Researcher jobs

Centre for Mental Health is an established independent mental health research charity which for forty years has taken the lead in challenging policies, systems and society, so that everyone can have better mental health.

You will lead a team developing mental health research, economic analysis and policy ideas, as we equip services and decision makers to meet people’s needs and reduce mental health disparities.

Join us in our work driving forward sustainable policy change, tackling inequalities and working tirelessly for social justice and good mental health for all.

The Bone Cancer Research Trust launched a dedicated Support Service in 2019, in response to feedback from our community. Over the last 5 years, the Service has seen a significant increase in reach. We are now at a crucial stage, after conducting a comprehensive review of our Support Service and are now looking for an exceptional, dedicated and enthusiastic leader to drive the implementation of findings and recommendations, ensuring everyone affected by primary bone cancer become aware of, access and trust our portfolio of services and information resources.

The successful candidate will bring our current Support Service and Health Information functions together, to form a cohesive and comprehensive Support and Information Service also and will develop a framework to monitor the impact of this Service, ensuring that the needs of the primary bone cancer community remain at the heart of the Service.

The successful candidate will be a natural relationship builder, forming excellent relationships with both patients and healthcare professionals. They will have excellent organisational skills and will be a confident and compassionate leader.

The 5Rights Foundation is looking for a Research Officer to join our small and high impact team in fighting for a digital world that supports children and young people, in all their diversity, to flourish. ​​

At 5Rights, we work with governments, policy-makers, technologists, and NGOs all over the world to advocate for one simple principle: the enormous potential of digital technology will only be realised when it is designed with children and young people in mind. ​​

If you’re passionate about exploring emerging tech; if you’re enthusiastic about contributing to one of the most lively policy debates of our time; and if you’re committed to working on behalf of the one billion children who are online, we’d love to hear from you. ​​

We are looking for someone organised, meticulous, creative and critical-minded to conduct ongoing practical research into the tech children are using, ensure our policy team understand how it works and impacts children, and gather the evidence to drive change.​​​

Experience of providing research support in a policy environment and knowledge of technology policy, privacy, children’s rights or a related field would be desirable.​​​

Additional language skills such as French or Spanish is an advantage. We are offering remote working (with part-time co-working space access in London or Brussels) with employee contracts in the UK or Belgium; salary is £26,000 gross per annum (UK) or EUR 34,232 (Belgium) gross per annum including all benefits, which is 2,394 (gross) per month before benefits.​

About 5Rights​​

5Rights Foundation exists to ensure a digital world that will serve children and young people, in all their diversity, today and for future generations.​​​

We are a small team of senior professionals and experts delivering change in how the digital world works. We have shifted the narrative and the agenda through provocative comms campaigns (e.g. Twisted Toys), pioneering research (e.g. Pathways) and award-winning tools (e.g. Child Online Safety Toolkit). We continue to drive real-life change thanks to an outstanding track-record of delivering legislation (e.g. Californian Age Appropriate Design Code), policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. UNCRC General comment No. 25), and industry standards (e.g. IEEE 2089).​​​​

Key responsibilities ​​

Reporting to the Head of Compliance, you will:​

• ​Be the expert in the room! Make sure 5Rights knows what it needs to know, and be confident in holding us and those in our network to the evidence.​
• ​Conduct thorough and organised research, including rapid evidence assessments, report summaries, and deep-dives into emerging technologies.​
• Conduct consultation and exchange sessions with young people from around the world as part of our Youth Engagement Programme, learning about their experience and helping them understand how tech works.​
• Liaise with technologists and experts around the world, exchanging knowledge and staying up to date on the latest developments, research and emerging issues.​
• Gather evidence for and support compliance actions.​
• Maintain tracking tools and a well-organised evidence repository.​
• Help coordinate research projects and evidence-gathering programmes.​
• Draft ad hoc briefings for senior staff on relevant developments, or ahead of meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to 5Rights reports, positions, communications and fundraising materials.​
• Represent 5Rights as an expert at meetings and events.​​
• Provide support to the policy, tech accountability and innovation work of 5Rights more broadly as needed.​​​

