Programme Manager
The Medical Research Council (MRC)
Salary: £45,272 (plus £5385.00 London allowances if applicable)
Band: UKRI E
Hours: Full time (job share is available with the expectation that candidates apply with a pre-arranged job share colleague)
Contract Type: Open Ended.
Location: Swindon/ London Hybrid working Available.
Positions: 2
Closing Date: Friday 25th July 2025
We are recruiting two Programme Managers to join the Medical Research Councils Investigator-Led Directorate. The roles play a core part in MRCs mission to improve human health by managing a portfolio of research funding, embedded within MRCs translation group. Reporting to the Head of Theme, the Programme Managers work with administrative teams on peer review delivery and with others across MRC Head Office. The roles will support science and related policy areas. The posts will play a role in supporting our research and are part of a wider scientific Programme Manager cadre across MRC Head Office where staff move periodically between roles and directorates to expand experience and take on new challenges within MRCs core business.
You will be the knowledge-holder of the science issues relating to your area, spanning new research and policy-related issues. You will:
- Provide support and advice for grant applicants
- Be responsible for the peer review of research/training proposals
- Act as the primary interface for internal (across the MRC office and UKRI partners) and external stakeholders (e.g. researchers in the academic and commercial sectors, funding agencies, policy makers)
- Assist senior colleagues in the review of research fields and related investments, and the development and implementation of scientific initiatives and policy
- Develop and manage funding schemes and initiatives.
Person requirements
Essential:
- A degree in an area of science relevant to the MRC
- Significant research (in academia, industry or NHS) or research-related experience (e.g. research funding/strategy management or publishing), demonstrating strong understanding of the biomedical/health research landscape and a broad understanding of scientific issues
- Excellent people skills, including ability to build relationships, negotiate, influence and persuade
- Experience of achieving results with a wide range of stakeholders (across levels of seniority), progressing the organisations interests while being sensitive to those of the stakeholders e.g. research funders, the bioscience industry, NHS, scientific publishing or academia
- The ability to communicate clearly both in oral and written form, across a range of issues (beyond your own academic focus), and articulating complex ideas and conflicting perspectives
- Strategic and pragmatic thinker with the ability to work alone and in a team, analyse complex information and identify key risks, issues and solutions within their work
- The ability to appraise science and partnership opportunities, identify strategic objectives and their implications, and make adaptations to their own area of work
- Highly organised with the ability to manage conflicting priorities and time effectively
- Positive advocate for medical research, the MRC and UKRI
- Has integrity and takes personal responsibility for their actions and work
- Resilient ability to respond effectively to unexpected changes or demands and to remain calm under pressure
- Committed to personal and organisational improvement.
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!
A list of benefits below:
- 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!
How to apply:
For full details, please visit our careers site. Please submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role.
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