Senior Research Manager, Mental Health Evidence

Senior Research Manager, Mental Health Evidence

View more categories View less categories Contract Contract Hours Full time Sector Technology & IT

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract – 31/05/2026

Interview dates: 3-4 September 2025

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships.

We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won\’t be solved by science alone.

We are looking for a Senior Research Manager to join our team for an immediate/ASAP start on a fixed term contract.

Where in Wellcome will I be working?

You will be joining the Evidence Team for Mental Health, reporting to the Head of Evidence.

The team\’s remit is to scope and fund research that improves our understanding of how depression, anxiety and psychosis develop and resolve, with a view to developing novel interventions and improving/better targeting existing ones. We are also committed to developing mental health research data, tools and infrastructure to support this work. Our vision is \’a world in which no-one is held back by mental health problems\’.

What will I be doing?

As a key member of the Evidence for Mental Health team at Wellcome, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering our funding strategy to support mental health science. You will lead and contribute to impactful projects, develop new funding initiatives, assess applications, and engage with a wide range of stakeholders across research, lived experience, and policy. Working collaboratively across teams, you will use your scientific expertise and strategic insight to guide decisions, inform policy, and foster partnerships that improve mental health outcomes globally.

Your work will contribute directly to Wellcome\’s mission to build a world in which no one is held back by mental health problems. You\’ll be working in a dynamic, inclusive, and mission-driven environment, where your contributions help ensure that funded research is innovative, equitable, and has real-world impact.

As a Senior Research Manager, you will:

Deliver High-Quality Funding Decisions – Critically assess mental health research funding applications, contribute to decision-making processes, and make clear, evidence-based recommendations to senior leadership.

Lead Strategic Initiatives – Design and implement funding calls and stakeholder engagement activities, and lead scoping and development of emerging research areas in mental health.

Shape and Influence Research Strategy – Apply your in-depth understanding of mental health science and the broader research landscape to guide programme development, ensuring activities align with Wellcome\’s long-term vision.

Drive Collaborative Projects – Manage complex, cross-functional projects within and beyond the Mental Health team, coordinating with stakeholders and partners to deliver impactful outcomes.

Engage and Build Partnerships – Establish and maintain effective relationships with researchers, institutions, and community partners, ensuring Wellcome is a trusted and collaborative funder.

Communicate and Represent – Act as a visible and authoritative voice for mental health research, representing Wellcome in external networks and forums, and clearly communicating strategy and progress to internal and external audiences.

Contribute to a diverse and inclusive culture across the organisation, collaborating across departments.

Is this job for me?

If you\’re passionate about improving mental health through science and policy, and you\’re looking to apply your research expertise in a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven environment, this could be the next step in your career.

We\’re looking for someone with a solid grounding in mental health, who understands the landscape of universities, funders, and the wider scientific community. Whether you\’ve gained your experience in academia, industry, the charity sector, or a funding body, what matters most is your ability to work across disciplines, communicate complex ideas clearly, and drive forward impactful programmes.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of mental health research at a global level. You\’ll join a team that values diverse perspectives, collaborative thinking, and evidence-based innovation. In return, you\’ll build strong networks, develop high-level strategic skills, and play a vital role in shaping funding and policy that improves lives.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Experience of liaising with internal and external stakeholders

Knowledge of and interest in Wellcome\’s mental health strategy

Experience in at least one area of mental health research

Knowledge of or interest in research capacity building, including in underserved contexts

Discover more:

You can view the full job description on our website.

You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website

Our Hybrid Way of Working

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome . We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at .

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