Researcher jobs

Job Title: Quality Improvement and Research Administrator

Reports to: Quality Improvement Manager

Line reports: N/A

Contract terms: Permanent 35 hours per week 

Salary

£29,895

Location: London-based, with hybrid working

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) is a membership organisation and the voice of the profession, with over 4,000 members in the UK and overseas. Our role is to champion the specialty, set standards of training and practice, and influence change to make a difference to the lives of patients with eye conditions.

Job Purpose

The post holder will provide administrative support across several key functions of the department, focusing mainly on clinical job description approval and sourcing of volunteers to attend appointment panels across the UK (Advisory Appointments Committee), quality improvement initiatives, and committee administration.

Main responsibilities

AACs and Job Planning

• Responsibility for administration of the College’s Advisory Appointments Committee and ophthalmologist job planning advice service and Coordinating volunteers to attend Advisory Appointment Committees (AACs)
• Administering the approval process for UK ophthalmologist job descriptions (c. 150 a year), assigning work to relevant Council Representatives and supervision of the progress of approvals to meet the average 3 week turn around
• Providing general advice and guidance to stakeholders on job descriptions in accordance with the agreed job description guidance
• Department document management and archiving including documents on the RCOphth website, managing document status spreadsheet used by department team and comms team

Quality Improvement (QI)

• Support the QI Manager and QI Coordinator in the delivery of the College’s QI workstreams
• Provide administrative support for the delivery of the RCOphth Review Service
• Support the coproduction of guidance documents with members e.g. scheduling meetings, proofreading and formatting documents
• In conjunction with the QI team, support delivery of the National Ophthalmology Database audits by answering queries, administration of the sign-up process for participating centres and invoicing process

Departmental Administration

• Providing support to other members of the team as and when required including responding to queries
• Liaison with other College Departments to ensure members and other stakeholders’ experience of any interactions with the College is proactive, positive, and efficient
• Administering department committees e.g. appointments for chairs and committee members, scheduling meetings, agenda setting, minute taking and following up on actions
• Assisting with other administrative process to support the work of the department team including Database administration including data entry and reporting

Other

• Carry out from time to time and as directed, any other duties as required in addition to the above that will be both reasonable and within your capabilities.

Person Specification

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience

• Previous administrative experience in a similar role
• Knowledge and experience of Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Understands the importance of accurate and timely data entry

Skills and Abilities

• Committed to providing excellent customer service
• Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to build rapport and work effectively with staff and stakeholders
• Ability to identify issues and solve problems logically
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Ability to contribute new ideas and suggest improvements to ways of working
• Ability to work on own initiative and meet strict deadlines
• Respects and cooperates with colleagues, working effectively with other departments when needed

Personal Qualities (Attributes)

• Commitment to equity and diversity and understanding of how this applies to own area of work
• Committed to own continuing professional development

Other requirements

The post holder may occasionally be required to work some evenings and work away from home in the UK

This flagship programme, delivered in partnership with TDS, GMCA and the Nationwide Foundation, uses action research and behavioural‑insight‑informed interventions to understand and reduce unintentional non‑compliance among private landlords, with the aim of improving renting standards and supporting people in housing need.

We have a new 12‑month fixed‑term opportunity to join our Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter/Landlord Support Hub team as a Research and Evaluation Manager.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Lead the project’s research and evaluation activities, including insight gathering, participatory research, and continuous testing of behavioural or supportive interventions.
• Design and evaluate behavioural interventions, assessing impact, outcomes and what works to inform future policy and operational practice.
• Collaborate closely with the Behavioural Insight Specialist and Landlord Support Manager, ensuring research is rigorous, ethical, and generates meaningful learning.
• Engage landlords, tenants, letting agents, and local authorities to gather data, understand barriers to compliance, and capture lived experience.
• Produce high‑quality reporting, including findings, recommendations, and insights to support both internal decision‑making and external stakeholders such as GMCA and the Nationwide Foundation.
• Represent the Research & Evaluation function at meetings, workshops and advisory groups, contributing to the wider aims of improving standards across the private rented sector.

