Senior Project Manager (MHRG) – Health Research
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £48,822 to £56,535 (Full-Time/Fixed Term)
The Division of Health Research, within Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine, is seeking a committed and experienced Project Manager to lead the administration of the new Mental Health Research Group (MHRG), a five‑year initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) with £11 million to conduct world‑class mental health research in the North West region.
More than 13,000 people in Lancashire and South Cumbria have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness, while Blackpool has the highest rate of deaths linked to addiction and suicide in England. In partnership with the University of Manchester and King’s College London, the group will identify local needs and priorities for mental health research and work alongside residents to develop a proactive, preventative model of care.
Four initial research themes seek to tackle inequities in access to effective mental health interventions, especially for those experiencing multiple disadvantages and/or complex mental health issues, who are often excluded from mainstream services. A robust knowledge mobilisation infrastructure will be implemented to ensure that research translates rapidly into significant improvements in health and social care, with the voices of diverse individuals with lived experience central to all aspects of the programme.
Key Responsibilities
You will play an integral role in the MHRG programme and its management, coordinating collaboration with all programme members to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the programme objectives. Your duties include:
* Leading strategic engagement with partner institutions, including other universities, NHS Trusts and third sector organisations.
* Tracking MHRG progress against defined KPIs.
* Managing budgets and expenditure.
* Producing accurate and timely project reports.
* Providing joint supervisory responsibility for a dedicated Administrator alongside the programme co‑leads.
The post will be based in the Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research at Lancaster University (Health Innovation Campus) and may involve travel within the UK.
Qualifications
We require an individual with previous experience of project management to ensure the smooth running of the MHRG. Experience must include:
* Managing large‑scale, diverse research projects, including negotiating with a wide range of research partners.
* Leading strategic engagement with academic and non‑academic stakeholders.
* Organising and facilitating meetings, events, workshops and conferences.
* Running promotional media campaigns, including web presence and social media.
Contract and Working Arrangements
This is a fixed‑term contract, contingent on external funding, which is due to end on 30th June 2031. The role will be available to start July 2026, with consideration for flexible working arrangements including condensed hours, variable start and finish times.
Contact Information
For further information on the role and to discuss any aspects of the position, please contact:
Dr Jasper Palmier‑Claus: j.palmier‑claus@lancaster.ac.uk
Professor Steven Jones: s.jones7@lancaster.ac.uk
Equal Opportunity Statement
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.
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