research and development jobs london

Skip to job results

Skip to refine results

• Skip to user menu

Research jobs in London (Greater)

• Refine results

Broaden your search

• Research 35
• Higher education, London (Greater) 94

Refine your search

• Higher education, Research Remove selection
• Project management   1
• Specialist   4
• Graduate   2
• Experienced (non manager)   6
• Management   2
• London (Central)   12
• London (East)   1
• London (North)   1
• £30,000 - £35,000   2
• £35,000 - £40,000   3
• £40,000 - £45,000   7
• £45,000 - £50,000   8
• £50,000 - £55,000   3
• £55,000 - £60,000   2
• £60,000 - £65,000   2
• Full time   11
• Part time   3
• Permanent   9
• Contract   5
• Job vacancy   14
• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent)   3
• Postgraduate degree (Masters or higher)   3
• Direct employer   11
• No remote option   1
• Part-remote option   6

Found 14 jobs

• Board meetings take place in person, usually in Central London and once a year in Oxford.
• The role is unremunerated while travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed.
• The Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research

The Kennedy Trust’s mission is to provide sustainable funding of medical research into rheumatic and related musculoskeletal, immunological, and in...

View details Trustees

• 3 days left
• Save Trustees You need to sign in or create an account to save

Project Manager and Researcher

• London (Central), London (Greater)
• Salary from £40,229 to £48,456 pa inclusive with potential to progress to £52,095 pa inclusive of Lo
• LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

The Project Manager and Researcher role at LSE Consulting contributes to business development, project management, and research activities.

View details Project Manager and Researcher

• Save Project Manager and Researcher You need to sign in or create an account to save

Senior Research Librarian

• Westminster
• £41,340 - £47,975 per annum
• HOUSE OF COMMONS

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as Senior Research Librarian.

View details Senior Research Librarian

• Save Senior Research Librarian You need to sign in or create an account to save

Research Grants Manager

• £37,000 - £41,000 per annum
• CANCER RESEARCH UK

Cancer Research UK are looking for a Research Grant Manager to join our research funding team.

View details Research Grants Manager

• Save Research Grants Manager You need to sign in or create an account to save

Research Officer – Economy & Public Policy

• From £40,229 to £48,456 pa inclusive with potential to progress to £52,095 pa inclusive of Lo

We are seeking to appoint a full-time Research Officer (post-doc) for our ‘Economy & Public Policy’ research cluster.

View details Research Officer – Economy & Public Policy

• Save Research Officer – Economy & Public Policy You need to sign in or create an account to save

Senior Lecturer in Communications and Media (Advertising)

• Hybrid – LCC, Elephant and Castle/Home
• £50,961 to £61,398 per annum
• UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

We are seeking a talented and innovative educator with extensive experience in teaching Advertising at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

View details Senior Lecturer in Communications and Media (Advertising)

• 5 days left
• Save Senior Lecturer in Communications and Media (Advertising) You need to sign in or create an account to save

Head of Research Policy

• £58,884 to £65,424 per annum
• UNIVERSITIES UK

This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful team at Universities UK to shape the future of higher education and research policy.

View details Head of Research Policy

• 10 days ago
• Save Head of Research Policy You need to sign in or create an account to save

Senior Research Analyst

• £45,581.89 per annum
• ROYAL COLLEGE OF GPS

Are you an excellent problem solver, naturally curious and a skilled researcher? If yes, we really want to hear from you.

View details Senior Research Analyst

• 4 days left
• Save Senior Research Analyst You need to sign in or create an account to save

Research Coordinator

• SW7 2BS, London (Greater)
• Grade 6, £33,350 - £36,862 per annum (pro-rata). Normally appointed to the first point of the grade.
• ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC

The post holder will manage access to the collections , work closely with the Curator in the development of research projects & other tasks listed.