To be considered for this role, you must be able to demonstrate:

• Strong experience in research, evaluation or insight‑gathering, ideally within housing, social policy, behavioural insights or community‑focused projects.
• Ability to design and apply research methods, including interviews, behavioural diagnosis, qualitative and/or quantitative analysis.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills, able to turn complex insights into clear recommendations.
• Confidence managing relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Based in/near Greater Manchester, and able to travel across the region as needed.

TDS offers a plethora of benefits inclusive of:

• 33 days holiday inc bank holidays
• BUPA Private healthcare
• BUPA Wellbeing cash plan
• Pension Scheme
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Plus many more!

If you have any questions or would like to find out more information, please feel free to contact me directly.

TDS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers

Working Pattern: 0.6 FTE (happy to discuss flexible working arrangements)

Dates: May 2026 - June 2027 (14 months)

Location: Home-based from anywhere in the UK with frequent (around once per month) travel across the UK

Working requirements: Applicants must have the right to work within the UK

Deadline for applications: Friday 6th March

Interviews: 19th and 20th March via Zoom

Salary: £42-44k dependent on experience

Job Purpose

We are looking for a Research Programme Manager with a strong grounding in scientific research and expertise in grant management to take on a maternity cover within our small and tight-knit research team.

The role’s core responsibility will be to lead on the delivery of the Foundation’s translational grant funding schemes - our Catalyst Awards and Advancing Treatments Awards. The post holder will have a visible presence within the research community acting as an important point of contact between researchers, committee members (including people living with MND), peer reviewers and the charity.

They will be responsible for the successful delivery of a large portfolio of active projects by working closely with others in the team to ensure all awards are expertly administered, monitored, evaluated and reported against, ensuring the outputs are of the highest quality and supporting the charities activities. The post-holder will identify opportunities to communicate the progress or impact of the work we fund and work with the communications team to develop compelling communications for our supporters.

Key responsibilities

Grant Funding Programme

● Lead on the management of several grant funding schemes, as well as ad-hoc applications that come to the Foundation;

● Oversee the smooth running of application rounds, peer review and ensure that funding committees function in line with AMRC guidance;

● Be the main point of contact for the AMRC with regards to research management;

● Support the ongoing implementation and development of the Foundation’s Grant Management Software, Flexi-Grant, ensuring the research team are using the platform effectively;

● Manage project set-up including contracting, the development of detailed project plans, including go/no-go milestones and budgets;

● Work with the others in the team to oversee the research programme budget including planning, monitoring and forecasting; work with the Directors of Research and Finance to ensure that accurate research finance information is available for organisational budgeting and planning;

● Seek opportunities to improve the Foundation’s grant funding schemes to increase the number and quality of applications received year on year, ensuring funded projects support the delivery of the Foundation’s research strategy;

● Monitor any developments or innovations across the sector and implement changes to maintain a high-quality impactful research funding programme.

Project Portfolio

● Manage and oversee project delivery of the Foundation’s active project portfolio by:

○ Building and managing relationships with award holders and attending site visits;

○ Approving grant payments and managing the change process for any project amendments;

○ Ensuring project progress is effectively monitored and reported against;

○ Identifying opportunities for and approving any project communications.

● Work closely with others in the research team to implement an Impact Evaluation Framework, to evaluate the impact of the research we fund.

General Responsibilities

● Support the Director of Research to deliver the Foundation’s research strategy;

● Support more junior members of the team through training and mentoring;

● Contribute to the team being proactive and supportive, and working effectively and efficiently to achieve agreed objectives;

● Contribute to the development and maintenance of strong internal relationships across the charity, working specifically with the Fundraising Team to support income generation;

● Support the Director of Research in the development of updates for the Board of Trustees and other groups such as our Scientific Advisors;

● Keep updated with the latest scientific developments in the field, attend conferences and build strong relationships with MND experts and other relevant stakeholders;

● Represent the Foundation at external scientific meetings and conferences;

● Undertake other work as required by the Director of Research.

