At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research projects that drive real change for people with learning disabilities.
- Company: Join Mencap, a passionate organisation dedicated to creating a fairer society.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days of paid holiday, discounts, health plans, and more perks.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value personality and commitment over specific experience.
- Why this job: Make a difference every day while supporting inclusive research and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods and strong communication skills.
Do you have experience delivering high quality research projects? Are you motivated by research that drives real change? Are you inclusive to your core and able to support colleagues who have lived experience? Mencap is looking for a Senior Research Specialist, and this could be the perfect opportunity for you. This is an exceptional opportunity to take a senior role in a passionate, skilled and impactful research team whose work sits at the heart of Mencap’s mission. The insights you and the team unearth will directly support our policy and influencing work to break down barriers and create a fairer society for people with a learning disability. You will have access to Mencap’s wide reaching networks and be able to see the knowledge you bring into the organisation make a real difference in the delivery of our many different services and programmes. This role is a full time (37.5 hours per week), permanent role. We’re offering flexibility as to where this role is based, we’re also open to discussions about part-time working.
As Senior Research Specialist, you will:
- Design, develop and carry out research and analytical projects in support of Mencap’s strategic priorities such as health, social care, employment and education.
- Provide research and analytical support to the wider organisation, to ensure Mencap uses data and research both innovatively and accurately to maximise impact.
- Provide research advice and consultancy to Mencap staff on all aspects of research including research briefs, commissioning research, project management, data analysis and report writing.
- Develop our expertise in inclusive research and work with external stakeholders and research partners to support and promote Learning Disability research through collaboration and knowledge transfer.
- Provide effective and supportive line management to research colleagues, including colleagues with a Learning Disability.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in the policy, campaigns and media teams within Mencap and academic partners across the UK.
- Deputise for the Head of Research on occasion.
What You Will Bring
We are looking for someone who has:
- Demonstrable skill and experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Ability to interpret and analyse quantitative and qualitative data including proficiency in software analysis tools (e.g. SPSS/ Excel).
- Proven ability to design and deliver research projects from conception to publication, including budget management.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills including sharing complex findings and persuading new audiences.
- Advanced skills in co-production, inclusive research, ethics and data protection.
- Excellent knowledge of Learning Disability issues, or a proven ability to develop expertise in new areas quickly.
- Experience of leading and coaching teams.
- Ability to build strong, trusting professional relationships that last.
- Commitment to Mencap’s mission and values.
If you’re driven by rigorous research, passionate about inclusion, and ready to deliver work that makes a difference every day, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now with an updated CV, applications close on 26 August 2026, with interviews to be held shortly afterward.
Benefits
Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.
About Mencap
Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in. At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere. Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation. Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes. Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves. We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long-term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies. We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.
Senior Research Specialist in Yaxley employer: Mencap
Mencap is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where compassion and teamwork thrive. Located in North Shields, this role as a Support Worker not only provides flexible shifts to accommodate your lifestyle but also includes valuable training opportunities and generous annual leave, ensuring you can grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Specialist in Yaxley
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Mencap, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Mencap. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Specialist in Yaxley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Mencap. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Mencap. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mencap
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Mencap. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Mencap to drive research projects forward.