View details Research Coordinator

• Save Research Coordinator You need to sign in or create an account to save

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox:

Research Associate in Immersive Opera (Audience Focus)

• EC2P 2EJ, London (Greater)
• £41,360 - £46,050 (including Inner London Weighting), pro rata, depending on experienc
• GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our dynamic team.

View details Research Associate in Immersive Opera (Audience Focus)

• 22 days ago
• Save Research Associate in Immersive Opera (Audience Focus) You need to sign in or create an account to save

Research Associate in Immersive Opera

• £41,360 - £46,050 per annum (including Inner London Weighting), depending on experienc

View details Research Associate in Immersive Opera

• Save Research Associate in Immersive Opera You need to sign in or create an account to save

Policy Research Manager

• London, Berlin or New York (Hybrid Working)
• Competitive salary + excellent benefits package
• SPRINGER NATURE

The Research Manager is a great opportunity for someone with experience of policy and open access to join Springer Nature.

View details Policy Research Manager

• 7 days left
• Save Policy Research Manager You need to sign in or create an account to save

Senior Research Physician

• Unspecified

ABOUT US Simbec-Orion is a responsive and agile full-service CRO, with wide therapeutic experience and specialist expertise in clinical...

View details Senior Research Physician

• Save Senior Research Physician You need to sign in or create an account to save

Clinical Research Nurse

Parexel Early Phase Clinical Unit supports the development of innovative new medicines which are vital for public health, improving outc...

View details Clinical Research Nurse

• Save Clinical Research Nurse You need to sign in or create an account to save

Research and Innovation Services

Job opportunities

Frequently asked questions.

Current opportunities

There are currently no vacancies available within our Division. Please check back later for opportunities to join our teams. You can visit the  Work at UCL  website to view other available opportunities at UCL.

Working in Research and Innovation Services

This is an exciting time to join our teams as we are further improving our services to bring in additional capacity, expertise, and development opportunities. Discover more about working in Research and Innovation Services (RIS) and the benefits we offer.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about working in RIS and applying for opportunities to join our teams.

Employee rewards and benefits

Explore the great range of rewards and benefits available to UCL employees on the Work at UCL website.

Our directorate is comprised of four teams - Award Services, Contract Services, Planning, Insight and Improvement, and Compliance and Assurance. We support:

• UCL academics to submit more than 4,000 applications each year
• UCL researchers to secure around £470million in funding every year
• Around 6,000 active awards and contracts.

UCL's world-leading research has been recognised in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. Explore our outstanding results and details of submitted case studies spanning our breadth of disciplines on the UCL REF hub.

Visit the UCL REF Hub

• Advanced search
• Faculties and schools
• Services for business
• How to find us

Home > Jobs > Search for jobs

• Search for jobs
• Applicant advice
• Interviews and offer
• Joining us:
• Why work here
• Your career
• Frequently asked questions

Personal Development Programme Lead

• Job Description (PDF , 191.46kb)

Do you enjoy empowering students and shaping their future success?  Join our dynamic team as a Personal Development Programme Lead and play a pivotal role in transforming students’ journeys through university and beyond. As the Personal Development Programme Lead, you will collaborate with others to drive our innovative Navigate, Explore and Apply programme, designed to enhance students’ self-awareness, self-efficacy, and self-confidence. Your responsibilities will include designing, developing, and delivering engaging and inclusive sessions for diverse learners, both virtually and in person. You will support the programme’s expansion across all courses and levels, assist in delivering other career development initiatives, and provide timely reports. This role offers opportunities for continuous professional development and the chance to make a significant impact on students’ academic and professional journeys.

We are seeking a dynamic individual who has proven experience in developing and delivering educational programmes to students. The ideal candidate will possess excellent verbal communication and presentation skills, strong digital skills with the ability to use interactive learning technologies, and the capability to design and deliver inclusive learning sessions. Additionally, they should have strong written communication skills for effective reporting and documentation, as well as good facilitation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to collaborate and influence at all levels. A proactive and engaging communicator, the successful candidate will be able to build rapport and motivate students, think creatively to develop innovative learning experiences, and work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest teaching methods is essential.

