Research Officer

Summary
We’re looking for a Research Officer to join our Research Team, helping to support high-quality research across the Trust. Working with colleagues and external partners, you’ll provide advice on research activity, support good research practice and governance, and help ensure research is effectively shared and used to inform decision-making.

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

What it’s like to work here
Recognised as an Independent Research Organisation since 2019, we deliver research that helps shape how we care for heritage and nature. Working with leading universities, researchers and colleagues across the Trust, you'll be part of a collaborative team committed to making research accessible, relevant and impactful.

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

What you’ll be doing
You’ll help build a positive, inclusive research culture by supporting good research practice, coordinating research governance and acting as a key contact for research-related queries. Working closely with the Research Manager, you’ll coordinate our research proposal review process, manage our internal research funding scheme, support our PhD cohort and contribute to training and development activity. You’ll also build relationships with colleagues and external partners, lead on research communications and reporting, and help ensure our research information is well managed and accessible.

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

Who we’re looking for

You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles, sectors or career paths, and the judgment to apply them effectively at scale;

• Experience in a higher education institution or research organisation.
• Knowledge and understanding of the academic research sector, including research funding and research landscape outside the Trust.
• Strong ability to understand, analyse and use both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships with external and internal stakeholders, and to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including influencing and negotiating with stakeholders and the ability to communicate with different audiences.
• Excellent administrative, organisational and time management skills.
• Experience of carrying out or supporting academic research. 
• Experience of organising events and presenting to audiences. 

Closing Date: 25 October 2026

Interview Date: 10 November 2026 

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