Research and Policy Lead (Experimental Governance) – Nuffield Council on Bioethics

Salary: Starting from £59,000 per annum. Contract: Fixed term contract (1 year). Secondments considered. Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week). Location: We are London based (Farringdon). Our staff have the option to work part of the week from home. Closing: 09:30am (BST), Tuesday 7th July 2026.

We are seeking an experienced Research and Policy Lead to help shape an ambitious new area of work across the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, the Nuffield Foundation and the Ada Lovelace Institute. This role has a dual focus. First, you will help develop a cross‑Nuffield programme on experimental governance, exploring how ethical and societal considerations can be embedded into emerging governance approaches, including regulatory sandboxes and other experimental models. Second, you will contribute to thought leadership of the Nuffield Foundation’s strategy, particularly the question of how science and technology can work for people and society.

We are looking for someone with strong governance and regulatory expertise, a good understanding of science policy and ethics, and excellent research and policy skills. You will work across organisational boundaries, build relationships with decision‑makers and experts, and help shape thinking at the intersection of science, technology, regulation, ethics and public policy.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Strong knowledge of UK governance and regulatory systems
• A strong understanding of / interest in science policy, bioethics, and the societal implications of science and technology
• Excellent research, analysis and writing skills
• Confidence building relationships across organisations and with external stakeholders
• A strong interest in responsible innovation, public policy, and how science and technology can work for people and society

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced candidate who is able to use their programme management skills and policy and research experience to ensure that ethical and societal considerations are at the heart of developments in science and technology.

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.

We are committed to inclusive working practices. 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.

Our benefits package includes:

• 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.