Directorate/Function

The Student Development and Graduate Success directorate at Kingston University is at the heart of our mission to empower students and prepare them for successful careers. This dynamic team supports the development of the innovative Future Skills programme, which is a cornerstone of the University’s transformative Town House Strategy. The programme is designed to equip students with essential skills and attributes that are highly valued by employers. By joining the Student Development and Graduate Success directorate, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to transforming education and supporting students’ journeys from university to their professional lives. 

Further information

This is a part-time position (0.6 FTE) fixed-term until 31 July 2025 with a starting salary of £37,646 per annum.

Interviews are scheduled for Thursday 12 September 2024.

For any informal enquires regarding the role please contact Carmen Ecookit,  Senior Faculty Employability Partner .

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students’ identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are - so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.

We are a place-based organisation, proud of our location in Kingston and the civic role we play in our community. Our campuses inspire collaborative, innovative and creative communities. Being present on campus is important to us because it helps us to create a sense of belonging for both our staff and students. Therefore, staff are expected to be on campus for the majority of their working week.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme. 

To apply click on ‘Apply Now’. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email  [email protected]  or call the HR Shared Services team on 020 8417 3118.

Human Resources Second Floor Main Building Kingston University Penrhyn Road Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE

Kingston University jobs: Tel: +44 (0)20 8417 3118 Email us

KUSCO jobs: Tel: +44(0)20 8417 2138 Email KUSCO

• Current Vacancies
• Undergraduate study
• Postgraduate study
• International students
• Research Frequently asked questions
• Website accessibility
• Website feedback
• Freedom of Information
• Wider Information Set
• Charitable status

Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/08/20/gcse-results-day-2024-number-grading-system/

GCSE results day 2024: Everything you need to know including the number grading system

Thousands of students across the country will soon be finding out their GCSE results and thinking about the next steps in their education.   

Here we explain everything you need to know about the big day, from when results day is, to the current 9-1 grading scale, to what your options are if your results aren’t what you’re expecting.  

When is GCSE results day 2024?  

GCSE results day will be taking place on Thursday the 22 August.     

The results will be made available to schools on Wednesday and available to pick up from your school by 8am on Thursday morning.  

Schools will issue their own instructions on how and when to collect your results.   

When did we change to a number grading scale?  

The shift to the numerical grading system was introduced in England in 2017 firstly in English language, English literature, and maths.  

By 2020 all subjects were shifted to number grades. This means anyone with GCSE results from 2017-2020 will have a combination of both letters and numbers.  

The numerical grading system was to signal more challenging GCSEs and to better differentiate between students’ abilities - particularly at higher grades between the A *-C grades. There only used to be 4 grades between A* and C, now with the numerical grading scale there are 6.  

What do the number grades mean?  

The grades are ranked from 1, the lowest, to 9, the highest.  

The grades don’t exactly translate, but the two grading scales meet at three points as illustrated below.  

The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A, while the bottom of grade 4 is aligned to the bottom of grade C.    

Meanwhile, the bottom of grade 1 is aligned to the bottom of grade G.  

What to do if your results weren’t what you were expecting?  

If your results weren’t what you were expecting, firstly don’t panic. You have options.  

First things first, speak to your school or college – they could be flexible on entry requirements if you’ve just missed your grades.   

They’ll also be able to give you the best tailored advice on whether re-sitting while studying for your next qualifications is a possibility.   

If you’re really unhappy with your results you can enter to resit all GCSE subjects in summer 2025. You can also take autumn exams in GCSE English language and maths.  

Speak to your sixth form or college to decide when it’s the best time for you to resit a GCSE exam.  

Look for other courses with different grade requirements     

Entry requirements vary depending on the college and course. Ask your school for advice, and call your college or another one in your area to see if there’s a space on a course you’re interested in.    

