Mencap
Senior Research Specialist
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Do you have experience delivering high-quality research projects? Are you motivated by research that drives real change? Are you inclusive to your core and able to support colleagues who have lived experience?
Mencap is looking for a Senior Research Specialist, and this could be the perfect opportunity for you. This is an exceptional opportunity to take a senior role in a passionate, skilled, and impactful research team whose work sits at the heart of Mencap’s mission.
The insights you and the team unearth will directly support our policy and influencing work to break down barriers and create a fairer society for people with a learning disability. You will have access to Mencap’s wide-reaching networks and be able to see the knowledge you bring into the organization make a real difference in the delivery of our many different services and programmes.
This role is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent role. We’re offering flexibility as to where this role is based, we’re also open to discussions about part-time working.
As Senior Research Specialist, you will:
- Design, develop, and carry out research and analytical projects in support of Mencap’s strategic priorities such as health, social care, employment, and education.
- Provide research and analytical support to the wider organization, to ensure Mencap uses data and research both innovatively and accurately to maximize impact.
- Provide research advice and consultancy to Mencap staff on all aspects of research including research briefs, commissioning research, project management, data analysis, and report writing.
- Develop our expertise in inclusive research and work with external stakeholders and research partners to support and promote Learning Disability research through collaboration and knowledge transfer.
- Provide effective and supportive line management to research colleagues, including colleagues with a Learning Disability.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in the policy, campaigns, and media teams within Mencap and academic partners across the UK.
- Deputise for the Head of Research on occasion.
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What You Will Bring
We are looking for someone who has:
- Demonstrable skill and experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Ability to interpret and analyze quantitative and qualitative data including proficiency in software analysis tools (e.g., SPSS/Excel).
- Proven ability to design and deliver research projects from conception to publication, including budget management.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills including sharing complex findings and persuading new audiences.
- Advanced skills in co-production, inclusive research, ethics, and data protection.
- Excellent knowledge of Learning Disability issues, or a proven ability to develop expertise in new areas quickly.
- Experience of leading and coaching teams.
- Ability to build strong, trusting professional relationships that last.
- Commitment to Mencap’s mission and values.
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If you’re driven by rigorous research, passionate about inclusion, and ready to deliver work that makes a difference every day, we’d love to hear from you. For an informal discussion about the role, please email matt.hill@mencap.org.uk.
Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your skills and experience.
Applications close on 04 September 2026, with interviews to be held on 16 September 2026.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applicants with disabilities to apply for all roles with us.
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