Research Manager, Capacity & Field Development in London

Salary: £44,000.00 - £55,000

Closing date: Monday, 3 August 2026

Contract type: Permanent

Interview dates: 1st stage (w/c 24 August) online/Remote; 2nd stage: face to face (dates TBC)

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 are committed to spend £16bn in the ten years to 2032, 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 Research Manager, Field Building (Climate & Health) to join our team.

Where in Wellcome will I be working? The Capacity and Field Development team is helping to catalyse a more coherent and diverse climate and health research, policy and practice community that shares values and goals, fosters creative new research, and uses this to put health at the heart of climate action. Advancing our mission will require a transdisciplinary approach that brings together researchers from different fields – together with policy and/or industry actors from relevant sectors to drive evidence-informed action.

Our approach to field building includes ensuring climate and health scientists, policy actors and affected communities are empowered through data and tools, skills development, stronger collaborations and improved access to resources. We have a particular interest in strengthening capacity for climate and health research and action in low- and middle-income countries, where the needs are greatest. We welcome applicants with experiences at the research-to-action interface such as integrated Climate Services for Health, evaluating complex interventions, working to embed Climate & Health scientific evidence in the policies and practices of health determining sectors (these are illustrative examples only). Prior experience of working in low- or middle- income country contexts is desirable.

What will I be doing? In this role, you’ll contribute to shaping the Climate & Health strategy by working with the Field Building team to convene, fund and share learning through projects such as funding calls, commissions and collaborative activities. You’ll lead and deliver a range of initiatives, build relationships with internal and external partners, and help foster opportunities that strengthen the team’s impact and work with wider research programmes.

• Deliver impactful work by contributing technical expertise across activities such as convening stakeholders, making funding decisions, and producing reports and reviews.
• Collaborate across Wellcome to share knowledge and insights from the Climate & Health portfolio, helping shape solutions and strengthen organisational understanding.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders by maintaining active relationships with grant holders, monitoring research progress and culture, and promoting diversity and inclusion across funded projects.
• Engage with external experts by selecting and working with advisors to ensure high-quality input into Climate & Health decision-making.
• Manage strategic initiatives by leading defined projects, liaising with partners, and coordinating across teams to deliver outcomes aligned with Climate & Health’s goals.
• Champion inclusive practice and accountability by fostering a diverse and collaborative culture, managing risks and budgets responsibly, and ensuring compliance with Wellcome’s policies.

Is this job for me? You will be an ideal candidate if you bring research expertise in a field such as environmental science, climate science, meteorology or geography that is applied to a health context. This role could be a great fit if your experience is gained from academia, industry, charity or the funding sector, and you thrive in collaborative, mission driven work. You’ll use your communication and organisational skills to manage projects, engage with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to strategic initiatives that make a real impact in Climate & Health.

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.

Minimum Criteria:

• Able to demonstrate a breadth of research expertise and experience in a field or area relevant to Capacity and Field Development in Climate & Health through relevant work experience in an academic, industry, funding agency or charity setting.
• Experience/knowledge of universities, funders and other relevant scientific and research organisations and communities.
• Ability to employ diverse approaches to effectively communicate complex information to individuals and groups from a range of different backgrounds and different seniority levels.
• Well-developed writing skills with ability to synthesise information conveying key points clearly and concisely.
• Experience/knowledge of managing projects in an academic, charity or industry setting.

Applications Questions:

• Using examples please provide evidence to demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria for this role as outlined in the job description? (Up to 500 words)
• Using short summaries please provide specific details of up to two different initiatives or projects you have been directly involved in that are relevant to this role. For each initiative or project please use up to 250 words to describe your role (e.g. team leader, team member), the purpose of the activity (i.e. its aims), and the major contributions you personally made.

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 jobs@wellcome.org.