Consider an apprenticeship    

Apprenticeships combine a practical training job with study too. They’re open to you if you’re 16 or over, living in England, and not in full time education.  

As an apprentice you’ll be a paid employee, have the opportunity to work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills, and get time set aside for training and study related to your role.   

You can find out more about how to apply here .  

Talk to a National Careers Service (NCS) adviser    

The National Career Service is a free resource that can help you with your career planning. Give them a call to discuss potential routes into higher education, further education, or the workplace.   

Whatever your results, if you want to find out more about all your education and training options, as well as get practical advice about your exam results, visit the  National Careers Service page  and Skills for Careers to explore your study and work choices.   

You may also be interested in:

• Results day 2024: What's next after picking up your A level, T level and VTQ results?
• When is results day 2024? GCSEs, A levels, T Levels and VTQs

Tags: GCSE grade equivalent , gcse number grades , GCSE results , gcse results day 2024 , gsce grades old and new , new gcse grades

Sharing and comments

Share this page, related content and links, about the education hub.

The Education Hub is a site for parents, pupils, education professionals and the media that captures all you need to know about the education system. You’ll find accessible, straightforward information on popular topics, Q&As, interviews, case studies, and more.

Please note that for media enquiries, journalists should call our central Newsdesk on 020 7783 8300. This media-only line operates from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm. Outside of these hours the number will divert to the duty media officer.

Members of the public should call our general enquiries line on 0370 000 2288.

Sign up and manage updates

Follow us on social media, search by date.

Comments and moderation policy

Making Good Friends

Finding the right career.

• Self-Care Tips to Prioritize Your Mental Health
• Self-Esteem: How to Feel Good About Yourself
• How to Break Bad Habits and Change Negative Behaviors
• Imposter Syndrome: Causes, Types, and Coping Tips

Personality Types, Traits, and How it Affects Mental Health

• Online Therapy: Is it Right for You?
• Mental Health
• Health & Wellness
• Children & Family
• Relationships

Are you or someone you know in crisis?

• Bipolar Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Grief & Loss
• Personality Disorders
• PTSD & Trauma
• Schizophrenia
• Therapy & Medication
• Exercise & Fitness
• Healthy Eating
• Well-being & Happiness
• Weight Loss
• Work & Career
• Illness & Disability
• Heart Health
• Learning Disabilities
• Family Caregiving
• Teen Issues
• Communication
• Emotional Intelligence
• Love & Friendship
• Domestic Abuse
• Healthy Aging
• Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia
• End of Life
• Meet Our Team

Why volunteer?

Benefit 1: volunteering connects you to others, benefit 2: volunteering is good for your mind and body, benefit 3: volunteering can advance your career, benefit 4: volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life, how to find the right volunteer opportunity, getting the most out of volunteering, volunteering and its surprising benefits.

Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills, advance your career, and even feel happier and healthier. Learn how to find the right volunteer opportunity for you.

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.

Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.

Benefits of volunteering: 4 ways to feel healthier and happier

• Volunteering connects you to others.
• Volunteering is good for your mind and body.
• Volunteering can advance your career.
• Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life.

One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

Make new friends and contacts

One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

Increase your social and relationship skills

While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts.

Volunteering as a family

Children watch everything you do. By giving back to the community, you’ll show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people and animals and enact change. It’s also a valuable way for you to get to know organizations in the community and find resources and activities for your children and family.

Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.

Volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person. Working with pets and other animals has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

Volunteering combats depression. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against depression.

Volunteering makes you happy . By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others. The more we give, the happier we feel.

[Read: Cultivating Happiness]

Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.

Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. Older adults, especially those who have retired or lost a spouse, can find new meaning and direction in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to your life.

Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better thinking skills. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Speak to a Licensed Therapist

BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.

I have limited mobility—can I still volunteer?

People with disabilities or chronic health conditions can still benefit greatly from volunteering. In fact, research has shown that adults with disabilities or health conditions ranging from hearing and vision loss to heart disease, diabetes or digestive disorders all show improvement after volunteering.

