Research Officer

Job Description

Job Title:

Research Officer

Location:

Hybrid working with a minimum of two days a week to be worked in
our Covent Garden office in London.

Reporting to:

Research Manager

Hours:

37.5 hours a week, worked flexibly to include evening and weekend
work where necessary

Contract:

Permanent

Travel:

Overview

Regular national travel with chance of international travel where
necessary

Race Against Dementia is a global charity founded by three-time Formula 1 World
Champion Sir Jackie Stewart OBE to find preventions, treatments and cures for dementia
– faster.

We fund and support pioneering early-career scientists around the world, giving them the
tools, mentoring and Formula 1-inspired mindset to accelerate breakthroughs. From the
UK to the USA, Australia to South Africa, our researchers are rethinking how dementia
research is done – applying data science, AI and engineering to neuroscience in bold,
collaborative ways.

This role sits within Race Against Dementia’s small, dynamic Operations team, who
oversee the charity’s research programmes and internal processes. The team is responsible
for managing Race Against Dementia’s research portfolio – from coordinating funding
calls and supporting the selection of the projects we fund, to delivering the training and
development programme for our researchers.

Purpose of the role

The Research Officer plays a central role in delivering Race Against Dementia’s research
activity, helping to strengthen our research programmes and support the researchers we
fund. The role combines strong organisational skills with clear science communication:
coordinating processes, systems and partnerships to ensure smooth delivery, while
translating research progress into accessible updates for internal and external audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research administration:

•  Manage the administration of all grant calls and related processes.
•  Coordinate all incoming communications regarding research matters, ensuring

timely, professional responses.

•  Maintain team calendars and shared resources to support smooth team operations.
•  Set up review sessions with Race Against Dementia Fellows to monitor progress.
•  Support preparation of updates and progress reports for charity Trustees, funders

and supporters.

•  Work with the Research Manager to coordinate training activities for Race Against

Dementia researchers.

•  Support the planning and delivery of the annual in-person training event for Race

Against Dementia researchers.

•  Work closely with Race Against Dementia’s research partners and training partners

to coordinate joint activities, communication, and ensure smooth delivery of
collaborative projects and training activities.

•  Undertake research to identify new organisations aligned with our mission.

Science communications

•  Track key developments in dementia research and emerging trends in the field.
•  Support the creation of research related social media content for the charity’s social

media channels.

•  Support the development of press materials to announce research updates and

milestones.

•  Contribute to copywriting and content development for the Race Against

Dementia’s website.

•  Work with the Research Manager to ensure the wider team is kept up to date with

research developments across our network and the wider field.

•  Help build and maintain a network of key dementia research stakeholders across

academia and charities.

Other duties

Carry out any other duties as required by the Research Manager, CEO and Board of
Trustees including:

•  To attend, where appropriate, local, regional and national meetings/events.
•  To maintain a good knowledge of national and local initiatives which are of benefit

to Race Against Dementia.

•  To administer your own workload, including meeting targets and deadlines in line

with the Race Against Dementia appraisal system.
•  To attend relevant CPD training events as required.
•  To undertake responsibility, as part of the team, for all Health and Safety work

related matters.

•  To work within the guidelines of Race Against Dementia’s policies and procedures.

All team members are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate Race Against
Dementia’s values and purpose, fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and shared
ambition to accelerate progress in the race against dementia.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Your job description may be subject to
change.

Date last updated: January 2026

Person specification

Research Officer

•  Education or career experience in a science/

technology/engineering/psychology related discipline
•  An interest in medical and dementia research and the

Essential

Essential

latest scientific developments

•  An understanding of the scientific grant application

Desirable

and distribution process

•  Monitoring and evaluation experience and an

Desirable

understanding of the importance of data in decision
making

•  A natural relationship builder
•  Excellent organisation skills with the ability to manage

Essential
Essential

and take responsibility for own workload, handle
multiple priorities and to work independently
•  A team player who collaborates effectively with
colleagues, stakeholders and RAD communities

•  Knowledge of philanthropic grants
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•  A full driving licence and access to a car
•  Experience of working in a charity
•  Ability to share information, contribute opinion and

receive constructive criticism

Essential

Desirable
Essential
Desirable
Desirable
Essential

•  Ability to maintain accurate and up-to- date data and

Essential

online records

•  Experience of using a CRM system
•  Excellent attention to detail
•  Good time management skills
•  Willing to be flexible with working hours

Desirable
Essential
Essential
Essential

These competencies and behaviours will be used to assess applications and at interview
stage. Only candidates who can clearly demonstrate they meet all the essential criteria will
be considered.

Your employment

We are a small, ambitious charity with a big mission. Our team works closely with
scientists, funders, partners and supporters in the UK and internationally, and we pride
ourselves on being collaborative, values-led and outcome-focused.

Working at Race Against Dementia means being part of a passionate, high-performing
team where your work has clear purpose and tangible impact.

What can we offer you?

•  A meaningful role contributing directly to the race against dementia, with clear

sight of the impact of your work.

•  You will be joining a team who put people first and will make you feel valued, help

you to learn and support you to thrive in your role and within the charity.

•  Quarterly in person team meeting days where we take a break from the screens,

reflect on the last couple of months, plan ahead and use the day to work
collaboratively.

•  Opportunity to work closely with senior leaders, trustees and high-profile

supporters.

•  Hybrid working with an office in central London.
•  Up to 3% matched pension contribution
•  25 days holiday a year, plus eight English public holidays (and we encourage you to

use them all!)

•  Learning and development budget and support
•  A collaborative, inclusive environment where ideas are encouraged and initiative is

valued.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Race Against Dementia aims to be an inclusive organisation where the individuality of
every person is treated with respect. Race Against Dementia is committed to eliminating
discrimination in any form. This means that all staff, volunteers and everyone with whom
we come into contact with will be treated with dignity, equality, fairness and respect and
no one will receive less favourable treatment.

Safeguarding Statement

Race Against Dementia is committed to safeguarding and protecting vulnerable adults,
children and young people.  All our posts are subject to a safer recruitment process,
including the discourse of criminal records and vetting checks where appropriate.  We have
policies and procedures in place that promote safeguarding and safer working practices
across the organisation.