Job Summary
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future research workforce within one of the UK's leading NIHR Biomedical Research Centres. Hosted by University Hospitals Birmingham, the 34.2m Birmingham BRC brings together patients, clinicians and researchers to translate cutting‑edge discoveries into real‑world treatments.
As Academic Career Development Manager, you will play a central role in developing and delivering a high‑quality, inclusive training and career development offer across a complex, multi‑partner environment. Working closely with the Academic Career Development Lead and senior clinical and academic colleagues, you will help shape how we support and grow the next generation of research talent. This role offers the opportunity to contribute at both strategic and operational levels, with real scope to influence programmes and drive innovation in academic career development across the NIHR landscape.
Main Duties, Tasks & Skills Required
* Coordinate and deliver the BRC's academic career development programme, including training pathways, fellowships, mentoring schemes and events.
* Work with senior stakeholders to identify workforce needs, develop inclusive opportunities, and ensure alignment with NIHR and organisational priorities.
* Manage multiple workstreams concurrently, overseeing timelines, budgets and resources while ensuring delivery against key objectives.
* Use data and insight to monitor engagement, evaluate impact, and contribute to the continuous improvement of programmes.
* Engage stakeholders locally and nationally, collaborating across NHS, university and NIHR partners; contribute to service development and support funding opportunities.
* Support staff or trainees involved in programme delivery.
* Demonstrate strong organisational, analytical and communication skills; experience delivering complex programmes within research, healthcare or higher education environments.
About Us
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. UHB is committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in our workforce.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Essential: Degree qualification or equivalent professional experience; evidence of continued professional development; knowledge of research training and career development frameworks; postgraduate qualification in management, education, related discipline or relevant significant experience.
* Desirable: Project or programme management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2/Agile) or equivalent experience.
Experience
* Essential: Leading or contributing to the planning and delivery of projects or initiatives within research, healthcare or higher education; working with senior clinicians, academics and professional services staff; innovation in project research terms; interpreting national policies and guidance; developing and implementing activities, programmes or services with evidence of evaluating impact; managing budgets and resources; understanding of national research and funding landscape, specifically NIHR; building, leading, motivating, managing and developing teams.
* Desirable: Line management and staff development; working within NIHR-funded infrastructure; knowledge of risk management and service improvement; understanding of training and career development approaches within research, healthcare or higher education.
Additional Criteria
Essential
* Strong leadership and negotiation skills.
* Excellent organisational and project management skills.
* High-level written and verbal communication skills.
* IT proficiency, including databases and online platforms.
* Analytical ability – proven skill in analysing performance information, interpreting complex facts and situations, making informed decisions to achieve project targets, and identifying key performance issues.
* Able to investigate problems, interpret findings, and implement effective solutions.
* Ability to undertake presentations to large groups of staff or members of the public.
* Planning and organising complex activities requiring formulation, adjustment and coordination with other professionals within the organisation.
* Ability to work on own initiative within broad occupational policies.
* Calm under pressure and can work to tight deadlines.
* Ability to delegate and work through others.
* Ability to manage conflict in a constructive manner.
* Demonstrate attention to detail.
* Team player.
* Flexible approach to work, with occasional out‑of‑hours commitment for events.
* Willingness to travel between sites and to regional/national meetings.
Desirable
* Experience using specialist reporting tools or statistical packages.
Compensation and Benefits
Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: 7
Salary: £49,387.00 to £56,515.00 yearly
Contract and Working Pattern
Fixed Term – 18 months
Full‑Time, Flexible Working
Job Location
Trustwide – Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TH
Reference Number
304‑1099640
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