At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead projects to enhance Open Research and make knowledge accessible for better health outcomes.
- Company: Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation dedicated to improving health through science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and the chance to impact global health challenges.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and shape how research knowledge is shared worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, Open Research practices, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 44320 - 55400 £ per year.
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.
The Open Research team advances the use of open research and knowledge to serve Wellcome's mission of using science to solve urgent health challenges facing everyone. The team works to ensure that research funded or commissioned by Wellcome is as open, accessible and reusable as possible, partnering with colleagues across Wellcome to embed open research principles into funding programmes and research initiatives helping to maximise its reach and impact. They work on funding policies such as open access and research output management. The team helps shape and maintain the infrastructure that enables open research and global knowledge systems to operate effectively, managing a portfolio of investments and collaborations internal and external to Wellcome.
We are looking for an Open Research Specialist to join the team. In this role, you will lead and support initiatives that strengthen Open Research and Knowledge Systems, helping to make research knowledge more accessible and impactful. Your work will contribute to Wellcome's mission by enabling wider access to evidence, data and research outputs that can improve health outcomes.
As an Open Research Specialist, you will:
- Lead and deliver projects that strengthen Open Research and Knowledge Systems, helping to advance Wellcome's strategic priorities across health and research.
- Build insight into the evolving Open Research landscape, using evidence and expertise from research, industry, funding organisations and other sectors to inform strategy and decision-making.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Wellcome to embed Open Research principles into funding programmes, sharing expertise and developing effective, joined-up approaches.
- Provide specialist advice on Open Research practices, policies and digital technologies, helping teams maximise the accessibility, discoverability and reuse of research outputs.
- Manage and develop Open Research and Knowledge Systems funding and investment activities, including landscape reviews, funding calls, requests for proposals and partnerships that support innovation and impact.
- Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative culture by building strong relationships, supporting colleagues, and helping deliver the wider objectives of the Data Science for Health team.
If you are motivated by making research more open, accessible and impactful, and have experience working across diverse stakeholder groups to deliver projects and influence change, we'd love to hear from you. You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy combining strategic thinking with practical delivery, can manage competing priorities, and are excited by the opportunity to shape how research knowledge and data are shared for the benefit of health worldwide.
Minimum Criteria:
- Experience of leading and delivering complex projects, managing competing priorities and achieving high-quality outcomes to agreed deadlines, ideally within one or more of Wellcome's strategic priority areas (Climate and Health, Infectious Disease, Mental Health, Discovery Research, or Data Science for Health).
- Knowledge of Open Research practices and/or Knowledge Systems Infrastructure, including key opportunities and challenges relating to research, data sharing and equity in UK and international contexts.
- Experience of developing strategic insights by drawing on evidence, data and expertise from a range of disciplines, sectors and stakeholder groups.
- Experience of designing and managing funding, commissioning or investment activities, such as funding calls, requests for proposals (RfPs), contracts, grants or delivering digital technology projects.
- Strong communication, relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
Open Research Specialist employer: Wellcome
Wellcome is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to global health initiatives while working in a flexible and inclusive environment. As a Treasury Operations Analyst, you will enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside professional development opportunities within a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to improving health for everyone. With a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, Wellcome fosters a culture where every employee can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Open Research Specialist
✨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 Wellcome, 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 Wellcome. 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 Open Research Specialist
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 Wellcome. 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 Wellcome. 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 Wellcome
✨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 Wellcome. 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 Wellcome to drive research projects forward.