Whether due to a disability, a lack of transportation, or time constraints, many people choose to volunteer their time via phone or computer. In today’s digital age, many organizations need help with writing, graphic design, email, and other web-based tasks. Some organizations may require you to attend an initial training session or periodical meetings while others can be conducted completely remotely. In any volunteer situation, make sure that you are getting enough social contact, and that the organization is available to support you should you have questions.

If you’re considering a new career, volunteering can help you get experience in your area of interest and meet people in the field. Even if you’re not planning on changing careers, volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organization. You might feel more comfortable stretching your wings at work once you’ve honed these skills in a volunteer position first.

Teaching you valuable job skills

Just because volunteer work is unpaid does not mean the skills you learn are basic. Many volunteering opportunities provide extensive training. For example, you could become an experienced crisis counselor while volunteering for a women’s shelter or a knowledgeable art historian while donating your time as a museum docent.

[Read: Finding the Right Career]

Volunteering can also help you build upon skills you already have and use them to benefit the greater community. For instance, if you hold a successful sales position, you can raise awareness for your favorite cause as a volunteer advocate, while further developing and improving your public speaking, communication, and marketing skills.

Gaining career experience

Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. In some fields, you can volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you’re interested in. For example, if you’re interested in nursing, you could volunteer at a hospital or a nursing home.

Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could benefit your career.

When it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity are the only requirements

While learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience. Bear in mind that the most valuable assets you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to pitch in wherever needed, and a positive attitude.

Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life.

[Read: Building Better Mental Health]

Many people volunteer in order to make time for hobbies outside of work as well. For instance, if you have a desk job and long to spend time outdoors, you might consider volunteering to help plant a community garden, walk dogs for an animal shelter, or help out at a children’s camp.

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available. The key is to find a position that you would enjoy and are capable of doing. It’s also important to make sure that your commitment matches the organization’s needs. Ask yourself the following:

• Would you like to work with adults, children, animals, or remotely from home?
• Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
• Are you better behind the scenes or do you prefer to take a more visible role?
• How much time are you willing to commit?
• What skills can you bring to a volunteer job?
• What causes are important to you?

Consider your interests

You will have a richer and more enjoyable volunteering experience if you first take some time to identify your goals and interests. Think about why you want to volunteer. What would you enjoy doing? The opportunities that match both your goals and your interests are most likely to be fun and fulfilling.

What are your volunteering goals?

To find a volunteer position that’s right for you, look for something that matches your personality, skills, and interests. Ask yourself if there is something specific you want to do or achieve as a volunteer.

For example, you might want to:

• Improve your neighborhood.
• Meet new people with different outlooks or experiences.
• Try something new.
• Do something rewarding with your spare time.
• See new places or experience a different way of living.
• Try a new type of work that you might want to pursue as a full-time job.
• Expand on your interests and hobbies.

Consider several volunteer possibilities

Don’t limit yourself to just one organization or one specific type of job. Sometimes an opportunity looks great on paper, but the reality is quite different. Try to visit different organizations and get a feel for what they are like and if you click with other staff and volunteers.

Where to find volunteer opportunities

• Community theaters, museums, and monuments.
• Libraries or senior centers.
• Service organizations such as Lions Clubs or Rotary Clubs.
• Local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife centers.
• Youth organizations, sports teams, and after-school programs.
• Historical restorations, national parks, and conservation organizations.
• Places of worship such as churches or synagogues.
• Online directories and other resources (see below).

How much time should you volunteer?

Volunteering doesn’t have to take over your life to be beneficial. In fact, research shows that just two to three hours per week, or about 100 hours a year, can confer the most benefits—to both you and your chosen cause. The important thing is to volunteer only the amount of time that feels comfortable to you. Volunteering should feel like a fun and rewarding hobby, not another chore on your to-do list.

