Senior Research and Development Officer (Adults)

Advertising reference number: NTX1138635
£32,684 per annum (pro rata of £40,855)

Part-time role: 28 hours per week
Fixed-term contract
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Closing date: 08:00 on Friday 24 October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high volume of applications and therefore encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible. 

Interview date: Monday 10 November 2025. Please note that interviews for this role will be held virtually. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice has been enabling evidence-informed practice for and with the adults sector since 2005 and the children and families sector since 1996. This role is focused on the adults sector aspect of Research in Practice.

We work with and for professionals in the social care, health, criminal justice and higher education sectors offering resources, learning opportunities and specialist expertise.

Research in Practice brings together research evidence, practice wisdom and expertise from people’s lived experience. We do this by interpreting the latest research evidence, working with professionals across the sector to share practice wisdom and listening to people with lived experience. We then work with experts to create learning opportunities and resources on relevant topics, tailored to the needs of individuals and organisations.

We are looking for a Senior Research and Development Officer who is passionate about evidence-informed practice, to join our Adults team. The role demands a strong understanding of research and policy, and the ability to translate complex evidence into accessible learning materials. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to build collaborative relationships across and within organisations. Experience in co-production, research mobilisation or working within academic or policy environments, is valued.

The Senior Research and Development Officer leads a small team of committed Research and Development Officers, developing and delivering high-quality learning resources in various formats. The post holder is responsible for scoping, commissioning, writing, editing and quality assurance, and plays a key role in income generation through tenders and bids.

The role requires strong facilitation and delivery skills, and experience designing and delivering workshops, webinars and events for a range of audiences, including senior leaders. The successful candidate will be confident presenting, chairing and leading sector-wide discussions.

We offer hybrid, flexible working from our Devon and Sheffield offices. Remote working from within the UK may also be considered. International applicants will not be considered without proof of right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer employment to applicants who do not live in the UK. 

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.