Research Officer

We're looking for a Research Officer to help grow a dynamic, sustainable research culture at the National Trust. You'll support research governance, advise teams, and shape policy to ensure our work is visible, impactful and aligned with our core purpose. 

Since becoming an Independent Research Organisation in 2019, we’ve built a strong network of partners and a thriving research community. Help us take it even further. 

This is a fixed term contract due to end when the postholder returns to the role.  At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 12-months. 

We'd love to learn more about you and your experiences, so please upload a cover letter with your application addressed to Dr. Anita Weatherby, Head of Research.

What it's like to work here

As part of our Research Team, you’ll collaborate with colleagues and partners to support high-quality research that protects nature, beauty and history for everyone. You'll work closely with research-active teams, universities, and external organisations to help deliver work that supports our charitable aims.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there’ll be an expectation for you to attend this office. However, there’s flexibility on where you're based at other times. You'll be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This’ll be discussed in more detail at interview.

What you'll be doing

As part of our commitment to high-quality, purposeful research, you’ll lead the management of our research approvals process—supporting colleagues through governance requirements and coordinating the work of our Research Board to ensure we’re backing the right research at the right time. You’ll also play a key role in shaping and sustaining our partnerships with universities and research organisations, helping to deliver collaborative projects that support the Trust’s strategic priorities.

You’ll oversee how we record and report on research across the organisation and use your experience to help develop our staff’s research skills, including supporting our internal training programme. Alongside this, you’ll lead the delivery and development of our research communications strategy, ensuring our research is shared clearly, widely and with purpose.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what is possible in this role.

Who we're looking for

• experience in a relevant field, ideally within higher education or research settings
• understanding of the academic and research landscape 
• confident using both qualitative and quantitative data
• written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage a range of stakeholders
• collaborative team player who is comfortable working in a matrix environment and delivering high-quality outcomes
• proven ability to build positive relationships internally and externally
• organised, with time management and administrative skills
• experience in leading communications, including newsletters

For more information please visit, IRC163156 - Research Officer

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