Head of Theme

**Details**:
**Reference number**:

- 347390**Salary**:

- £65,262- A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%**Job grade**:

- Grade 6- UKRI - Band G**Contract type**:

- Fixed term**Length of employment**:

- 18 Months**Business area**:

- MRC - Programme Office - MRC Research Programmes Group**Type of role**:

- Administration / Corporate Support
- Operational Research**Working pattern**:

- Full-time, Part-time**Number of jobs available**:

- 1Contents

Location

About the job

**Benefits**:
Things you need to know

Location
- London, SwindonAbout the job

**Job summary**:
**Head of Theme, Population Health Research Infrastructure**

**The Medical Research Council (MRC)**

**Salary: £65,262 per annum (dependent on skills and experience).**

**Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8 FTE)**

**Contract Type: Fixed Term (18 months)**

**Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire / Caxton House, London - Hybrid working**

**Job description**:

- 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.**Person specification**:
**Person Specification**
- 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, handling conflicts, and building consensus to deliver key objectives.
- Ability to handle, analyse and present complex information (eg. scientific, financial, policy, ethical)
- Negotiating solutions in conflicting and politically sensitive environments
- Shown 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
- Ability to lead, motivate and develop individuals within a team, and empower others to take responsibility for delivery of business objectives
- High level of insight and credibility in population science / medical research and research funding issues
- Able to address your motivation and clearly state how you meet the criteria of the role in a cover letter (Max 2 pages)

**Additional information**:
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.

**Benefits**:

- Alongside your salary of £65,262, Medical Research Council contributes £17,620 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.- ** Benefits**

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- 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.**

Things you need to know

**Selection process details**:
**How to apply**:
**Closing Date: 28/04/24**

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.**Security**:
- People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.**Nationality requirements**:
This job is broadly open to the following groups:

- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who h