Future Research Leader

The role

Future Research Leaders – Develop your Skills and Transform the Local Community!

Are you ready to make a real impact in Bristol’s community? Are you interested in research and social issues? The Future Research Leaders is an innovative programme for students to tackle real-world social issues while gaining valuable research and leadership skills. We are looking for six passionate students to join this year’s project “Who Moves Bristol?” exploring transportation in Bristol.

As a Future Research leader, you’ll:

• Collaborate with a diverse team to co-create innovative research solutions alongside local organisations.
• Develop key skills through exclusive training sessions in leadership, research practice, and career development.
• Gain a “Future Research Leaders” Certification – a credential to boost your CV and open doors.
• Build long-lasting networks with professionals and peers invested in making a difference.

If you’re ready to drive change, build connections, and challenge yourself apply now to be a Future Research Leader! We strongly encourage students from all backgrounds to apply, including Disabled, global majority, and LGBTQ+ students.

What’s the job?

Role: Future Research Leader

Hours: No more than 5 hours a week

Salary: £500 (£100 every month from January-May)

Contract: December 2026 – May 2027

Closing date: Thursday 12th November 2026, 12pm

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 32,000 members, 350 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?

• Interest in Research & Social Change: A genuine curiosity about research and a drive to make a difference within the community.
• Strong Team Player: An ability to work effectively in a diverse team, contributing ideas and supporting others.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Creativity and resilience when tackling challenges or obstacles in projects.
• Openness to Learning: The willingness to try new approaches, open to learning from others, and generous in sharing what you know.
• Organised & Prioritisation Savvy: The ability to manage tasks and keep projects moving forward.

Why apply?

Because you’re excited to make a difference!

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: Thursday 12th November 2026, 12pm
• Shortlisting: Friday 13th November - Monday 16th November
• Group Interviews: Tuesday 24th November

For general enquiries, please contact us at bristolsu-people@bristol.ac.uk.

Click here to apply