Project Researcher

Abyssal S.A; Exeter; On-site; GBP 31,000; Part time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Exeter is seeking a part-time Project Researcher to contribute to research and evaluation within the Rainforest Readers initiative. This flexible role involves designing qualitative and quantitative studies, analysing data, and producing reports to enhance programme development. Ideal candidates will have strong research skills and a passion for education and nature. Applications close on 23 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in research, evaluation or impact-focused roles.
• Strong qualitative and/or quantitative research skills.
• Ability to analyse data and communicate insights clearly to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct qualitative and quantitative research.
• Collect and analyse data through surveys and interviews.
• Produce research reports and insights for audiences.

Skills

Research experience

Qualitative research skills

Quantitative research skills

Data analysis

Written communication

Organisational skills

Job description

✨Term: Part‑time, fixed‑term

⏰Hours: 16 hours per week over 2 days with a half‑hour unpaid break each day

💷Salary: £31,000 per annum (pro‑rated £12,400)

📅Closing date: 23 January 2026 at 9:00am

The Dixon Foundation is developing an ambitious new initiative: Rainforest Readers. A pioneering programme designed to improve children’s lives through immersive experiences in nature and reading. Strong research will be critical to the programme’s design and evolution. That’s where this role comes in.

The Role

We’re looking for a curious and thoughtful Project Researcher to support the Programme Director with the design, evaluation and delivery of research for wider programme development. This role will assess research to help us better understand the issues that we are addressing and outcomes of our work connected to promoting a love of reading and a connection to nature.

This role offers flexible, part‑time working and the chance to contribute to meaningful, purpose‑driven work within a supportive and collaborative team. Working closely with the Programme Director, you’ll play an important role in ensuring our projects are evidence‑led, impact‑driven and aligned with our mission to reconnect children with books and nature, while helping to strengthen the evidence behind Rainforest Readers’ impact as the programme develops.

What You’ll Be Doing

Research & Impact Evaluation

• Design and carry out qualitative and quantitative research to assess project issues, beneficiary profiles, outcomes and impact
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data (e.g. surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies)
• Support ethical research practices, including consent and safeguarding considerations

Project Support

• Work closely with the Programme Director to embed research and evaluation into programme delivery
• Support pilot projects and trials with structured research and learning cycles

Reporting & Learning

• Produce clear, accessible research reports, summaries, and insights for internal and external audiences
• Translate research findings into practical recommendations to improve programmes
• Contribute to learning sessions and reflections with project partners and stakeholders

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with educators, partners, and participants to support data collection
• Present findings to internal teams and, where appropriate, funders or external stakeholders

About You

You don’t need to tick every box but you’ll likely bring many of the following:

Essential

• Experience in research, evaluation or impact‑focused roles
• Strong qualitative and/or quantitative research skills
• Ability to analyse data and communicate insights clearly to non‑technical audiences
• Excellent written communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and confidence working independently

Desirable

• Experience working with or researching children, education, literacy or environmental programmes
• Familiarity with participatory or community‑based research approaches
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one)

Personal Attributes

• A genuine interest in education, reading, nature and social or environmental impact
• Curious, reflective and motivated by learning and improvement
• Collaborative, values‑driven and comfortable working in a small, mission‑led organisation
• Flexible and adaptable as the programme evolves

Our Recruitment Process

If you’re interested in this position then please click ‘apply for this job’, which will direct you to our application page.

Closing date for applications is 23 January 2026 at 09:00.

If you have any questions, require a different method of application, or there's any way we can support you in our recruitment process then please contact us – 📧 [e-mail].

Oxygen House are managing the recruitment process on behalf of The Dixon Foundation.

Unfortunately, The Dixon Foundation does not hold a license to sponsor visas. Therefore, we are unfortunately not able to process any applications that require sponsorship.