Skills and experience required:

● Educated to PhD level or with equivalent experience in a science subject relevant to MND;

● Experience of research management, including the management of grant schemes, preferably with experience of using Flexi-Grant;

● Experience of research communications, including the ability to disseminate complex scientific information and present it to non-technical audiences;

● Experience of liaising with senior individuals in a variety of organisations with an ability to create favourable working relationships;

● Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time;

● A great communicator, with excellent written and oral skills and the ability to maintain relationships with a wide variety of individuals, including those within the Foundation, researchers and clinicians, relevant organisations and industry bodies, MND patients, and other MND charities;

● Self-motivated, proactive and able to work using own initiative;

● Organised, with a proven ability to successfully manage a broad spectrum of tasks, deadlines and individuals;

● Motivated to make a real difference for those living with MND.

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Market Research Manager to lead on market research to shape and advise our research plans ensuring alignment with organisational priorities.

The Role: 
•    You’ll lead the delivery of market research using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
•    You’ll design questionnaires, produce discussion guides, analyse data sets and studies to generate clear actionable insights.
•    You’ll develop end to end market research projects including, design frameworks and facilitation materials.
•    You’ll collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including agencies, supplier and Woodland Trust colleagues to support projects from contracting through to deliver ensuring they are on time, within scop and on budget.
•    You’ll communicate insight and market research project outcomes across the organisation through written reports, presentations and briefings.
•    You’ll manage the market research budget by tracking spend and reporting the status monthly.
•    This role includes a mix of working from home and at our main office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Visits to Grantham would be required no more than once a month on average. 

The Candidate: 
•    You have an enthusiasm for the environment and share our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count.
We are looking for candidates who have the following:
•    Experience delivering market research using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
•    Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work and build relationships with stakeholders.
•    Experience designing research materials including questionnaires and discussion guides.
•    Experience analysing data sets and researching studies to generate actionable insights and make recommendations.
•    Knowledge on analytical techniques to interpret complex data and translate it into clear insights.
•    Strong prioritisation skills with experience managing multiple projects and budgets with the ability to write high quality reports, presentations and briefings to be distributed clearly and engagingly across the organisation to a wide range of audiences.
•    Experience line managing a small team providing advice and support.

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
•    Enhanced Employer Pension
•    Life Assurance
•    Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
•    Generous Annual Leave - 25 days + bank holidays (pro rata for part time) 
•    Buy and Sell Annual Leave
•    Enhanced Parental Pay
•    Employee Assistance Programme

About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. 
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application. 

Application Advice: For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, we do not ask for your CV at application stage. Make sure that you answer the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role.
Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. 

Acceptable Use Policy - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. 

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on the 12th March 2026.

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

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

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

About you:

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

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

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

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

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

​

About us:

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

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

Values and behaviours:

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

Benefits:

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

​

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

​

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

Closing date: Monday,16th February

NB Interviews likely to be held on Tuesday, 24th February and Wednesday, 25th of February

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

​

• Job title: Senior Research Analyst
• Area of work: Research & Evidence Development
• Contract type: Permanent
• Employment type: Full-time (35 hours per week)
• Salary: £50,000
• Location: Hybrid
• Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays
• Other benefits include: Cycle to Work scheme, discounts (retail, gym, tech, restaurants), flexitime, parental leave, staff networks, learning & development opportunities
• Closing date: Midnight, Wednesday 19th February 2025

OverviewThis is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in generating the evidence that shapes regulatory policy. As a Senior Research Analyst, you'll design and deliver high-quality primary research that informs strategic decisions, evaluating complex issues across the pensions and financial landscape.

Working within a multidisciplinary research and analysis team, you will lead end-to-end research projects, from designing methodologies and conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis, through to translating findings into actionable insights for senior stakeholders. You'll play a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation's research capability and supporting evidence-based policy development.

This role is ideal for candidates with strong applied research experience, a passion for understanding user and industry behaviours, and the ability to turn data into compelling narratives that inform decisions.

