EDIS Research and Policy Manager (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Science and Health)

Reporting to: Head of EDIS

Responsible for: Consultants, research partners and temporary project support where required

Based: Our Head Office is based in London, but we have an agile working policy enabling people to work at another UK location up to 4 days/week. Requests for permanent remote working will be considered and we welcome applications from people based in other parts of the UK.

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week). Requests for part-time or flexible working will be considered

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £36,507 - £40,516 FTE per annum

About Us

The British Science Association (BSA) was founded in 1831 and is a registered charity.

We are creating a future where science is more relevant, representative, and connected to society.

We have ambitious goals to put people at the heart of science.

About the role

The EDIS Research and Policy Manager will lead research, data, policy insight and learning across EDIS, ensuring the programme remains credible, relevant and responsive to its member organisations, communities and the wider science and health research sector.

A central focus of the role will be providing tailored support to EDIS member organisations to build on and further develop their data-informed EDI practice. Drawing on research and insight, the postholder will help members strengthen internal decision-making, demonstrate progress and support sustainable organisational development and growth through accessible resources, shared learning and approaches suited to their contexts.

They will gather and interpret policy developments, research, data, member insight and sector learning, translating them into clear recommendations for EDIS programme design, policy, influencing, inclusive practice and evaluation. Horizon scanning will identify emerging opportunities and implications for EDIS and its member organisations.

The postholder will manage a portfolio of research, policy, evidence and insight projects, setting priorities, managing resources and risks, and ensuring high-quality delivery. They will provide evidence-informed advice to the Head of EDIS on programme priorities, policy development, member support and sector influence.

Working closely with EDIS member organisations and communities, the Francis Crick Institute, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) partner, commissioned researchers and British Science Association colleagues, the postholder will ensure activity is inclusive, ethical, accessible and connected to delivery.

The role suits an experienced research, data and policy professional with strong project management, sound judgement and a collaborative approach. They will be confident managing competing priorities and applying inclusive approaches so diverse perspectives inform evidence and decisions.

Key responsibilities

Lead EDIS research, data, evidence and policy activity, managing priorities, plans, resources, milestones, budgets and quality standards.
Analyse evidence, member insight and sector developments, translating complex material into practical recommendations, policy positions, briefings, evidence-informed guidance and sector learning.
Build relationships with members, the Francis Crick Institute, community organisations, researchers and sector partners to align evidence activity with inclusive research priorities and programme delivery.
Provide tailored support to EDIS members to build on and further develop their data-informed EDI practice, drawing on research and insight to strengthen internal decision-making, demonstrate progress and support sustainable organisational development and growth.
Manage the day-to-day relationship with the monitoring, evaluation and learning partner, ensuring findings are timely and inform programme decisions.
Enable meaningful and accessible co-design, ensuring people and communities most affected by inequity can influence decisions and see how their contributions have shaped outcomes.
Ensure data and evidence are collected, analysed, disaggregated, stored and communicated ethically and responsibly.
Gather and synthesise evidence of progress, learning and change, transparently to support accountability and impact reporting across the EDIS portfolio.
Develop accessible reports, presentations and resources that support communication, learning and sector influence.
Embed equity, inclusion, accessibility and ethical practice throughout research, data and policy activity, identifying and addressing systemic and structural inequities within science and health research.
Collaborate with colleagues across the BSA and contribute expertise to the wider Policy team’s priorities and activities.

About you

The successful candidate will bring the following experience, skills and approach.

Essential criteria

Experience delivering research, policy, evidence review, evaluation or insight projects, including activities such as literature reviews, evidence synthesis, stakeholder research, data collection, analysis or report production.
Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, with practical experience applying inclusive, accessible and ethical approaches to research, data, policy or engagement, including responsible data handling, participation and meaningful involvement.
Strong analytical skills, including experience reviewing and synthesising qualitative and/or quantitative evidence to identify key findings, draw conclusions and develop practical recommendations.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively in writing, adapting reports, briefings, policy content and other materials for different audiences and needs.
Strong organisational and project coordination skills, including managing multiple workstreams, monitoring progress against plans, maintaining accurate records and delivering outputs to agreed deadlines.
Experience working collaboratively with and providing support to member organisations, partners, researchers, community groups or policymakers to strengthen practice and achieve shared objectives.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and make informed decisions within an agreed area of responsibility.

Desirable criteria

We do not expect candidates to have all of the following, but one or more would be helpful in the role.

Experience working in science, research, health, public engagement, or membership settings.
Knowledge of inclusive research, public involvement, citizen science or community engagement approaches.
Experience working with monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks.
Experience supporting policy influencing, advocacy or sector change activity.

The closing date for applications is Monday 19 October 2026.

First interviews are due to take place online on Monday 16 November 2026, with second interviews (in person in London) expected on Monday 23rd November 2026.

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.

As part of the British Science Association’s commitment to being a Disability Confident employer, all disabled applicants who meet the ‘essential criteria’ for this vacancy will be offered an interview under our guaranteed interview scheme.

No agencies please.

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EDIS Research and Policy Manager