026