Key Responsibilities
* Lead the design, commissioning, and delivery of primary research projects across the organisation.
* Apply expert research methods (quantitative and qualitative) to gather robust evidence that informs strategy and policy.
* Manage relationships with external research agencies, ensuring high-quality outputs and value for money.
* Conduct independent analysis, including statistical testing, qualitative coding, and data visualisation.
* Communicate complex findings clearly, translating evidence into actionable insights for senior leadership and non-technical audiences.
* Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to scope research needs and shape evidence-based recommendations.
* Mentor and support junior analysts, providing guidance on research design and analytical delivery.
* Stay abreast of innovative research approaches, tools, and best practice across the research profession.

Skills & Experience Required
Essential
* Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject (e.g., social research methods) or equivalent professional experience.
* Experience independently designing and delivering hypothesis-led research.
* Strong understanding of research methods, including quantitative and qualitative study design (e.g., cross-sectional, longitudinal, cohort, quasi-experimental).
* Proficiency in research analysis, including descriptive statistics, T-tests, chi-squared, qualitative coding, and data visualisation.
* Proven ability to manage research projects and agencies, ensuring quality, timeliness, and rigour.
* Experience coordinating work with internal and external stakeholders in a multidisciplinary environment.
* Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex findings clearly and persuasively.

Desirable
* Experience working within or alongside the UK pensions sector.
* Expertise in managing high-value research procurement processes.
* Experience using survey platforms with complex routing.
* Familiarity with social research codes of practice (GSR, SRA, MRS).

Person Specification
* Proactive and flexible approach to work.
* Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
* Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
* Collaborative, supportive, and comfortable working in teams.
* Ability to manage competing priorities and work at pace.

The Team
You'll join a supportive and collaborative research and analysis function that works closely with policy, strategy, regulatory and operational teams. The organisation offers:
* Genuine opportunities for learning and professional development.
* A values-led, inclusive culture.
* Hybrid working and flexible shift patterns.
A vibrant workplace supported by employee networks (e.g., Disability, Family, LGBT+, Minority Ethnic, Women's).

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

We are looking for a dynamic Senior Research & Analysis Officer to manage and deliver information, data, and analysis to help Youth Futures build evidence for impact.

This is an opportunity for a researcher with excellent data analysis, trial design and data skills to work widely across a busy and ambitious directorate, helping us understand and address youth unemployment in England.

Working with two teams in the Impact and Evidence Directorate, you will gain experience and contribute meaningfully across a range of research and evaluation activities.

• You will work with the Head of Evaluation and Principal Economist to support the design, delivery and management of data systems; scope, commission and manage high-quality evaluations; and conduct data analysis and quantitative social and economic research.
• You will also use your analytical expertise to extract insights from data, identify trends, and liaise with policy and communication teams to prepare outputs for external use.
• You will support the work of YFF’s evaluation team in generating new evidence for employment support programmes and Employer Practice through impact evaluations, including Randomised Controlled Trials.
• The role also offers opportunities to work on data visualisations for effective communication of data and research insights.

This role 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.

For more information on this role, please download our recruitment pack.

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.

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.

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.

Research Grants Manager
Harrogate, North Yorkshire

We offer hybrid working.

About Us

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.

The Benefits

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, and a whole lot more.

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Research Grants Manager, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Research and Clinical Trials, you will manage the portfolio of active Research Awards and develop an in-depth knowledge of the portfolio to support internal and external communications. This will include developing appropriate monitoring strategies for projects within the portfolio to ensure key milestones are tracked against plans, acting as a key contact point for Award holders and staff within the Charity.

As Research Grants Manager, you will support the delivery of our research strategy and progress with our strategy through engagement with researchers and collection of key data. The role includes engaging with researchers, developing and maintaining monitoring systems and data collection, and oversight of ongoing research awards and budgets.

Specifically, you will:

Research award management and governance

Ensure Research Awards are effectively managed, allocated funding is used as planned and the impact is monitored:

• Develop strong relationships with award holders and serve as the main point of contact for any issues with research awards.
• Manage funded awards, ensuring monitoring processes are fit for purpose. Monitor the progress of research awards, through regular meetings with award holders and ensuring satisfactory progress reports are submitted.
• Develop appropriate management processes for new funding initiatives.