Person specification​​

You’ll be a confident and skilled researcher, a clear, fresh thinker, and an excellent writer. High attention to detail, an eye for nuance, and the ability to digest complex information quickly and communicate it coherently are all musts. A background in technology issues or children’s rights is preferable, but not essential. Most of all, we’re looking for someone who’s thorough, proactive, super smart, and committed to our mission. ​​

ESSENTIAL skills and attributes: ​​​

• ​Thorough and thoughtful researcher ​
• Clear, concise, and engaging writing style in English​
• Confident verbal communicator in English​
• Inquisitive and keen to share the results of your research​​
• The ability to use your initiative, exercise good judgment and make nuanced recommendations​​
• A meticulous eye for detail and proven ability to design and deliver high-quality research products.​
• Team player, but also able to work independently, setting goals and meeting them​​
• ​Able to make good decisions on the relative importance of competing tasks, and meet deadlines.​
• ​Reliable, patient and with the relentless focus required to get complex deliverables over the line, managing processes from A-Z;​
• ​A can-do, action and solution-oriented attitude;​
• A commitment to the Foundation’s work and values ​
• Right to work in Belgium or the UK. ​​
• A commitment to the role for a minimum of two years, contributing to a growing and ambitious team.

DESIRABLE skills and attributes: ​​​

• ​Knowledge of technology policy, privacy, children’s rights or a related field. ​
• Experience of providing research support in a policy environment. ​
• ​Experience working internationally and in cultrally-diverse settings;​​
• Ability to work and research in other languages, such as French or Spanish.​​​

Remuneration and details​​

• ​Location: Remote position with employees based in UK and Belgium. Co-working office spaces are available up to twice a week.​
• Salary: a gross salary of £26,000 per annum for UK-based candidate, with flexibility depending on experience; EUR 34,232 (Belgium) gross per annum including all benefits, which is 2,394 per month (gross) before benefits
• Working hours: Full time, with some accommodation necessary for work across time-zones and for out of office hours sessions with young people.​
• Statutory pension contribution.​
• 25 days of annual leave.​
• Work equipment including a laptop and mobile phone will be provided​
• Starting data: asap.​​
• Reporting line: Head of Compliance.​​​​

5Rights values diversity and we strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this role. We aim for our recruitment to be inclusive and equitable, and we strive to constantly learn and improve in this regard.

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Research Officer to support our team in Scotland.

Deadline: 5pm on Friday 16th May
Location: Glasgow
Salary: Starting salary £31,350
Hours: Full-time, 32 hours per week (as part of our 32-hour week pilot and may revert to 35 hours after July 2025)
Contract type: This is a fixed-term role for 18 months

This is an exciting opportunity to design and implement impactful research and evaluation projects. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to collect and analyse data, ensuring that our work is informed by lived experience and reflects the diverse needs of the communities we serve.

What does the role involve?​​

• Lead and support research projects, including quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Produce high-quality reports, presentations, and academic publications to share findings with varied audiences.
• Conduct systematic and pragmatic evidence reviews to inform our initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues in communications and policy to ensure our research drives meaningful impact.
• Represent the Mental Health Foundation at events to promote our research and vision.

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?​

• A degree or relevant equivalent in a relevant field with substantial research elements, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Proven ability to manage research projects and deliver results on time and to budget.
• Strong communication skills to present complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to ethical research practices and inclusivity, with a focus on addressing inequality and adversity.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

About us

Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health.

Our vision is for a world with good mental health for all. With prevention at the heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.

We will drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to live mentally healthier lives, with a particular focus on those at greatest risk.

The Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week.

