Company Description
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR – is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research and is the largest funder of health and social care research in the UK. We work in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the public. The NIHR funds, enables, and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.
The NIHR RfPB programme provides funding for high quality health and social care research in the NHS in England, and allocates funding on a regional basis, for project grants of up to £500,000 and 36 months in duration. The team currently manages a portfolio of over 1,400 projects and delivers at least three funding competition cycles per year.
Job Description
Reporting to a Senior Research Manager, this role will involve managing and supporting the funding processes and to ensure effective monitoring of funded projects. Other key aspects include the management of a portfolio of funded projects, supporting team members and the improvement of operational processes and working practices.
The Research Manager will also be involved in the capture of key outputs and their impact on delivering patient benefit.
Key accountabilities
The role involves supporting all aspects of research funding, from identifying potential call themes and advising applicants, to revising guidance documents. It includes reviewing applications for eligibility and scope, managing the funding committee process, coordinating and attending committee meetings, and preparing detailed feedback for both successful and unsuccessful applicants.
A key responsibility is undertaking due diligence of healthcare-related project proposals. This requires critical assessment of the scientific, technical, and clinical rationale, as well as, with support from senior colleagues, analysis of value for money. The role also involves evaluating proposed intellectual property (IP) protection and freedom to operate, alongside assessing dissemination, adoption, and commercialisation strategies.
The postholder will negotiate funding agreements for approved projects, including defining milestones, financial arrangements, and reporting requirements to ensure successful project progression. They will also manage a portfolio of funded projects, monitoring scientific, clinical,
and financial performance, reviewing IP and dissemination plans, and overseeing contractual changes to ensure appropriate strategies are in place to deliver patient benefit and/or commercial outcomes.
Regular liaison with internal and external stakeholders is essential, including attending, organising, and leading meetings. The Research Manager will represent the funder’s perspective at project meetings to facilitate successful development, while also promoting and representing funding programmes at relevant external events. Additionally, the role contributes to strategic programme initiatives, supporting the continuous improvement of processes and working practices.
Qualifications
Required Criteria
1. Degree in a relevant discipline (, biomedical sciences, life sciences, healthcare management)
2. Proven track record in managing research funding processes from application to post-award monitoring
3. Experience in reviewing and critically assessing research proposals, especially in healthcare, biomedical, or clinical fields
4. Background in managing funded research projects, including monitoring deliverables, budgets, milestones, and reporting
5. Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including liaising with researchers, and funding committees
6. Experience in organising and facilitating formal meetings (, funding panels, project review boards)
Desired Criteria
7. Previous work in a research funding organisation, charitable funder, government research agency, or similar environment
8. Familiarity with healthcare innovation and translational research pathways, including adoption and commercialisation strategies
9. Experience supporting strategic programme initiatives
10. Track record of process improvement in research management or funding operations
11. Awareness of UK health research landscape, including key funders, regulatory requirements, and innovation ecosystems
12. Understanding of patient benefit pathways and how research outputs can be translated into practice
Key Competencies
13. Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and presentation skills, with meticulous attention to detail
14. Strong planning and organisational skills; able to prioritise and manage multiple tasks to challenging deadlines
15. Proven analytical and problem-solving ability, with the capacity to critically assess complex scientific, technical, and clinical subjects across healthcare sectors
16. Experience managing diverse internal and external stakeholder relationships
17. Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently while being a committed team player
18. Good financial awareness and sound IT skills
Additional Information
Compensation, Benefits & Working Arrangements:
19. Salary: £40,300 per year
20. Location: Twickenham, London / Hybrid working model
21. Contract Type: Permanent, full time
22. Working Hours: per week, hours per day
23. Annual Leave: 25 days, plus UK public holidays
Employee Benefits Include:
24. Annual bonus, subject to company performance
25. Enhanced Contributory Pension Scheme
26. Life Insurance Cover
27. Benenden Healthcare Membership
28. Training and Development Opportunities
29. Season Ticket Loan
NB: We offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, flexible working arrangements. This is an office based, hybrid role with an expectation for all employees to attend our offices a minimum of 4 days a month, usually worked as 1 day per week, and may increase, subject to team requirements.
Application
If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Required Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with the NIHR.
Deadline for applications is 5pm on the 19th November, with interviews to commence from the 26th November.
Inclusion and Diversity
LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.