Research Officer

National Trust; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization is seeking a Research Officer for their North East Urban team. This hybrid role focuses on the Green Corridors North East Mission, working on revitalizing green spaces in Teesside, Durham City, and Gateshead. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills and a commitment to making nature accessible for everyone. This is a fixed-term contract until April 2028, with responsibilities spanning project delivery and research coordination.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Gym memberships discounts

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Familiarity with PM tools.
• Experience working collaboratively with partners.
• A commitment to inclusive accessibility in nature and heritage.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the Green Corridors North East Mission.
• Ensure compliance with National Trust frameworks.
• Liaise with Newcastle University and coordinate activities.

Skills

Strong project management skills

Excellent communication and facilitation skills

Ability to work independently

Good IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Knowledge of Research and Higher Education Sector

Job description

Important notice

In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

Summary

We’re looking for a Research Officer to join our North East Urban team. In this role, you’ll help shape, deliver research, and manage key strategic partnerships and projects. Central to your work will be supporting the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded Green Corridors North East Mission—a three-year project to revitalise green spaces in Teesside, Durham City, and Gateshead through arts and heritage‑led research. This is a fixed‑term contract opportunity until April 2028. This is a hybrid role, with your contractual base at Holy Jesus Hospital in Newcastle. You’ll also spend time in the green corridors and partner offices. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

What it's like to work here

Our North East Urban team is dynamic, collaborative, and ambitious. We work across urban places and landscapes to deliver the National Trust’s vision of ending unequal access to nature, beauty, and history. Partnerships are at the heart of what we do—internally and externally—and research is a vital part of driving innovation and impact. You’ll spend around 60% of your time focused on the Green Corridors project, working closely with partners and communities. The remaining 40% will support wider research activity across the North region, working closely with the central research team, embedding learning, and strengthening relationships with universities and other stakeholders as well as internally within NT.

What you'll be doing

Your work supporting the delivery of the Green Corridors North East Mission will include ensuring compliance with National Trust frameworks and monitoring budgets and financial processes in collaboration with our Finance Business Partner. You’ll liaise with Newcastle University (project lead) and attend project meetings, coordinating activities across the three green corridors, including community participation. You’ll manage project board meetings and communication protocols, assisting stakeholders with funding applications through the GCNE flexible fund. Key to your role will be working with internal colleagues to bring lessons learned back into the National Trust and ensuring that the project is communicated well both internally and externally.

The other elements of your role that is focused on supporting wider research activity will involve coordinating research across the North region and sharing learnings and maintaining and developing partnerships with universities and external stakeholders. You’ll translate research outcomes into practical actions that deliver our strategy for people, nature, and heritage. You’ll support communications and contribute to funding applications for future projects.

Who we're looking for

Applications from redeployed employees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• Strong project management skills and familiarity with PM tools
• Knowledge of the Research and Higher Education Sector
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, building productive relationships
• Good IT skills (Microsoft Office suite)
• A commitment to making nature, beauty, and heritage accessible to everyone

Additional criteria for all other applicants

• Experience working collaboratively with a range of partners, including academic institutions
• Knowledge of the research and higher education sector, including funding processes

The package

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
• 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