The Role
You will join a dynamic, international, multidisciplinary team working in the area of translational research for neuromuscular diseases within the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre at Newcastle University. This exciting role will take responsibility for ensuring the smooth running of all aspects related to the Adult SMA REACH project. You will hold a degree qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent relevant experience in a senior role. Attention to detail and excellent organisational skills with proven ability to organise resources and deliver results on time is imperative for this role.
The post is full time, fixed term until 30th April 2027.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Chiara Marini Bettolo () or Jess Page ()
To apply for this role, please submit a CV and covering letter with your application.
Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require a Research Passport before you can commence in the role
Key Accountabilities
1. Act as the main point of contact for all parties involved in each project on a day-to- day basis, communicating clearly with investigators, project teams, collaborators and stakeholders and University professional services staff
2. Prepare detailed study/research timelines and milestones, monitoring progress on a continuous basis, with a clear understanding of any impact on the critical path
3. Actively manage project progress in association with the research, support and clinical teams to achieve milestones within set timescales. This may involve collaboration with other organisations e.g. funders, Universities, NHS Trusts and industry partners
4. Day-to-day management of project team support staff and coordination of staff recruitment e.g. data managers
5. Develop an understanding of clinical governance and good clinical practice (GCP) to facilitate the management of low-risk clinical trials
6. Ensure the early identification of potential risks to meeting required objectives and coordinate the development of plans to recover the situation where possible, liaising with the funding body as appropriate, keeping the Investigator and research team fully appraised throughout
7. Manage the project finances including forecasting; liaison with the University’s Contract Financial Management Team and, where appropriate, the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust finance departments to ensure financial transactions and reporting are managed in line with the contract and income is maximised; and holding regular meetings with project leads to ensure effective budget management
8. Organise regular project update meetings, maintaining appropriate communication with all stakeholders and ensuring actions are created in line with the project objectives/timeline. Ensure agreed actions are undertaken by those assigned responsibility
9. Establish, organise and contribute to project management groups as required to support the project e.g. Advisory Boards, Steering Groups, inter- disciplinary working groups
10. Develop an understanding of the scientific, regulatory and technical elements of the project to cross communicate between different work packages
11. Provide support for new grant applications and dissemination activities as required. Undertake other reasonable duties or responsibilities as requested
12. Take responsibility for identifying own learning needs, including identifying appropriate courses to ensure up to date knowledge in the funding streams available to support translational research, as well as developing an awareness of the regulations governing clinical research and research data
13. Work as part of the JWMDRC team to develop common ways of working and promote the use of best practice in project management
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
14. Advanced knowledge of project management and relevant business operating procedures
15. Knowledge of project management methodology
16. Experience of working in a project management role
17. A proven ability to manage projects to defined deliverables and meet audit requirements
18. Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally
19. Excellent organisational and time management skills
20. Excellent financial management skills
21. Excellent IT skills, including competent use of Microsoft Office including MS Project, Excel and Access
Attributes and Behaviour
22. An ability to work to deadlines, organise own workload and work independently
23. The ability to work across department and cross-organisational boundaries to build effective relationships both internally and externally
24. Attention to detail
25. A proven ability to be adaptable, innovative and proactive in project work
26. A positive and supportive attitude; ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others
27. Enthusiasm to undertake training and learn new skills.
28. Flexibility with respect to working hours
29. Willingness to travel outside of the Newcastle area and when permitted internationally
Qualifications
30. 1st degree (or equivalent professional qualification) in a relevant discipline and significant experience of working in project management
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a Gold award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 28994