Senior Research Manager

Head of Theme - Population Health Research Infrastructure
Head of Theme, Population Health Research Infrastructure
The Medical Research Council (MRC)
Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.Contract Type: Fixed Term (18 months) 
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire / Caxton House, London - Hybrid Working 
The role entails leading MRC’s management of its research portfolio in population health science. This includes overseeing key UKRI infrastructural programs such as UK Biobank, Population Research UK, and the Adolescent Health Study. As the knowledge-holder of scientific issues pertaining to this remit, responsibilities span across staying abreast of new research developments, fostering research partnerships, and addressing policy-related matters. Overseeing peer review procedures for relevant research funding is integral, alongside acting as the primary interface for stakeholders internally (across MRC sections and UKRI partners) and externally (including researchers, funding agencies, and policymakers). Assistance to MRC/UKRI leadership in developing and implementing scientific initiatives and policy is also part of the role, as is the development and management of funding opportunities and innovative initiatives.
To oversee the peer review procedures of research funding applications, including management of the team interfacing with principle investigators / applicants; To act as the point of contact for the ongoing management of grants, which may include: monitoring the grant’s progress at critical stages to ensure it is meeting its milestones and/or objectives; considering requests for supplements or alterations to the grant and, if appropriate, recommending action to senior executive staff;
To keep abreast with research and developments in the subject fields and to be a primary source of scientific information for Head Office in these areas;
To prepare briefing documents relating to the scientific patch allocated to the role;
To act as MRC representative, liaison or observer as appropriate (e.g. external scientific committees, working parties, Government departments, research charities, regulatory agencies, patient groups);
To assist senior staff with the preparation of briefing documents and other material on scientific matters for UKRI/MRC Boards , Government Depts, ad-hoc committees, and assist in advising on the line of replies to parliamentary questions and other external queries;
To carry out any other duties that may be required of the post as delegated by line manager/senior staff.
PhD (relevant to the work of the MRC), or equivalent higher degree in research
A background in population health science, or research aligned to this, whether in research or policy
Experience working in health research management and familiarity with UK medical or biological research in Universities and the NHS
Experience in developing and managing strong partnerships and relationships inside and outside the organization, managing conflicts, and building consensus to deliver key objectives.
scientific, financial, policy, ethical)
Experience of running high quality peer review
Proven experience of representing an organisation at a senior level and the influencing favourable outcomes
Ability to engage in scientific issues, with credibility at all levels
Ability to think and plan strategically in research, relating long-range goals to short-term action
High level of insight and credibility in population science / medical research and research funding issues
You will be required to frequently work in the opposite (Swindon) office and be willing to stay overnight and work long hours on an occasional basis. Additional, infrequent UK & European travel may also be necessary.
We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning
30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
~ Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
~ Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
~ Flexible working options

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
Chief Science Officer
Band F Head of Programme, Population Health;
Band D UKPRP Science Manager; 
In addition to close working relationships with senior staff, other Programme Managers and various MRC office groups, the role involves developing and maintaining a broad range of working relationships within MRC/UKRI and externally; Directors of MRC Units and Centres or strategic programmes within the Board/Panel remit;
Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.About the Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Within UKRI, the MRC seeks to improve human health through world-class research. With an annual budget of over £800 m, MRC provides support both to individuals, through fellowships and grants, and to institutions, such as the MRC Laboratory for Molecular Biology and the Francis Crick Institute. The outcomes of our research span discovery science, improvements in public health and the development of new treatments for common diseases.
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. 
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. 
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 
 
Online applications only preferred for this role. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application. 
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us. 
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract