Overview
Research Officer – Heelis,Swindon, United Kingdom
We’re looking for a Research Officer to join our Research Team, helping to support high-quality research across the Trust. Working with colleagues and external partners, you’ll provide advice on research activity, support good research practice and governance, and help ensure research is effectively shared and used to inform decision-making.
This is a fixed term contract due to end when the previous employee returns from maternity leave. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 12 months.
Recognised as an Independent Research Organisation since 2019, we deliver research that helps shape how we care for heritage and nature. Working with leading universities, researchers and colleagues across the Trust, you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to making research accessible, relevant and impactful.
Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office. However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. You will be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.
You’ll help build a positive, inclusive research culture by supporting good research practice, coordinating research governance and acting as a key contact for research-related queries. Working closely with the Research Manager, you’ll coordinate our research proposal review process, manage our internal research funding scheme, support our PhD cohort and contribute to training and development activity. You’ll also build relationships with colleagues and external partners, lead on research communications and reporting, and help ensure our research information is well managed and accessible.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don’t need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.
You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles, sectors or career paths, and the judgment to apply them effectively at scale;
- Experience in a higher education institution or research organisation.
- Knowledge and understanding of the academic research sector, including research funding and research landscape outside the Trust.
- Strong ability to understand, analyse and use both quantitative and qualitative data.
- Ability to build collaborative working relationships with external and internal stakeholders, and to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including influencing and negotiating with stakeholders and the ability to communicate with different audiences.
- Excellent administrative, organisational and time management skills.
- Experience of carrying out or supporting academic research.
- Experience of organising events and presenting to audiences.
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NAResearch Officer – Grade 6.pdf Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Closing Date: 25 October 2026
Interview Date: 10 November 2026
To apply for this vacancy simply click the ‘apply’ button in the top right hand side of the page.
If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk
If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we’ll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
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IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
