Research & Culture Manager (Health Determinants Research Collaboration)

Are you passionate about using evidence to make a difference? We're looking for people who can bring the community, the voluntary sector, researchers and the council together to support new research and put its findings straight into practice in the heart of the East End.

Tower Hamlets has some of the greatest public health challenges in the country. As part of our programme team, you’ll have a unique opportunity to support innovation and establish systems of partnership working to improve health outcomes and address health inequalities.

Our Research & Culture Manager takes responsibility for developing partnership research projects and grant proposals involving council staff, local community organisations and higher education institutions. They will also facilitate capacity building and infrastructure to support research delivery and impact.

Your overarching goal will be to ensure Tower Hamlets council has and uses the evidence it needs to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. The key areas of responsibility for this post include the following:

• Research partnership engagement
• Establishing and supporting research infrastructure
• Building research culture and capability
• Delivering research and evaluation projects
• Ensuring research impact
• Management of budgets and resources
• Commissioning and service delivery

You will report directly to the Associate Director Public Health (Health Determinants Research Collaboration) who provides strategic leadership for the programme and will deputise when required.  

You will have opportunities to be part of an innovative and challenging programme, establishing new ways of working to make a long-term difference. You will need an in-depth understanding of both research methods and governance and of local government, with experience in project management and a strong commitment to public involvement.

Additional Information 

You are likely to be requested to be available for occasional evening and weekend meetings, subject to the requirements of the work programme. 

If you wish to discuss this post, please contact Emily Humphreys, Associate Director Public Health ([email protected]).  

Application Details 

This post is a fixed term maternity cover role. It is open to the following types of applicants: Redeployees/ Internal/ External. We will consider secondment opportunities.   

All applications should be made via our online application system; no CV’s or alternative forms of applications are accepted.  

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary (£58,551 - £61,686)

• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.

• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.

• Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.

• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).

• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.