At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research on bioethics, focusing on Mind & Brain projects.
- Company: Join the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, a leader in ethical policy and research.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 28 days holiday, and support for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in biomedicine and health ethics while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in research and policy, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 53588 - 53588 £ per year.
Contract: 12 month maternity contract (starts Sept 2026). Secondments considered. Hours: Full time (35 hours per week). Location: We are London based (Farringdon). Our staff have the option to work from home 2 days per week. Closing: 09:30am (BST), Wednesday 1st July 2026. Salary: Starting from £53,588 per annum.
Overview
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB) is seeking an experienced researcher to lead on the design, development and execution of project deliverables under the Mind & Brain priority area work programme. We are on a mission to place ethics at the centre of decisions regarding biomedicine and health so that we all benefit. In this new role, your main focus will be working across our Mind & Brain priority area, but you may also be expected to work on other projects and policy areas as necessary, particularly any complex or time-sensitive research and policy projects associated with NCOB’s priority areas.
You will act as an expert on your portfolio within the NCOB and be responsible for elements of project‑specific publications (including conception, drafting and delivery) alongside significant stakeholder management, outreach and coordination. This will include working with communications and public affairs colleagues to deploy communications strategies and creating different forms of content, seeing outputs through from inception to publication and evaluation.
As an experienced researcher and/or policy professional, you will also be expected to contribute to and support the development and implementation of NCOB’s wider strategic priorities or positions, and manage the work of researchers, external collaborators, and consultants, as required. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced candidate who is able to use project management skills and policy/research experience in a leading role in the high‑profile area of bioethics, supporting our ambitious policy‑influencing agenda.
You will have expertise and an active interest in the practical and ethical issues relating to emerging biotechnologies and/or neuroethics in a UK context. This will be supported by a broader knowledge and enthusiasm for bioethical issues and the policy, scientific, regulatory and legal environment around these. You will have experience of designing, delivering and managing rigorous and collaborative research projects, using a range of research methods, that have ethical considerations at the heart of the research and will have real policy impact.
You will also be a skilled communicator, with a track record of producing high quality written outputs that have been adapted for different audiences. Highly organised and motivated, you will be as comfortable leading a project as working within and across teams in the organisation. Finally you will be a strategic thinker, with the ability to identify opportunities for impact, and to contribute to NCOB’s wider strategy.
About us
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is a leading independent policy and research centre, and the foremost bioethics body in the UK. We are on a mission to embed ethics in decisions regarding biomedicine and health so that we all benefit. For over thirty years we have tackled some of the most complex and controversial bioethical issues facing society. We are funded jointly by the Nuffield Foundation, Wellcome and the Medical Research Council. We aim to inform policy and public debate through timely consideration of the ethical questions raised by biological and medical research so that the benefits to society are realised in a way that is consistent with public values. Our work has led to shifts in public understanding and policy change on topics ranging from assisted reproduction and genome editing to managing the disagreements that arise in the care of critically ill children.
Inclusive working practices
We are committed to inclusive working practices and during the application process we commit to:
- As a Disability Confident employer, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the essential criteria for the job.
- Making any reasonable adjustments – for example providing documents in different formats, arranging for a sign language interpreter for interviews etc.
- Paying for travel costs (and any childcare or care costs) for interviews where in‑person attendance is required.
Benefits
- Genuine flexibility – we are open to requests for part‑time hours, compressed working weeks, or job shares.
- 28 days holiday per annum and all public holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days (prorated for part time staff).
- A salary exchange pension scheme that offers employer contributions of up to 11%.
- Life assurance scheme.
- Family leave policies that provide an enhanced level of pay.
- Cycle to work scheme and loans towards season tickets.
- Regular opportunities for learning and development – including coaching, mentoring, and dedicated reading days for personal development and reflection.
- Support with your physical, mental and financial wellbeing including an employee assistance provider, a private GP service, personal health reviews with Bupa, a will and funeral planning service and a staff network of trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- A warm and welcoming workplace culture, with active peer groups and social networks to help you connect and belong.
Senior Researcher employer: Nuffield Council on Bioethics
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. With genuine flexibility in working arrangements, comprehensive benefits including generous holiday allowances and a strong focus on employee development, we empower our staff to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making a meaningful impact on bioethics and health policy while enjoying a collaborative culture that values your contributions.
Contact Details:
Nuffield Council on Bioethics Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Researcher
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Nuffield Council on Bioethics. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Nuffield Council on Bioethics!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Nuffield Council on Bioethics that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Nuffield Council on Bioethics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Nuffield Council on Bioethics does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuffield Council on Bioethics
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Nuffield Council on Bioethics. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Nuffield Council on Bioethics's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Nuffield Council on Bioethics. This shows your passion for the industry!
