Associate Director Internal Research Development

Associate Director Internal Research Development

• Full-time
• Compensation: GBP 70,000 - GBP 75,000 - yearly

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end-of-life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness they’re likely to die from.

As part of our Research and Policy Directorate, the Internal Research Development team plays a key part in bringing together our research, policy and public affairs work in order to develop the best possible evidence base and use this to maximise impact for people affected by dying, death and bereavement.

We now have a rare opportunity for an Associate Director of Internal Research Development to join our senior leadership team on an 18-month fixed term contract basis, lead our internal research vision, and ensure Marie Curie remains at the forefront of evidence‑based end of life care.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development and delivery of internal research projects aligned with Marie Curie’s vision for the best possible end of life experience for all.
• Engaging with policy and practice teams across the four nations to identify gaps in the evidence base that would benefit from short-term targeted research, and to develop approaches to address these.
• Ensure that Marie Curie can draw on expertise in a range of both quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches to support a wide range of different research needs.
• Work collaboratively with teams across the UK to identify evidence gaps and design targeted research that addresses strategic needs.
• Build and maintain academic links, specialist networks and collaborations—including with our Research Centres, Senior Research Fellows, and partners.
• Disseminate findings widely through publications, conferences, policy work and public engagement.
• Provide inspirational leadership to the internal research team and support their ongoing development.

Key Criteria

• Significant experience in carrying out academic research to agreed timescales and diverse audiences.
• Deep knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and extensive experience delivering independent research to high standards.
• Experience involving people with lived experience in research design and delivery.
• Excellent communication, presentation and leadership skills.
• Outstanding organisational skills with a proven track record of prioritising workload and managing multiple projects across a team.
• Strong collaborator with the ability to partner across departments at senior levels, influence decisions and drive progress.

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and covering letter. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: Monday 11May2026. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Salary

£70,000-75,000 depending on experience.

Contract

FTC 18 months.

Based

UK Hybrid, working once a week from our national offices or headquarters in Embassy Gardens.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes, computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

At Marie Curie, our values are central to everything we do. They guide how we care for people, how we work together and how we make decisions every day. We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe for everyone — staff and volunteers alike — supportive, inclusive and rewarding. We take stringent steps to ensure that anyone who joins our organisation are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. We actively consider our impact on the planet, embedding sustainability into everyday decisions to create a lasting, positive difference for the individuals we care for and the world we share.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. Marie Curie is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, recognising both the social justice imperative and the strength a diverse workforce brings. We actively encourage applications from people of all cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you require any support, please contact us at recruitment@mariecurie.org.uk.

Every application we receive is personally reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team, and in return, we ask that your application authentically reflects you — your experience, perspective and voice.

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