Science advisor jobs in birmingham, west midlands

Research Officer

We’re looking for TWO motivated and detail-oriented Research Officers to support the Association’s research funding activities and award portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a bold and ambitious research strategy that puts stroke survivors at the centre.

Position: CE376 Research officer (two posts)

Location: Home-based, UK, Nationwide. However, occasional travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)

Salary: Circa £34,400 per annum (inner London weighting £3,950 per annum or outer London weighting £2,275 per annum may be applied in accordance with where you live)

Hours: 2 x 35 hours per week positions available

Contract: This is a fixed-term contract for 12 months

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 10 August 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Interview Date: Likely to be between 19-21 August 2025

Interviews will be held via video conferencing. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application.

The Role

Working closely with a friendly and knowledgeable team, you’ll manage the logistics of research funding calls, support peer review and governance processes, and ensure accurate tracking of award progress and impact.

You’ll be the first point of contact for funded researchers and play a key role in making research accessible and visible to wider audiences.

The role includes opportunities to work with the Involvement Lead and Communications Lead, developing skills in research impact analysis, stakeholder engagement, and project management. You’ll also work closely with teams across the organisation to amplify the impact of stroke research in policy and practice.

About You

You will:

• Be educated to degree level in a science, health, social science or related discipline, or have equivalent research experience.
• Be confident handling research data, drafting accessible content, and working with a range of stakeholders including researchers, funders, and stroke survivors.
• Have excellent organisational, communication and analytical skills, with a commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement.

To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK.

Please submit your CV, (including details of your current address), and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience.

If you are applying under the Disability Confident scheme, please indicate this in your supporting statement.

Finding strength through support

The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support. 

The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.

The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.

A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. The charity has a variety of staff network groups and are committed to continuously improving diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

You may also have experience in areas such as Research, Researcher, Research Advisor, Senior Researcher, Senior Research Advisor, Lead Researcher, Lead Research Advisor, Health Research, Health Researcher, Health Research Advisor, Senior Health Researcher, Senior Health Research Advisor. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Location: Flexible within the UK. Home-based, blended or fully office based (from our offices in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh or London)

Closing Date: 14 August 2025

Ref: SB 1392

Are you passionate about data protection and want to make a real impact in the fight against the climate emergency? Join Energy Saving Trust as our Data Protection Officer and help ensure we handle personal and organisational data with integrity, transparency, and care.

Who we are

Energy Saving Trust is a leading and trusted organisation, dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, low carbon transport and sustainable energy use. We aim to address the climate emergency and deliver the wider benefits of clean energy as we transition to net zero.

At Energy Saving Trust we don’t just offer jobs – we offer careers. For our people, being part of the effort to address the climate emergency makes working for us truly meaningful and rewarding.

Here are some of the benefits we offer:

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional leave earned through length of service

• Three extra days off over the Christmas period as a gesture of goodwill

• A competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions

• Flexibility in our ways of working – work from home, in the office, or a mix of both, depending on your role

• Two paid volunteering days per year – a chance to give back to the causes that matter most to you

Please see our careers page for the full list of benefits we have to offer and why Energy Saving Trust is a great place to work.

The team

Who we are: We’re part of the Finance, Risk and Compliance team. Our job is to help the organisation stay on track by managing risk, following rules, and making sure we do things the right way.

What we do: We work across areas like data protection, risk, fraud prevention, contracts, and buying goods and services.

How we work: We follow a clear structure that helps everyone understand their role. The Data Protection Officer is part of the second line of defence, offering independent advice and support on data privacy. They’re supported by an Assistant Data Protection Officer who reports directly to them.

Our culture: We’re a close-knit team. We share ideas, support each other, and work together to solve problems.

Why join us?

“There’s a real sense of purpose here. We’re not just ticking boxes—we’re helping shape a more sustainable future while supporting each other every step of the way.”

The role     

As a key member of our Finance, Risk and Compliance Centre of Excellence, you’ll lead our data protection strategy, oversee compliance with UK GDPR and related legislation, and act as a trusted advisor across the organisation. You’ll manage and mentor the Assistant Data Protection Officer and collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to align data protection with information security standards.

You’ll play a vital role in embedding a culture of accountability and risk awareness, supporting our Three Lines of Defence model and helping teams across the organisation understand and manage their data responsibilities.

Success in this role means embedding a proactive approach to data protection, delivering clear and timely advice, and building strong relationships across the organisation. You’ll have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence decision-making, and be part of a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Join us in supporting the transition to a low-carbon future—where your expertise in data protection helps drive meaningful impact in tackling the climate emergency.

What you’ll do

Strategic Oversight: Lead the organisation’s data protection strategy and ensure compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and other relevant legislation—acting as a key advisor and point of contact for the ICO and data subjects.

Governance and Risk Culture: Operate within the second line of defence in the organisation’s Three Lines of Defence model, fostering a risk-aware, accountable culture across all Centre’s of Excellence.

Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with internal teams, including IT and cybersecurity, to align data protection with information security standards, and support external engagement with regulators and data subjects.

Leadership and Development: Manage and mentor the Assistant Data Protection Officer, while contributing to the growth and capability of the wider Risk and Compliance Team.

Mission Impact: By ensuring ethical and secure handling of data, this role supports Energy Saving Trust’s mission to address the climate emergency—building public trust and enabling effective, sustainable services for people and communities.

What you’ll bring

Expert Knowledge: In-depth understanding of UK data protection laws, including UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, PECR, FOI, and FOISA.

Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop team members, fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to real-world scenarios, supporting risk-based decision-making.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly for policy development, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

Proactivity and Initiative: Demonstrated ability to stay ahead of regulatory changes and proactively support compliance across diverse business areas.

To apply please visit our recruitment portal via the Apply Button. 

Applications close 5.30pm, 14 August. Interviews are intended to be held 21-28 August.

To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Reasonable adjustments: We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. We want to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive of and accessible for, everyone.

If you think you may need additional support or reasonable adjustments made to any part of the recruitment process, please get in touch. 

Flexible working: We offer a range of flexible working arrangements, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements. There is no need to justify your preferred working pattern and we encourage our people to work in whichever way helps them to perform at their best.

We will be happy to discuss this and our blended working model at the interview stage with you.

Please note, that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this post. To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

Diversity and inclusion

Energy Saving Trust is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can be themselves, with support to be their best.

We strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and with different identities and experiences to apply for roles with Energy Saving Trust.

We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and offer guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role. 

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project.  We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.

This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including:  establishing and coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks. 

Main responsibilities

Planning & strategy delivery

· Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy

· Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities

· Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)

· Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement

· Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.

Practical engagement and involvement

· Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups

· Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme.  To include, for example:

o Managing and supporting Youth Advisors

o Recruiting and running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)

o Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary

· Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK

· Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals

· Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers

· Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.

Team support

• Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
• Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
• Sharing examples of emerging good practice and CEI (Community Engagement & Involvement) impact across the research team.

Wider

• Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider CEI communities of practice
• Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
• Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential criteria

· Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field

· Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)

· A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting

· Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement,  including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice

· Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including  marginalised and vulnerable groups

· Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.

· Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration

· Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately

· Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals

· Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing

· Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.

· Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)

Desirable criteria

· Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement

· Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience

· Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood

· Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks

· Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.

· Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)

Dimensions

· This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.

· Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.

· AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 08 September, tentatively scheduled on Thursday 11 or Friday 12 September 2025.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.