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application form by clicking 'Redirect to recruiter'. Please note that all sections of the application form should be completed as CVs alone will not be accepted. Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 16th May and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for Monday 2nd June.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home for full time staff, pro rata for part time staff.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Team: Feline Research

Location: Remote with travel

Work pattern: 35 hours per week

Salary: Up to £44,400.69 per year

Contract: 12-month fixed term contract

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Feline Welfare Associate Researcher:

• work on domestic cat welfare related projects both internally in Cats Protection and in collaboration with academics and other organisations to increase the knowledge and data on cat welfare within a practical shelter landscape
• daily tasks including supporting the completion of research papers, literature reviews, evidence synthesis and its critical evaluation as well as qualitative data analysis from ongoing projects
• substantial periods of cat based fieldwork including travel and stays away from home will also be required as part of the role

About the Feline Research team:

• the team work across a series of complex research workstreams which prioritise the development of non-invasive, biologically sound ways to support cat-wellbeing focused data gathering
• the post holder will be required to work closely and collaboratively with the rest of the team, in order to support on varied research tasks subject to the needs of each ongoing project
• the team consist of Feline Welfare Postdoctoral Researchers and a Feline Welfare Scientist as well as the wider research team

What we’re looking for in our Feline Welfare Associate Researcher:

• previously undertaken non-invasive animal behaviour and welfare focused studies including literature searches, project design, data collection and analysis, manuscript writing
• applied animal welfare and husbandry experience e.g. in shelter/zoo/animal charity/veterinary/community context
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral
• self-motivation and the ability to effectively problem solve and work on own initiative
• post-graduate degree in animal behaviour, animal welfare, veterinary medicine, psychology, biological science or related subject
• valid UK driving licence

What we can offer you:

• range of health benefits
• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing
• and much more, which you can learn about here

Interested? Here’s how to apply:

Application closing date: 27 April 2025

Virtual interview date: 06 and 09 May 2025

Please note, we do not accept applications or speculative CVs from agencies.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

1. anonymised application form
2. Virtual interview with presentation

Please email us if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.

Research Associate - National Youth Agency

Contract: 12-month Fixed Term Contract (with potential to extend)
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week 
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Remote: This role is 100% homebased with occasional travel for staff residentials and other events.

What we do

As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.

We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Knowledge Team, working alongside two existing Research Associates and a Data Analyst. 

You will be integral in delivering research, data, and insights that support organisational development and programme delivery across NYA.

We are looking for an experienced mixed-methods researcher with a strong understanding of social research and evaluation approaches. Ideally, you will have experience working in or alongside the youth sector and be confident using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

You’ll need to be flexible, proactive, and a strong communicator, able to explain complex ideas to varied audiences. 

This role is ideal for someone looking to make a tangible difference through evidence-led approaches that shape policy, practice, and impact in youth work.

Key responsibilities for this role will include:

• Designing and delivering research projects using a range of methods including surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Supporting the development of the NYA research and data hub, including external research collation and data visualisation.
• Leading on evaluations to meet funder requirements and contribute to NYA’s growing evidence base.
• Analysing data from NYA programmes to support impact measurement.
• Promoting evidence-based practice across NYA and the wider youth sector.
• Communicating findings clearly through reports, briefings, and presentations.
• Managing research projects and collaborating with internal and external partners to deliver on time and to quality.
• Responding to internal and external research enquiries.

The ideal candidate will have experience in social research, familiarity with various research methodologies, and the ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences. 

Please refer to our Candidate Pack for more information on the role and the requirements.

Why Work for NYA?

NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.

NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.

A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.

NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.

We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via Spectrum.life with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.

How to Apply:

Please download our applicant pack to find out more about the role and requirements

To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform by 11:59pm on Monday 12th May 2025:

A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section. 

A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the

About You section. 

We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.

Please note: the covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 30% AI generated content with be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.

The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer. 

At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission. 

We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.

