Description
Programme Manager – Medical Research Council (MRC)
Council: MRC
Salary: £46,437 Per Annum
Band: UKRI Band E
Team: Data Science Team
Contract Type: Open-Ended
Hours: Full time / Part time (0.8 FTE Minimum)
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire– Hybrid working available
Closing Date: Tuesday March 24th 2026
About the role
The Programme Manager will join the Medical Research Council's Data Science team to help deliver strategic aims in data science, as outlined in the MRC Strategic Delivery Plan. The role supports MRC's objectives to develop a cohesive, safe, and efficient environment for delivering, accessing, and using health data across the UK. The Data Science Team is part of the Challenge-Led Directorate, You will act as the main MRC contact for the UK Data and Analytics Research Environments (DARE UK) programme and work extensively across MRC and UKRI. The role involves engaging internal and external stakeholders, tracking developments in trusted data environments, and contributing to the strategic implementation of MRC data science activities.
Your responsibilities:
* Manage the interface with the UKRI Infrastructure and Digital Research Infrastructure teams related to DARE-UK and related schemes including reporting on progress and finances, attending meetings, and development of further projects in this area as needs arise.
* Liaise with the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure team and the DARE-UK Delivery Team to support Phase 2 delivery and development of Phase 3.
* Act as lead contact for Trusted and Secure Data Environments (TREs / SDEs) across major partners including HEIs and NHS organisations.
* Contribute to MRC's needs in managing, sharing, accessing, and analysing personal and protected health data, aligned to MRC priorities and Delivery Plan. Develop and manage programmes of digital research infrastructure investment in partnership with teams across MRC and UKRI.
* Provide external representation to ensure mutual understanding of research community needs in digital research infrastructure.
* Build strong and effective relationships with partners including other UKRI councils, government bodies, learned societies, and international organisations.
* Provide expert advice within MRC Head Office on developments in data science, trusted research environments, and digital research infrastructure, including developing briefings for the MRC Executive and responding to consultations and stakeholder requests.
Personal Specification
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
* PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant research or research facing role, demonstrating broad scientific and research understanding. (S)
* Experience liaising and achieving results with a wide range of stakeholders (e.g., research funders, NHS, industry, academia). (S&I)
* Knowledge and understanding of biomedical/health relevant data science and UK digital research infrastructure environments. (S&I)
* Strong communication skills (oral and written) across a range of issues. (S)
* Ability to appraise science and partnership opportunities, identify strategic objectives and implications, and adapt work accordingly. (S&I)
* Ability to manage conflicting priorities and time effectively. (I)
* Strong interpersonal skills including relationship building, negotiation, persuasion, and influencing. (S&I)
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
For further information on our benefits please see:
Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact