Research Officer 40,576 pa

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.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)

Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

National Trust place

Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NA

Documents

Research Officer - Grade 6.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Closing Date: 25 October 2026

Interview Date: 10 November 2026

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here .

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.

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