Youth Work changes lives

Which is why we’re committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible get to benefit from it. As the national body for youth work in England, the National Youth Agency (NYA) exists to champion its transformative power.  We believe all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of extraordinary youth workers and trained volunteers.

We help to grow youth work provision in ways that keep it effective, relevant, safe and engaging, to help millions of young people reach their potential and thrive. We do this by providing guidance, support, advice, training and staff development opportunities for youth workers and youth work organisations. At the heart of everything we do are young people themselves. We work hard to ensure their voices are integrated into all our work, to develop provision that truly meets their needs.

REF-221126

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced Trusts, Corporate and HNW Prospect Research, to assist our Philanthropy and Partnerships team, to grow our income and paly an important part in securing funding for our vision to find a cure for all brain tumours.

Do you have the experience, drive and determination to thrive in this role?

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a prospect pipeline providing Trusts and Corporate fundraisers and the Major Donor programme with the required number and level of prospects to meet the team's objectives and financial targets by using different tools to support you, including gift table.
• Carry out due diligence on donors and prospects to ensure donations are accepted in accordance with our Ethical and Major Giving Policy.
• Ensure the database is kept up to date with accurate and current information on prospects, contacts and ensure it is stored and archived accurately and in accordance with GDPR and Brain Tumour Research policies. Support the team’s up to date understanding of GDPR and consent recording on the database and associated processes.
• Proactively collaborate across teams to identify opportunities for prospecting, for example with Corporate, Trusts, Individual Giving and Events.

Requirements:

• Experience of researching high net worth individuals, company Directors, and/or family Trust and Foundations Boards identifying capacity, propensity and affinity to the cause. 
• Ability to gather information from the public domain in accordance with GDPR, Data protection regulation, IoF and charity law. 
• Experience of producing accurate, unbiased, concise snapshot research as well as more in-depth research profiles detailed reports, network mapping and analysis on donors and prospects. 
• Knowledge and commitment to our aims, mission and values is desired. 
• Strong understanding of due diligence, data protection and the latest GDPR and ICO updates is desired.

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

SafeDeposits is Scotland’s leading tenancy deposit protection scheme and dispute resolution provider. As a not-for-profit, SafeDeposits donates surpluses generated to its charity, the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust (“the Trust”). The Trust aims to improve standards in Scotland’s private rented sector by promoting education, training and best practice.

In addition to its grant-giving, the Trust is developing an ambitious research programme designed to inform future policy making and debate. This includes two new national representative surveys: “The Voice of the Tenant (Scotland)” and “The Voice of the Landlord (Scotland)”.

SafeDeposits and the Trust are part of the TDS [The Dispute Service Ltd] Group; a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee that operates equivalent deposit protection services across the UK and delivers a range of initiatives to raise standards in the private rented sector. 

We have a new opportunity within our Policy, Research and Strategy team to join them as a Research and Programme Officer.

This is a full-time, permanent position ideally based within commuting distance of our Glasgow office. However, we are open to considering home-based candidates from other areas of Scotland, depending on their skills and experience.

The purpose of this role is to deliver and support the expansion of SafeDeposits research programme. The successful candidate will work on qualitative and quantitative research projects and ensure findings are disseminated effectively. Our priority is to recruit an individual with the requisite research skills and experience. Where required, appropriate training and support will be provided for the aspects of the role involving coordination of the grant-giving programme. The role offers a unique opportunity for a researcher to not only contribute to the evidence base, but to also work with TDS and SafeDeposits colleagues to commission evidence-based solutions for positive change.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Working with external contractors to deliver the Voice of the Tenant (Scotland) and Voice of the Landlord (Scotland) surveys.
• Conduct, analyse, and report on qualitative and quantitative research projects.
• Lead research collaborations with other organizations and stakeholders.
• Develop content, including blogs and social media posts, to share research findings in collaboration with marketing.
• Represent SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust at internal and external events, including presentations and public speaking.
• Assess and monitor grant applications in collaboration with an external contractor.

