Researcher jobs in Edinburgh

Join NDTi and help drive meaningful social change

As a key member of NDTi’s Research & Evaluation team, you will play a central role in shaping, delivering and demonstrating the impact of our commissioned, grant‑funded and internally funded programmes. You will lead a varied portfolio of research and evaluation projects, ensuring high‑quality delivery and contributing to the wider development of our work.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about social justice, committed to inclusive practice, and eager to use evidence to influence change.

As our Research & Evaluation Manager, you will:

• Lead, design and contribute to research and evaluation projects, acting as a key liaison for staff and associates involved in delivery.

• Identify, synthesise and share learning from our work, showcasing innovative approaches, partnerships and achievements.

• Develop and refine research and evaluation methodologies and materials, ensuring a consistent, high‑quality approach across NDTi.

• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of opportunities, negotiating, securing and managing a range of contracts.

• Grow and nurture diverse networks, generating new contacts and opportunities for both yourself and the wider organisation.

Key responsibilities

Day to day, you will manage and deliver a portfolio of projects, ensuring each is completed on time, within budget and to a high standard. This includes:

• Designing and planning research and evaluation projects, including developing theories of change.

• Facilitating stakeholder workshops and sessions, undertaking qualitative and quantitative fieldwork, and conducting evidence reviews.

• Analysing data, producing high‑quality reports and creating a range of outputs.

• Writing and publishing blogs, reports and other resources tailored to different audiences.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues to share learning across NDTi, stimulating creativity and informing future work.

• Managing associates and partners involved in your projects, ensuring clear communication and alignment with NDTi’s mission, policies and contract protocols.

• Developing your professional profile and cultivating relationships that strengthen NDTi’s visibility and influence.

• Leading or contributing to proposals and tenders to secure new work aligned with NDTi’s mission.

• Supporting organisational income targets and quality standards.

• Representing NDTi at national, regional and local networks and forums.

Person specification

We’re looking for someone who brings both expertise and values‑driven practice. You will have:

• At least three years’ experience delivering high‑quality research and evaluation activity.

• Proven experience conducting fieldwork, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

• Experience using a range of methodologies, with strong analytical and reporting skills.

• Ability to interpret and present complex data to varied audiences.

• Strong project management skills, with a track record of delivering work to agreed timescales and budgets.

• Experience writing reports for publication and diverse audiences.

• Knowledge and understanding of social inclusion issues.

• (Desirable) An honours degree and/or postgraduate qualification in a relevant social science discipline.

• (Desirable) Personal experience of health or social care services, or experience as a family carer.

The closing date for completed applications is 9am on Monday 2nd February 2026.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 11th February in person (Bath)