Research Manager - Research for Patient Benefit

Exciting opportunity to join the NIHR’sResearch for Patient Benefit(RfPB) team as aResearch Manager, and help shape research that makes a real difference to patients and the health system.

About Us

TheNIHR, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, partners with the NHS, universities, local government, and the public to fund and deliver cutting-edge health and care research that improves lives and supports the UK economy.

The Team

TheRfPB programmesupports high-quality NHS-based research in England, offering regional project grants of up to £500,000 over 36 months. With over 1,400 active projects and three funding rounds a year, it’s one of NIHR’s most dynamic and impactful programmes.

Job Description

Join ourResearch for Patient Benefitteam as aResearch Manager, supporting impactful healthcare innovation. Reporting to a Senior Research Manager, you’ll play a vital role in funding management, project oversight, and enhancing processes that drive real-world patient outcomes.

What You'll Do

• Drive the Funding Process: Research call themes, advise applicants, review applications, coordinate funding committees, and deliver clear, constructive feedback
• Evaluate Proposals: Conduct due diligence on healthcare projects, assessing scientific, clinical, and technical merit. With senior support, analyse IP, value for money, and commercial potential
• Negotiate & Finalise Projects: Lead funding agreement negotiations, defining milestones, budgets, and reporting terms to support project success
• Manage Funded Projects: Oversee performance, monitor IP and dissemination strategies, and guide contractual changes to ensure patient benefit and potential commercial impact
• Engage Stakeholders: Represent our programmes at internal and external meetings, supporting project development and strengthening partnerships
• Support Strategy & Operations: Help improve internal processes and contribute to broader programme development

About You

We’re looking for a motivated and collaborative professional with a background in health, biomedical, or social sciences, and a passion for impactful research.

Essential

• Degree in biomedical, health, or social sciences
• Experience in a research-focused environment
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to critically assess complex healthcare-related information
• Proven ability to manage diverse stakeholders across sectors

Desirable

• Postgraduate or higher degree in a relevant field
• Experience working with the NHS, government departments, or public sector organisations
• Background in research management or portfolio oversight
• Knowledge of the UK health and care research landscape

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Clear, accurate written communication
• Strong organisational and time management abilities
• Proactive, independent, and self-directed approach
• Team player with a positive, collaborative mindset
• Confident verbal communicator and presenter
• Financially literate with an understanding of budget management
• Comfortable using digital tools and research-related IT systems

Why work for us?

Join our team and you’ll be working with an exceptional organisation who manage high quality health and care research for the benefit of patients and the public. NIHR is one of the UK’s largest funder of health and care research.

Job Summary:

• Salary:£40,300 per year
• Location:TW1 3NL / Hybrid working model
• Contract Type:Full Time Permanent
• Working Hours:7.5 hours per day
• Annual Leave:25 days, plus UK public holidays

Employee Benefits Include:

• Discretionary annual bonus, subject to performance
• Enhanced Contributory Pension Scheme
• Life Insurance Cover
• Benenden Healthcare Membership
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Season Ticket Loan

Please note:This is an office based hybrid position, with a mandatory requirement to attend our office in Twickenham, London, one day each week.

How to Apply

Please submit your application directly through SmartRecruiters, including your CV and astatement of suitability(in the body of your CV), that outlines both your motivation for applying and how your experience aligns with the role.

Timelines

Deadline for applications: 5pm, 17 July.

Interviews, from the week commencing 21 July.