To be considered for this opportunity you must:

• Have a degree in a relevant field
• Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in research, social policy, or a similar role (or equivalent postgraduate study).
• Be proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Have strong working knowledge of Excel for statistical analysis and reporting.
• Demonstrate an understanding of data validity and credibility.
• Be able to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.

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!

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letting outlining how your skills and experience match the person specification.

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

Successful candidates will be based either in London or Greater Manchester and support a range of client-facing innovation projects as well as internal projects such as team learning events and business development, primarily playing a role of coordination. Successful candidates will be offered a range of development opportunities including attendance at the Innovation Unit Academy, one-to-one coaching and chances to learn from and share ideas with team members across a range of sectors.

You will be working on a range of different projects, tasks may include but are not limited to:

Project Coordination and Delivery

• Support Project Leads to plan and coordinate projects including tasks such as: drafting delivery updates for clients; recording minutes; scheduling meetings; and understanding/raising any risks.

• Support the delivery of client-facing projects through tasks such as: leading on event logistics (online and in person) and at times co-designing and co-facilitating workshops; analysing complex information; drafting and designing event documents; and, developing communication materials such as slides and web content.

• Collaborate with your project team to share learning with the wider organisation.

Research and Service Design

• Make sense of complex information, analyse data and generate learning.

• Undertake or coordinate specific pieces of primary and secondary research and writing 

• Support data collection, including but not limited to: interviews with service-users and professionals, surveys, and structured workshop interaction.

• Look at and learn from work happening beyond the organisation, including new innovations and policy developments. 

Communications and Business Development

• Develop a wide range of communication materials, including but not limited to newsletters, flyers, blogs, social media content, and web content.

• Support staff across the IU team to pursue business development opportunities and develop proposals

Are you passionate about User Research?

We are looking for a User Research Officer to join our Continuous Improvement Team in England.  This is a 12 month contract opportunity.

We are a friendly, collaborative team that works with funding teams across England, and colleagues from the wider organisation, to support continuous improvement.

We work with people to identify and deliver improvements to our funding programmes, systems, processes, knowledge and skills. We are passionate about continuously learning and improving to maximise our impact for communities across England.

This is an excellent opportunity for a user researcher who is passionate about understanding user experience and influencing change for both customers and colleagues.

Key responsibilities

This role requires a highly motivated person who is able to build excellent working relationships with people and teams across the Fund. The successful candidate will design and lead on a wide range of different types of user research. The types of research may include:

• Understanding and supporting the improvement of our funding programmes, processes and internal grant making system
• Targeted research with minoritised communities to better understand barriers to our funding
• Discovery of user needs to inform a Learning and Development plan

 Interview Date: Tuesday 6 May - virtual

Location: We have a hybrid approach to working, work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. You can be based anywhere in England to ensure easy access to all of our England offices. Our England offices are based in Birmingham, Exeter, Leeds, London, Manchester and Newcastle.

Essential criteria

• Experience of planning and designing research that is appropriate, inclusive and ethical
• Experience of how to use different research techniques to understand situations or problems
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and create clear, actionable findings
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences and present insights effectively
• A values-driven mindset, passionate about the Fund’s mission
• Ability to work flexibly and handle multiple competing priorities within a small team

Desirable criteria

• A good understanding of grant giving/ not for profit sector and the customer facing services needed
• Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

Reports to: Director of Research 

Responsible for (personnel): N/A 

Start date: June 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter

Based in: Candidates from any location where DMI has a permanent presence (London, Antananarivo, Kampala, Lilongwe, Lusaka, Maputo, Mwanza, and Ouagadougou) are invited to apply. If successful, you will be expected to adhere to the working practices of the DMI office where you are subsequently based. If in the UK, you will be required to attend our London office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There may be occasional opportunities for international travel.

