Researcher

The Runnymede Trust

Hours: Full Time (flexible working patterns available)

Location: Hybrid (working between your home and our London office) or remote (with occasional travel)

Contract Type: Fixed term (1 year)

Closes: 11:59pm, 23rd November 2025 GMT

The Runnymede Trust is the UK’s leading race equality think tank, generating research to challenge racial inequality in Britain and working tirelessly to build a country in which we all belong. Proudly independent, we speak truth to power on race and racism without fear or favour.

Job purpose

We’re looking for a talented and driven Researcher to join our team and contribute to the delivery of rigorous, impactful research on race and inequality in the UK. This role is an exciting opportunity to help shape the national conversation on race, contributing to evidence-based policy and social change.

You will deliver a wide range of research projects using both quantitative and qualitative methods, working independently and collaboratively with internal colleagues and external partners. You will play a key role in ensuring our research is of the highest quality and delivered on time and to budget, while also supporting the organisation’s strategic priorities.

As a Researcher, you’ll be involved in all stages of the research cycle—from developing methodologies and managing data to drafting reports and communicating findings to a range of audiences. You’ll also help maintain and build strong external partnerships, contributing to Runnymede’s reputation for excellence in race equality research.

Responsibilities and main duties include:

• Deliver mixed-methods research projects that analyse and interpret patterns and trends in race and inequality across thematic areas such as education, health, employment, and housing.
• Project manage research activities to ensure milestones, budgets and reporting requirements are met, communicated, and maintained.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of Runnymede’s research methodologies and frameworks to ensure accessibility and clarity across outputs.
• Provide responsive research support to emerging media or policy engagements, producing discussion papers, policy briefings, and data insights for public and parliamentary audiences.
• Collaborate with external partners to design and deliver impactful research projects, including joint proposals, events, and publications.
• Support the development of new partnerships and funding opportunities that expand our research reach.
• Contribute to internal and external reporting, monitoring and impact documentation.
• Represent Runnymede externally by sharing research findings or contributing to sector events and discussions.
• Promote and model Runnymede’s values, fostering an inclusive and collaborative working environment.

Person specification (for a full person specification please consult the job description)

• A master's degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline such as sociology, social policy, economics, or political science.
• Demonstrated experience conducting both quantitative and qualitative research, with the ability to design, analyse, and report on complex data.
• A strong understanding of race and racism in the UK and a clear commitment to advancing racial equality.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, balance competing priorities, and deliver high-quality work to deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas in an accessible and engaging way.
• Experience working collaboratively with partners, funders, or stakeholders in research or policy contexts.
• A commitment to evidence-based, impartial research, and to applying anti-racist and inclusive principles in your work.

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.