You’re donating your valuable time, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering. To make sure that your volunteer position is a good fit:

Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and the time you want to spend. Sample questions for your volunteer coordinator might address your time commitment, if there’s any training involved, who you will be working with, and what to do if you have questions during your experience.

Make sure you know what’s expected. You should be comfortable with the organization and understand the time commitment. Consider starting small so that you don’t over commit yourself at first. Give yourself some flexibility to change your focus if needed.

Don’t be afraid to make a change. Don’t force yourself into a bad fit or feel compelled to stick with a volunteer role you dislike. Talk to the organization about changing your focus or look for a different organization that’s a better fit.

If volunteering overseas, choose carefully. Some volunteer programs abroad can cause more harm than good if they take much-needed paying jobs away from local workers. Look for volunteer opportunities with reputable organizations.

Enjoy yourself. The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer and the organization. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why. Is it the tasks you’re performing? The people you’re working with? Or are you uncomfortable simply because the situation is new and unfamiliar? Pinpointing what’s bothering you can help you decide how to proceed.

VolunteerMatch  – Find opportunities that match your volunteer interests, from location to type of work. (VolunteerMatch)

Idealist  – Find volunteer opportunities in your local area or internationally. (Idealist)

National and Community Service  – Federal organization offering volunteer positions across the U.S. (National Service)

Volunteer  – Directory of environmental volunteer opportunities. (Volunteer.gov)

U.S. Peace Corps  – Offers volunteer opportunities overseas and includes a  50 Plus  division. (Peace Corps)

American Red Cross  – Volunteer in any of the Red Cross’s key service areas. (Red Cross)

More Information

• Simple Changes, Big Rewards - A Practical, Easy Guide for Healthy, Happy Living. (Harvard Medical School Special Health Report)
• The Health Benefits of Volunteering: Recent Research (PDF) - Research on the benefits of volunteering, especially for seniors. (Corporation for National and Community Service)
• The many ways volunteering is good for your heart - Includes resources for finding volunteer positions. (Harvard Health Publications)
• 10 Tips on Volunteering Wisely - Tips to make the most of your volunteering experience. (Network for Good)
• Carr, D. C., Kail, B. L., & Rowe, J. W. (2018). The Relation of Volunteering and Subsequent Changes in Physical Disability in Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B , 73(3), 511–521. Link
• Kim, E. S., Whillans, A. V., Lee, M. T., Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2020). Volunteering and Subsequent Health and Well-Being in Older Adults: An Outcome-Wide Longitudinal Approach. American Journal of Preventive Medicine , 59(2), 176–186. Link
• Lawton, R. N., Gramatki, I., Watt, W., & Fujiwara, D. (2021). Does Volunteering Make Us Happier, or Are Happier People More Likely to Volunteer? Addressing the Problem of Reverse Causality When Estimating the Wellbeing Impacts of Volunteering. Journal of Happiness Studie , 22(2), 599–624. Link
• Okun, M. A., Yeung, E. W., & Brown, S. (2013). Volunteering by older adults and risk of mortality: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging , 28(2), 564–577. Link
• Salt, E., Crofford, L. J., & Segerstrom, S. (2017). The Mediating and Moderating Effect of Volunteering on Pain and Depression, Life Purpose, Well-Being, and Physical Activity. Pain Management Nursing , 18(4), 243–249. Link

More in Well-being & Happiness

Tips for meeting people and making meaningful connections

How to choose or change career paths and find job satisfaction

Tips to staying healthy as you get older

Self-Care Tips

Strategies to improve your mental health

Self-Esteem

How to feel good about yourself

How to Break Bad Habits

Tips for changing negative behaviors

Imposter Syndrome

What to do when you feel like a fraud at work, school, or in relationships

Your personality impacts your health, mood, and relationships. Here’s what you need to know.

Professional therapy, done online

BetterHelp makes starting therapy easy. Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist.

Help us help others

Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. Please donate today to help us save, support, and change lives.