Type of role: Full time, permanent 

Salary: £35,000-45,000 per annum, dependent on experience, plus benefits. Benefits will be aligned with those in place at the DMI office in which the successful applicant is based. All DMI staff receive at least: any statutory pension contribution, 25 days annual leave, and private health insurance – more details can be given at interview.

Application deadline: 23:59 on 22nd April 2025

Date of first round interview: 30th April 2025

About DMI 

Development Media International (DMI) delivers media campaigns aimed at changing behaviours, promoting health and saving lives in developing countries. We are the first organisation to scientifically demonstrate that mass media can increase life-saving behaviours (see the results of our RCT that proved our interventions can save thousands of children’s lives, here). 

DMI has two priorities: first, to continue to generate ground-breaking research, second, to take our proven strategies to scale, saving as many lives as possible. We work across a range of health issues, including child survival, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, hygiene, and early childhood development. DMI works in close partnership with leading experts in health, including WHO, UNICEF and LSHTM and has been funded by some of the world’s most prestigious organisations including the Wellcome Trust, FCDO, The Hilton Foundation, the Global Innovation Fund, Unorthodox Philanthropy, and the Mulago Foundation. 

We are an innovative organisation, working at the nexus between science and creativity. DMI has demonstrated that knowledge is not only a human right but is also the key to saving lives in a cost-effective way. Our intellectual rigour, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn from both our successes and mistakes, makes us distinct. By working at DMI you will have a genuine, measurable impact on improving lives in low-income countries. 

DMI’s HQ is near Kings Cross in London and the organisation has a permanent presence in Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. It also currently works in Mauritania, Uganda and Cote d’Ivoire.

DMI is ranked as one of the most cost-effective non-profit organisations in the world by The Life You Can Save.

Job Description

DMI is looking to recruit a Research Officer/Manager, whereby candidates from any location where DMI has a permanent presence (London, Antananarivo, Kampala, Lilongwe, Lusaka, Maputo, Mwanza, and Ouagadougou) are invited to apply. The salary and title of this role is dependent experience, and DMI will consider outstanding Masters graduates through to post-doctoral level researchers. To succeed, you will need to demonstrate significant research experience and a highly proficient report writing abilities.

More specifically, the Research Officer/Manager role will include the following responsibilities: 

1. Designing and managing effective and scientifically robust evaluations (both quantitative and qualitative) for DMI projects.

2. Overseeing, advising, and supporting research teams in DMI’s national offices to conduct routine research activities (for example, focus groups to understand barriers to behaviour change) and other project specific research tasks.

3. Commissioning and managing external agencies (usually based in the country that we are working) to carry out surveys. This includes the competitive selection of an agency, often using a tendering process, liaising with the selected agency and ensuring that their work is of the highest scientific standards.

4. Contributing to writing and publishing reports based on data gathered and methodologies used during DMI projects. This will include articles for peer-reviewed academic journals and wider scientific publications.

5. Providing technical support to project design during the proposal phase, particularly in relation to the design of monitoring and evaluation elements.

6. Keeping abreast of the latest research evidence, theories, and concepts relevant to DMI’s campaign topics, and communicating trends and new ideas across the organisation.

7. Effectively communicating with, providing technical research support, and building the research capacity of colleagues (those with and without a research background) and sub-contractors in the areas of research methods, monitoring, process evaluation, and impact evaluation, analysis, and interpretation.

8. Other tasks as required by DMI.

Person specification 

Required knowledge, skills and experience  

1. Very strong intellectual ability, as evidenced by a research-focused postgraduate qualification and significant research experience in epidemiology, public health, health economics, social sciences, statistics, biomedical sciences, or an equivalent field.  The salary range is broad to reflect that we will consider outstanding Masters graduates through to post-doctoral level researchers. 

2. Excellent writing skills (in English), likely proven both by a publication record, and by an ability to communicate complex technical ideas to non-specialist audiences, both internally and externally.