Research strategy development and implementation

· With the Head of Research and Clinical Trials and the wider Research Funding Team, set the Research Funding Team objectives and budgets ensuring they underpin the delivery of the organisational strategy.

· Maintain awareness of the external research environment, including working with the, AMRC and relevant funding organisations such as the NIHR and other health charities and developments in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. 

·  

Team collaboration, management and development

· Coach and develop the Research Funding team, whilst role modelling the values of the charity.

· Work closely with the other Research Grants Managers and provide cover when needed.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will need:

· To have a Post Graduate Qualification in a relevant subject or a degree in a relevant subject area with demonstratable experience in a charity, research or health environment, at a similar level.

· To have an in depth understanding of research funding mechanisms including peer review processes and management of research awards. 

· To have demonstratable experience of research funding and/or management of clinical research.

· To have experience of managing budgets and analysing expenditure of grant awards.

· To have experience of developing and maintaining strong relationships with a broad range of external stakeholders including senior academics, medical consultants, public health experts and members of the public.

· To have excellent communication, networking and interpersonal skills with an ability to engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

· To be an experienced user of PubMed and other research literature databases.

· To have good project management skills including budget control.

· To have excellent organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines and coordinate multiple complex projects.

· To be able develop reports and present complex information to range of stakeholders.

· To have strong IT skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access) and experience in using databases.

Application

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People,  before 17 February 2026. Please read our privacy notice before applying.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer.  We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us via our website. 

Job Title - Managing Director of Research Programmes (UK)

Contract – Permanent

Hours - 35 hours per week

Salary – Circa £75,000 per annum (negotiable)

Location - Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, with occasional travel and some working from home as agreed

About Coram

Coram, which is the oldest children’s charity, is a group of specialist organisations; we help more than 1 million children and young people from infancy to independence, creating positive change that lasts a lifetime.

Established by Royal Charter in 1739, as the Foundling Hospital, and operating from its distinctive 3.5 acres headquarters in the heart of London, Coram has built a position of insight, influence, and research by working closely with other organisations and other sectors, universities and government, professionals, and families. We have ambitious plans for the future, to be the UK’s leading recognised research organisation, dedicated to improving life chances as the Institute for Children.

About the role

This role works directly with the Chief Executive as a member of the Senior Management Team in achievement of this vision and strategy; it will lead the advancement of the Coram Institute for Children as a UKRI recognised independent research organisation (IRO), drive research capacity and capability, champion and deliver internal and external evaluations, advance Coram’s sector credibility and relationships, and inform and contribute to the group’s reach, relevance and results.

This senior position leads a large team of mixed methods researchers and data analysts and comprises an important opportunity for a credible research leader and experienced charity senior manager who is dynamic and multi-skilled with an entrepreneurial approach to lead the only IRO in the children and young people’s sector.

The successful candidate will have a strong business focus and commitment to translating research findings into policy and practice and direct experience of securing research council funding, or funding from sources such as What Works Centres, local and central government or Trusts and Foundations.

You will be able to work individually, in a team and across the organisation. Strong critical thinking ability, partnership building skills and knowledge, experience and commitment to improving lives of children are essential.

To apply for this role, please visit the Coram website to complete an application. Please note CV’S will not be accepted.

Closing date: 18th February 2026 at 12 noon

Interview date: 26th & 27th February 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Data Services is part of the Central Services of the Church of England, providing statistical information, data, analysis, research and consultancy.

The team works collaboratively with the National Church Institutions (NCIs), dioceses and parishes collecting and assembling data to support the Church's missional, pastoral and operational activities through high-quality information and analysis. This is used locally, at parish, diocesan and national levels, involving the Team in a wide range of customer contacts and interfaces.

In the context of the Church of England's Transforming Effectiveness Programme, the Data Services Team will work to promote data collection that is economic, efficient and effective, producing high-quality services and deliverables geared to a varied range of customer needs. Within Data Services, the Partner & Projects team will be the main interface between all of Data Services and its customers across the NCIs, dioceses and parishes, ensuring that opportunities for collaboration are identified and acted upon. It will lead on the management and delivery of projects and/or data requests coming into the team as well as capturing and maintaining team business plans.

