We are seeking an experienced Research and Policy Lead to help shape an ambitious new area of work across the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, the Nuffield Foundation and the Ada Lovelace Institute.

This role has a dual focus. First, you will help develop a cross-Nuffield programme on experimental governance, exploring how ethical and societal considerations can be embedded into emerging governance approaches, including regulatory sandboxes and other experimental models. Second, you will contribute to thought leadership of the Nuffield Foundation’s strategy, particularly the question of how science and technology can work for people and society.

We are looking for someone with strong governance and regulatory expertise, a good understanding of science policy and ethics, and excellent research and policy skills. You will work across organisational boundaries, build relationships with decision-makers and experts, and help shape thinking at the intersection of science, technology, regulation, ethics and public policy.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Strong knowledge of UK governance and regulatory systems

• A strong understanding of / interest in science policy, bioethics, and the societal implications of science and technology

• Excellent research, analysis and writing skills

• Confidence building relationships across organisations and with external stakeholders

• A strong interest in responsible innovation, public policy, and how science and technology can work for people and society

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced candidate who is able to use their programme management skills and policy and research experience to ensure that ethical and societal considerations are at the heart of developments in science and technology.

For further information about the role, please click here to download the full job description (PDF).   

About us  

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is a leading independent policy and research centre, and the foremost bioethics body in the UK. We are on a mission to embed ethics in decisions regarding biomedicine and health so that we all benefit.

For over thirty years we have tackled some of the most complex and controversial bioethical issues facing society. We are funded jointly by the Nuffield Foundation, Wellcome and the Medical Research Council.   

 We aim to inform policy and public debate through timely consideration of the ethical questions raised by biological and medical research so that the benefits to society are realised in a way that is consistent with public values. Our work has led to shifts in public understanding and policy change on topics ranging from assisted reproduction and genome editing to managing the disagreements that arise in the care of critically ill children.  

Central to our reputation and standing is our independence – we do not represent any particular group or view and we select our own topics, methodologies and outputs. 

We select topics to examine through our horizon scanning programme and use a variety of approaches to identify, consider and resolve the ethical issues they raise. Our approach is multidisciplinary and deliberative. We draw on a wide range of expertise and experience and use the best available evidence. We collaborate where our expertise complements those of other organisations (e.g. see our collaboration on Genomics and AI Futures with the Ada Lovelace Institute). 

We engage with a wide range of different voices and views and are committed to increasing the diversity of the people we work with. As part of the Nuffield Foundation, we are a small team with the practical support of an established organisation that cares for its employees.

We value diversity in background, skills, perspectives and life experiences.

Further information and how to apply  

The closing date for applications is 09:30am (BST) on Tuesday 7th July 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday 20th July 2026.

You will be required to complete some questions as part of this application process, and you are also required to upload an up-to-date copy of your CV. The Applied platform lets you save an application and resume it ahead of submitting before the application deadline.

All recruitment decisions are made by a person (we do not use AI tools to rate or reject applicants). We ask applicants to respond to the questions using their own experience, thinking and opinion, writing in their own tone of voice rather than using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT.  Candidates should ensure that they are representing themselves accurately and authentically.

Please note that for vacancies which receive a high volume of applications, we may undertake an initial screening of CVs. 

Further guidance on applying for job vacancies with the Nuffield Foundation and its Centres can be found on our website here.

Should you need to make an application in a different format or require any adjustments as part of the application process, please get in touch with us: recruitment@nuffieldfoundation.org 

We are committed to inclusive working practices and during the application process we commit to:    

• As a Disability Confident employer, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the essential criteria for the job.  

• making any reasonable adjustments – for example providing documents in different formats, arranging for a sign language interpreter for interviews etc    

• reimbursing reasonable travel costs (and any childcare or care costs) for interviews where in-person attendance is required    

Our benefits package includes:    

• Genuine flexibility - we are open to requests for part-time hours, compressed working weeks, or job shares.  

• 28 days holiday per annum and all public holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days (prorated for part time staff).  

• A salary exchange pension scheme that offers employer contributions of up to 11%.     

• Life assurance scheme.     

• Family leave policies that provide an enhanced level of pay.     

• Cycle to work scheme and loans towards season tickets.     

• Regular opportunities for learning and development – including coaching, mentoring, and dedicated reading days for personal development and reflection.  

• Support with your physical, mental and financial wellbeing including an employee assistance provider, a private GP service, personal health reviews with Bupa, a will and funeral planning service and a staff network of trained Mental Health First Aiders.  

• A warm and welcoming workplace culture, with active peer groups and social networks to help you connect and belong.