3. Practical experience with, and good working knowledge of, statistical analysis software programmes, such as Stata, SPSS, R, or SAS, and strong general IT skills including questionnaire design, database development, and working with complex spreadsheets.

4. An inquisitive and open-minded approach, evidenced by knowledge and understanding of a broad range of research topics and a willingness to learn about new themes, approaches, and techniques when required.

5. Self-motivated with a high capacity for work, shown by the ability to cope with multiple concurrent professional priorities and tight deadlines. This will require strong organisational and time management skills but also the flexibility to understand the pressures, uncertainties, and difficulties of working in an international development context.

6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Willingness and ability to take the initiative not only in identifying problems but also in suggesting and implementing solutions.

7. The ability to understand different cultural contexts, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa.

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience  

1. Language ability in French, Portuguese, or Swahili. Fluency in other languages spoken in DMI’s countries of operation is also desirable.

2. Practical experience of designing, monitoring, and evaluating programmes, preferably with some research experience in developing countries, and meeting the monitoring and evaluation requirements of global funders. Experience of data collection using PDAs/mobile phones/tablets would be useful.

3. Experience of working with geographically displaced colleagues (ideally in different countries).

DMI is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

DMI operates a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and is committed to the protection and safeguarding of vulnerable individuals. Where appropriate, successful candidates will undergo background and reference checks. All DMI employees will be required to self-declare prior issues of sexual or other misconduct, termination of past employment, criminal records, and concerns registered with government authorities regarding contact with children.

The Programme Officer (Research) will play an integral role in the Impact team within the broader Directorate of Impact and External Affairs. This is a pivotal time for Fight for Sight as we begin to implement our Impact Framework enabling us to communicate the impact of our extensive portfolio of current and past funded research projects to our internal and external audiences.

The role is diverse and varied, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to build their exposure to a complement of research management activities. In addition to assisting with the implementation of the Impact Framework they will be instrumental in the delivery of our grant funding processes and will have the opportunity to work closely with our Research Grant Assessment Panel and key partners to ensure we achieve the exciting ambitions laid out in our Research Strategy.

How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter / supporting statement of no more than two pages which evidences the specification. You must also answer the vetting questions via the application portal.

Closing date for applications: 9am Monday, 28th April 2025

Interview dates: likely week commencing 12th May 2025 (TBC)

Role Responsibilities
Grant-making activities

• Efficiently and effectively managing multiple annual grant award cycles taking responsibility for peer review processes and Panel meetings.
• Ensuring that grant making processes are delivered in accordance with AMRC best practice.
• Courteous and timely management of queries from applicants and other key stakeholders, such as RGAP members.
• Contributing and developing process improvements where necessary to continue to evolve our programme.
• Assist with the preparation of papers to support our decision-making processes including supporting our Research Grants Assessment Panel (RGAP) by ensuring they have all relevant information and that the meetings run smoothly.
• Ensure that formal decisions and outcomes are shared with relevant stakeholders, including applicants and internal colleagues.

Team and Organisation

• Take responsibility for keeping accurate and up to date records ensuring that these are readily and clearly accessible, primarily through CC Grant Tracker and Monday
• Be the first port of call for colleagues with queries related to our research portfolio, including providing support on donor-queries and funding applications.
• Highlighting opportunities for stories of impact with communications colleagues.
• Supporting with the collection and interpretation of impact-related measurements as we implement our impact framework.
• Assist with ad hoc tasks as required for example developing briefing documents, the organisation and delivery of in person and online meetings and events, minuting etc.

Person specification

Skills, knowledge & experience

Essential

• Biomedical science/ related degree or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of and commitment to the importance of high-quality vision research in the UK.
• Ability to analyse and summarise complex information drawing out key points.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex, scientific information to wide range of audiences.
• Ability to effectively prioritise and manage a varied workload.
• Proficient in the use of standard IT packages including Microsoft Office suite.

