Research Lead, Mental Health

Salary: £ 66,480 - £83,100

Closing date:  Mon, 31 August 2026

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract – end date: December 2027

Interview dates: 1st stage (w/c 28/09) online/Remote

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. 

We committed to spend £16bn in the ten years to 2032, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

We are looking for a Research Lead to join the Mental Health Team – on a Fixed Term Contract (end Date: December 2027)

Where in Wellcome will I be working? 

The role will support the Mental Health team to increase the impact of its portfolio of psychological and social interventions in the UK. The postholder will develop a strong understanding of the evidence, delivery models and systems needed to make effective interventions available to people who could benefit from them, and work with researchers, health systems and other partners to identify and support pathways to adoption, implementation and scale.

What will I be doing? 

The role will take a portfolio perspective, helping Wellcome understand where barriers to access and uptake exist, what is needed to overcome them, and where Wellcome can add value beyond research funding. This will include supporting the development and management of existing and new investments, building relationships with relevant UK partners, and identifying opportunities for collaboration, implementation and further evidence generation. 

As a Research Lead, Mental Health, you will:

• Develop a strong understanding of Welcome’s psychological and social intervention portfolio in the UK and the evidence, delivery models and populations it covers.

• Identify the key barriers to access, adoption, implementation and scale of promising psychological and social interventions, including workforce, commissioning, delivery, regulatory and system barriers.

• Work with grant holders and relevant NHS, government, academic and third-sector partners to develop realistic pathways from research to impact.

• Support Wellcome's existing and new investments to maximise their potential for impact, including helping teams think through implementation and uptake from an early stage.

• Build knowledge and relationships across the UK mental health system to understand where Wellcome can best contribute to improving access to effective psychosocial interventions.

• Contribute to wider Mental Health strategy and portfolio management, bringing insight from the UK into decisions about future investment and priorities. 

Is this job for me?

Are you passionate about improving mental health outcomes in the UK and excited by the opportunity to contribute to Wellcome's mission? This role is ideal for someone with significant experience in mental health and psychosocial interventions, who enjoys leading complex strategic initiatives, building influential partnerships, and working across multidisciplinary teams to deliver meaningful impact. You'll thrive in this role if you're comfortable managing multiple priorities, navigating ambiguity, influencing senior stakeholders, and turning ambitious ideas into results through collaboration, innovation and excellent delivery.

To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria: 

• Proven significant experience and knowledge of psychosocial interventions and innovation for mental health with an UK focus.

• Experience of setting up and delivering high profile, strategic initiatives with multi-disciplinary teams at a variety of scales   

• Experience of managing projects and/or people across different areas of expertise

Applications Questions:

• Using examples please provide evidence to demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria for this role as outlined in the job description? (Up to 500 words)

• Using short summaries please provide specific details of up to two different initiatives or projects you have been directly involved in that are relevant to this role. For each initiative or project please use up to 250 words to describe your role (e.g. team leader, team member), the purpose of the activity (i.e. its aims), and the major contributions you personally made.

You can view the full job description on our website

You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website  

Our Hybrid Way of Working 

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do 

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at [email protected]. 

#LI-CD1

#LI-Hybrid