This role is being advertised as a one-year fixed-term maternity cover, or until the substantive post holder returns from maternity leave. It may also be offered as a secondment opportunity for internal NCI employees.

Job Title: Advocacy and Research Officer

Department: Advocacy Department

Reports To: Senior Advocacy Officer

Location: UK Based, remote

Compensation: £32,000 per annum

About Humanists International:

Humanists International is the global representative body of the humanist movement, uniting a diverse range of non-religious individuals and organizations committed to reason, compassion, and human rights. We work to build and strengthen the humanist movement worldwide, advocate for secularism and human rights, and promote humanist values in public life and at international institutions.

Humanists International’s advocacy programme promotes human rights priorities based on humanist values at the global level and represents a core role and function of organization. We do this by: advocating directly at the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, New York, and Paris, advocating at regional institutions, including the European Union, Council of Europe, European Court of Human Rights, and African Commission for Human and People’s Rights; supporting and training our members to engage with, and advocate at, relevant regional human rights bodies. 

This work relies on having an advocacy team that can; (1) communicate and lobby in a clear, focused, and convincing manner, informed by high-quality and professional research; (2) can understand the dynamic international landscape on core human rights priorities and produce documentation and briefings on the organization's position; and (3) train and work with members to support their human rights advocacy at the regional and international level. The Advocacy and Research Officer will be instrumental in contributing to these areas.

Duties:

1. Advocate on behalf of Humanists International, by:
1.1. Drafting written and oral statements and submissions for the UN Human Rights Council;
1.2. Analyzing and summarizing complex legal / policy documents, such as International Conventions or UN reports, or jurisprudence at international courts and tribunals;
1.3. Undertaking research tasks and producing pieces of comprehensive legal research, and providing briefing or meeting notes for the Senior Advocacy Officer;
1.4. Representing and speaking on behalf of Humanists International at meetings of different sizes, including at the UN Human Rights Council;
1.5. Preparing and delivering presentations (often with the use of powerpoint);
1.6. Working with other civil society actors to lobby on common causes and mobilize on issues of concern;
1.7. Writing news stories for the website and contributing to the media output of the organization;
1.8. Undertaking administrative tasks to support the Senior Advocacy Officer in their work.

2. Supporting Humanists International's members in advocacy, by:
2.1. Developing and implementing trainings sessions for members and associates, including our annual UPR training, and others which leverage the expertise of the Advocacy and Research Officer;
2.2. Liaising with Humanists International members to enable and support them to make statements at the UN Human Rights Council, including with technical assistance;
2.3. Providing advocacy updates and briefings for Members and Associates;
2.4. Liaising with Humanists International members to use their knowledge and experience to feed into advocacy output;
2.5 Collaborating with the European Advocacy and Research Officer to forward advocacy priorities at European institutions.

Essential Criteria:

• Excellent understanding of, interest in, and demonstrable commitment to human rights and equality issues - particularly in the areas of freedom of religion or belief, gender equality and non-discrimination, reproductive and sexual rights, LGBTI+ rights, populism, democracy, and secularism. 
• Good knowledge and background in international human rights law, international law, or global justice. 
• Experience in the area of advocacy and/or of advocacy-related training. 
• Familiarity (academic and/or practical) with the international human rights systems, particularly the United Nations and any regional human rights bodies. 
• Good research, analytical and writing skills, and an excellent command of English.
• Well-organized, efficient and able to work independently. 
• A clear and convincing communicator. 

Desirable:

• Excellent understanding of, and sympathy with, the philosophy and policies of Humanists International. 
• A good knowledge of other international NGOs and their role and scope. 
• Knowledge of other languages (especially Spanish, French, or Arabic) would be an asset. 
• Prepared to travel, and do so alone, including to United Nations headquarters in Geneva and to Humanist International’s annual World Humanist Congress, as well as to London on a quarterly basis.

If selected for interview, candidates will be asked to complete a short assignment, and interviews will be conducted on 30 March 2026. The successful candidate will also be asked to provide contact details for two references.