Background
This is an outstanding opportunity for a Rare Conditions Research Project Manager within the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics at The University of Manchester. The post involves managing research projects related to rare conditions, funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Rare Disease Platform Nodes, the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and the Manchester Rare Conditions Centre (MRCC).
Medical Research Council (MRC) Rare Disease Platform Nodes
Launched in 2022 by the MRC and NIHR, the UK Rare Disease Research Platform aims to bring together expertise, patients and technology to advance rare disease research. The platform supports a network of projects across the UK, each delivered through specialised ‘nodes’.
The University of Manchester leads three of the ten nodes:
* Rare Early Onset Lower Urinary Tract (REOLUT) Disorders Node. PI: Professor William Newman.
* Epigenomics Node. PI: Professor Siddharth Banka.
* Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Node. PI: Professor Ramona Moldovan.
The NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)
The Manchester BRC is a partnership between the University of Manchester and six NHS organisations, focused on translating research into new treatments and technologies. It has received £59.1m (2022–2027) to support research across 13 themes, including Rare Conditions.
Rare Conditions sits within the Under‑Researched Conditions Cluster, alongside Hearing Health and Mental Health. This cluster focuses on conditions with significant impact but historically low research funding, aiming to improve prevention, early diagnosis, and develop innovative treatments such as gene therapies and digital interventions.
Manchester Rare Conditions Centre (MRCC)
The MRCC is a collaborative, virtual centre led by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. It aims to improve the lives of people with rare conditions through coordinated clinical care, research, education and engagement, aligned with the 2021 UK Rare Diseases Framework.
About the Role
The University of Manchester is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Project Manager to join our Division of Evolution, Infection & Genomics. The post involves managing research projects related to rare conditions, funded by the MRC Rare Disease Platform Nodes, the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and the Manchester Rare Conditions Centre (MRCC).
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the smooth management of the programmes of research and the production of deliverables and milestones, on time and within budget. The post holder will:
* work effectively across complex research organisations, ensure timelines for projects are met and instigate change as required;
* use specialised knowledge to advise on funding strategy;
* take initiative where necessary;
* identify and breakdown tasks required for a multidisciplinary research group project;
* delegate and assign tasks to others.
The position offers an ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic, well‑motivated individual with excellent interpersonal, communication, IT, and organisational skills to work in a multi‑disciplinary research environment and build on your scientific project management to run rare disease related research. The post holder will need to work with minimal supervision and ideally have experience within research, preferably in physical or medical sciences.
Appointment Details
This is a full‑time, fixed‑term appointment for 24 months, funded by the MRC/NIHR/MRCC. The post is based on campus at the University of Manchester and requires regular in‑person attendance. The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Benefits
* Fantastic market‑leading Pension scheme
* Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
* Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
* Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
* Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
Equal Opportunities
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Flexibility
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
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