Desirable

• Postgraduate degree
• Experience of working in a research or grant making organisation.
• Experience using research and project management tools such as Monday and the online grant management system Symplectic Grant Tracker.

Personal qualities

• Team player with a flexible approach to delivering organisational priorities.
• Organised, able to manage multiple ongoing tasks.
• Good attention to detail.
• Open minded and willing to take on board new concepts.
• Capable and curious, able to learn new processes and suggest ongoing improvements.
• Credible able to represent the organisation externally.
• Approachable and able to build relationships and work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders.

Other information: please see the attached job description for full details on working with us and how to apply.

Job Title: Policy and Research Officer 

Location: Liverpool/Hybrid (Remote working a possibility)

Salary: £33,000

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time. Monday to Friday, 8:45am-4:45pm

Join Us in Ending Furniture Poverty!

Are you passionate about social housing and making a difference in people’s lives? Do you want to use research to make a real difference in tackling furniture poverty across the UK?

We’re looking for a Policy & Research Officer to join End Furniture Poverty, the campaigning arm of FRC Group. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of impactful social research that shapes policy and drives change.

About End Furniture Poverty

End Furniture Poverty is the campaigning arm of FRC Group, a social enterprise with a mission to End Furniture Poverty. We are committed to making a tangible difference in our communities by providing quality, affordable furniture to those in need. Our values—Bravery, Creativity, Passion, and Professionalism—drive us to tackle social issues head-on, innovating to create sustainable solutions and inspiring positive change.

Operating for over 35 years, FRC Group includes a family of social businesses such as the Furniture Resource Centre and Buckingham Interiors. Our operations are not just about providing furniture; they’re about empowering lives, supporting the community, and ensuring everyone has access to the essential items that make a house a home.

Our team is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We invest in our people through comprehensive training, development opportunities, and a culture that celebrates achievements and milestones.

The Role

As part of the End Furniture Poverty team, you’ll work closely with the Director of End Furniture Poverty to lead and deliver our research strategy. You’ll develop and deliver high-quality research, analyse complex data, and create publications that inform policy and influence real-world change.

This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on juggling multiple projects, has a strong grasp of social research methods, and wants to see their work have a national impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading primary and secondary research into the causes, effects, and solutions to furniture poverty

• Designing qualitative and quantitative studies

• Handling large datasets and using tools like SPSS, Stata or R for analysis

• Writing publication-standard reports and policy briefings

• Mapping services and interventions in the sector

• Staying up to date with key policy developments

• Supporting our influencing work with powerful evidence and insight

Skills and Experience:

• Strong experience of both qualitative and quantitative social research

• Educated to degree level (ideally in a relevant field such as social or political science)

• Postgraduate social research qualification

• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal

• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g. SPSS, R, Stata)

• Confidence in managing complex datasets and distilling insights

• A creative and analytical mindset

• Knowledge of social justice, government policy, and socioeconomic issues

• A passion for ending furniture poverty and aligning with our values: Bravery, Creativity, Passion, and Professionalism

Benefits

• 27 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
• Christmas shutdown
• Up to 9% pension match
• Staff purchase schemes
• Medicash health insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Travel passes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Birthday celebrations and meals
• Values awards & vouchers
• 3 paid volunteering days per year
• Free parking
• Death in service
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Free tea, coffee, and fruit
• Wonderful Wednesdays – Free Toast and gatherings
• Training and Development opportunities
• A great place to work with a positive social impact

At End Furniture Poverty, you'll be part of a passionate team working to create lasting social change. This is a unique opportunity to lead meaningful research that directly informs national policy and helps end furniture poverty in the UK. We’re a values-driven organisation that champions innovation, creativity, and impact. With a flexible, supportive working environment and the chance to grow and develop your skills, you’ll be making a real difference—every single day.

If you're ready to use your skills to drive change and help shape a fairer society, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of ending furniture poverty.