Policy Research Officer (part-time- max 3 days per w...

The Policy Research Officer will support the design and implementation of policy research initiatives and European-funded projects that advance lung cancer policy and advocacy across Europe, with a strong focus on making complex policy issues understandable and actionable for patient communities. This role is integral to LuCE's mission to shape evidence-based policy and improve outcomes for people living with lung cancer. 

You will be proactive, rigorous, and dedicated to supporting high-impact policy research that informs decision-makers, while serving as a bridge between technical policy debates and the lived experience of people affected by lung cancer. You will strengthen the voice of patients and professionals throughout Europe by translating complex policy into accessible guidance that empowers our member organisations—including those with limited prior policy experience—to engage confidently in advocacy at national and European levels. 

Key Responsibilities 

The Policy Research Officer will report to the Head of Operations and Strategic Development and will be responsible for advancing LuCE's flagship 2026 initiative, the Lung Cancer Targets Accelerator, alongside comparative policy analysis and evidence-building activities: 

Lung Cancer Targets Accelerator 

• Support development and deployment of country- and region-specific benchmarking and accountability dashboards tracking policy, access, care quality, and outcomes in lung cancer across Europe 
• Contribute to dashboard design and data collection on indicators spanning governance, burden, prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship; benchmark progress against EU and international standards 
• Assist in production of evidence-based policy briefing documents addressing high-priority lung cancer policy questions, including topics such as AI in cancer care, patient-centred health technology assessment, inclusive clinical trials, and rapid diagnostic pathways 
• Support policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement to drive accountability and targeted improvements based on dashboard findings 

Comparative Data Analysis & Policy Intelligence 

• Conduct comparative policy research and data analysis across LuCE's 23+ member countries, utilising tools such as the Access to Treatment Atlas for Lung Cancer Europe to identify trends, disparities, and implementation gaps 
• Synthesise comparative findings into actionable evidence for policymakers and health professionals, translating complex data into lay-friendly communications 
• Design and contribute to research methodologies, including literature reviews, surveys, expert consultations, and multi-country data collection 
• Support systematic monitoring of policy progress on lung cancer targets and inequalities across Europe 

Policy Advocacy & Engagement 

• Support high-impact advocacy activities driving awareness and policy engagement driving momentum for the call2action recently launched by Lung Cancer Europe at the EU PARL. 
• Coordinate multi-stakeholder dialogue on systemic barriers in lung cancer care and policy, supporting facilitated roundtable discussions with lung cancer patients, professionals, and policymakers across Europe 
• Translate complex European and national policy developments into clear, accessible language and practical guidance for LuCE member organisations, enabling them to engage confidently in advocacy at national level 
• Work closely with patient representatives to ensure policy messages reflect lived experience and support them in participating meaningfully in consultations, roundtables, and advocacy opportunities 
• Contribute to joint statements, public consultations, and engagement with EU institutions and regulatory bodies (e.g., European Medicines Agency) on priority lung cancer topics 
• Support timely policy briefings and evidence-based advocacy on emerging EU policy developments affecting lung cancer patients and professionals 

Research Coordination & Communications 

• Coordinate expert consultations, workshops, and working group meetings to engage LuCE's network in policy research and advocacy activities 
• Produce high-quality policy research outputs (briefings, dashboards, reports, analyses) that inform decision-making at EU and national levels 
• Contribute to public and professional communication of policy findings, ensuring research accessibility to diverse audiences 

General Support 

• Undertake other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Board of the Head of Operations and Strategic Development 

Required Skills & Qualifications 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in public health, life sciences, social sciences, health policy, or a related field 
• Proven professional experience (4-6 years minimum) in policy research, health policy analysis, or evidence-based advocacy 
• Experience working in research, healthcare, or non-profit organisations with a focus on health policy or advocacy 

Technical & Analytical Skills 

• Strong ability to conduct policy-applied research and critically analyse scientific and policy materials 
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis methodologies (surveys, literature reviews, qualitative research) 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to translate complex research for diverse audiences 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital collaboration tools 
• Strong organisational and time management skills 

Professional Attributes 

• Commitment to rigorous work, high-quality outputs, and critical thinking 
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to manage complexity and follow through on multiple tasks 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with experts and stakeholders across Europe 
• Demonstrated commitment to patient advocacy and to centring the perspectives of people living with lung cancer in policy and research work 
• Strong ability to explain complex policy concepts in simple, respectful language and to support stakeholders with little or no prior exposure to health policy 
• Team-player spirit with adaptability and commitment to organizational goals 
• High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality 
• Fluency in written and spoken English (additional European languages are an advantage) 
• Willingness to travel within Europe as required 

What the Role Offers 

This position provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to Europe's lung cancer agenda at a critical time when cancer is increasingly prioritised in EU policy and health strategy. You will: 

• Support evidence-based policy research that directly impacts decision-making and improves outcomes for people living with lung cancer 
• Work closely with patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and EU institutions 
• Develop expertise in health policy research, advocacy, and evidence translation 
• Be part of a dynamic, mission-driven organization committed to reducing the burden of lung cancer 
• Gain exposure to European-level policy processes and the functioning of a pan-European patient advocacy network 
• Develop professionally through exposure to complex, high-impact projects and collaboration with leading experts 

How to Apply 

Candidates should submit: 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Cover letter (maximum 1 page) explaining your interest in Lung Cancer Europe and EU Policy 
• Earliest possible start date 

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the first interview stage. The selection process may include a written assignment to assess relevant skills. 

Additional Information 

Location: Remote (EU-based candidates) 

Contract: Part-time Freelance 

Working Language: English 

Right to Work: Candidates must already have the right to work in the EU 

Travel: This position requires periodic travel within Europe to support policy engagement activities