Research Officer: Diabetes Research Steering Groups

Job Introduction

We have vision to want people to live well and longer with diabetes and to cure or prevent diabetes. As a Research Officer, you will join an exciting and busy team with a strong reputation for supporting high quality diabetes research. The role supports the Diabetes Research Steering Groups (DRSGs) which bring together researchers, healthcare professionals and people affected by diabetes, who together identify areas of unmet need and ways to stimulate research in these areas. The DRSGs are central to the delivery of the Diabetes UK organisational and research strategies and are critical to ensuring the diabetes research taking place in the UK has the most impact and is informed by the needs of people affected by diabetes.

We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role.

Interview(s) date: 14th November 2024

Please note that all job offers are subject to you providing acceptable evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK. You might find the following resources useful:

• To view a full list of accepted documents and the checks employers are required
  to make click here
• To view guidance on proving your right to work to an employer click here

 If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@diabetes.org.uk

Role Responsibility

As part of this role, you will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the DRSGs and their associated fora. You will support the Research Manager and DRSG members, who work to strategically identify priority research areas and find ways to make the key research studies needed to move diabetes care forward. You will also support the Research Manager to develop and improve the involvement and participation of people with diabetes within the work of the DRSGs. As part of this role, you will build relationships with the research community, relevant research funders, and other organisations.

The Ideal Candidate

As a Research Officer, you will have a BSc in an area relevant to diabetes or alternatively in a life-sciences related area and will be looking to establish a career in patient driven research. You will have some understanding of medical research landscape in the UK, how this is applied to a clinical setting and/or of the interfaces between research funding organisations and the academic sector. In addition, you will be confident in developing and maintaining excellent relationships and networking with a range of experts. Excellent organisation and communication skills are vital, as is an ability to work as part of a team.  You will be confident working in a high pressure and fast paced environment, managing multiple work streams, as well as being able to work independently.  

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,600 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments) 
• Early finish Friday and flexible working as part of our approach to activity based working (not applicable to roles with fixed shift patterns)
• 2 Days TOIL in recognition of fixed shift patterns (pro-rata for part-time)
• Discounts on gym membership
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual season ticket loan* (on completion of your probation period and if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme* (eligible for scheme if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)

*Some benefits aren't available until you've passed your probation period and are dependent on the length of contract.

About the Company

For nearly 5 million people with diabetes in the UK, there’s no day off. At Diabetes UK, we fight day in, day out for better care, treatment and support. We won’t stop until diabetes can do no harm.

With more people than ever living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing type 2, our work has never been more needed. We make sure they get the care and support needed to live well with diabetes and avoid devastating complications.

We fund critical research, which has led to life-changing discoveries – like the first insulin pen and programmes to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Now, we want to do this for everyone and find a cure.

We can’t do any of this without you. Our staff are passionate and determined about helping everyone affected by diabetes. For over 85 years, they’ve been behind vital policy changes, as well as new treatments and technologies to make living with diabetes easier every day.

But there’s more to do. And you can be part of it.

We’re a really diverse bunch and we recognise and respect your value as an individual. As well as helping people with diabetes, you’ll be part of one of the top 30 Best UK Charities to Work For, and one of the top 75 Best Large Companies in London.

We’re committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and we need our staff and volunteers to support this.

Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. Join us today, and together, we can make that a reality.

To find out more about what we do, check out our website.

Diabetes UK