Research Project Lead

We’re looking for a Project Lead—someone with the passion to guide and inspire the next generation of researchers in tackling real-world challenges within the local community. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to lead a dynamic, diverse team of students, empowering them as they co-create impactful research solutions with local organisations. You'll be the driving force connecting the University, the Students' Union, and community stakeholders, ensuring that the project not only aligns with our joint goals but also creates meaningful change. From overseeing research progress and facilitating workshops to managing partnerships and shaping actionable outcomes, you’ll play a crucial role in developing innovative solutions that address issues such as mental health and social inequality, ultimately helping to build a more equitable and sustainable future.

What’s the job?

Role: Research Project Lead

Hours: 14 hours per week

Salary: £10,970 to £14,092 (pro-rata). The starting salary for this role is £27,424 FTE. The grade range for this Coordinator grade role is £27,424 to £35,228 FTE and pay can progress annually through the band in line with our pay and reward policy Contract: Fixed Term (19 November 2025 – 25 May 2026)

Closing date: 30 October 2025, 5pm

Who are we?

Part business, part charity, part membership body – Bristol SU is a seriously fun place to work. Our professional staff do something extraordinary every day: we support student leaders to give people a voice in their education, help people get the most out of their student experience and help people make the change they want in the world. We have over 26,000 members, 400 clubs and societies, a diverse range of professional services, and an innovative strategy that will help to create an inclusive and supportive University community.

What will you bring?

• You’ll be able to effectively lead, mentor, and support diverse teams, ensuring alignment with project goals, research objectives, and timelines while fostering a collaborative, inclusive
• You’re a skilled researcher, problem-solver, and mediator, adept at designing and implementing research activities, analysing data, resolving challenges, aligning teams with project goals, and adapting strategies to meet evolving
• You’re a strong communicator and organiser, capable of coordinating workshops, managing research partnerships, synthesising complex information, and delivering clear, evidence-based reports on project progress, findings, and impact.
  
  

Why apply?

Because you’re excited to make a difference!

We offer lots of great benefits including enhanced pay for parents taking maternity, adoption or shared parental leave, a competitive salary for the non-profit sector, a generous pension scheme and at least 40 days’ holiday. We’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy work-life balance through flexible working and are open to considering requests for part-time working. We provide professional training so that whatever your chosen field of work, with the right mix of challenge and support, you’ll gain fantastic experience, and room to develop and advance your career.

We are proud to have been recognised through numerous accreditations and awards that demonstrate our commitment to creating a positive and supportive culture. We have appeared in the Inclusive Companies top 100 list and have won a number of awards for our commitment to diversity, including best Students' Union. We also won a Third Sector Excellence Award at the 2018 Investors in People Awards. No wonder 87% of our employees would recommend Bristol SU as a great place to work!

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to life at Bristol SU. We approach our work with positivity and celebrate our diverse and unique communities. Our people are proud of our values and care about creating diverse and supportive communities that are inclusive of age, disability, gender, identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and experience.

Bristol SU strives to have an inclusive culture and an environment for all, underpinned by respect and compassion, where everyone feels welcomed, included, supported, valued and safe. Bristol SU recognises that candidates from some backgrounds/ identities may face additional barriers throughout their careers and when applying for new roles across the sector. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team by offering two guaranteed interview schemes – a scheme for people of colour and a scheme for disabled people.

Be yourself, be proud of the work you do and build a career in a place that knows different is good.

Key dates

• Closing Date: 30 October 2025, 5pm
• Shortlisting: 3 November 2025
• Interviews: 5 & 6 November 2025
  
  

Please download our Applicant pack for more information before submitting your application.

For general enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].

Click here to apply

Available documents

• Research Project Lead - Salaried Staff Applicant Pack October25.pdf