Programme Manager - Swindon

Programme Manager
The Medical Research Council (MRC)
Salary: GBP43,116 (plus GBP5128.88 London allowances if applicable)
Hours: Full time (job share is available with the expectation that candidates apply with a pre-arranged job share colleague)
Contract Type: 1 X Open ended and 3 X fixed-term
Location: Swindon/London office base, with flexibility for home working
We are recruiting four Programme Managers to join the Medical Research Council's (MRC'S) Research and Training Directorate. The roles play a core part of MRC's mission to improve human health by managing a portfolio of research funding or training activities, embedded within one of MRC's principal science or training and careers themes. Reporting to the Head of Theme, the Programme Managers work with administrative teams on application assessment and decision-making, and with others across MRC Head Office to support broader science or career investment strategies and related policy areas. The roles will help support our research and training culture and are part of a wider scientific Programme Manager cadre across MRC Head Office where staff move periodically between themes and roles to expand experience and take on new challenges within our core business.
General Responsibilities
Programme Managers are responsible for the peer review of research/training funding applications, including discussing proposals with applicants; selecting reviewers or providing quality control for outsourced selection; providing advice during any triage stage; attending Board/Panel meetings or interviews in order to answer queries; minuting discussions, and taking any follow-up action.
You will be the point of contact for the management of investments, which may include monitoring grant/fellowship progress; considering requests for supplements or alterations to awards; and recommending action to senior colleagues.
Person requirements
Essential:
A PhD or equivalent
Significant research or research-related experience, demonstrating a broad understanding of scientific issues
Experience of working directly and achieving results with a wide range of stakeholders, e.g. research funders, the pharmaceutical industry, NHS, scientific publishing or academia
The ability to communicate clearly - both orally and in writing, across a range of issues (beyond your own academic focus)
The ability to identify key issues within a project and analyse essential information
The ability to appraise science and partnership opportunities, identify strategic objectives and their implications, and make adaptations for own area of work
The ability to manage conflicting priorities and time effectively
Strong interpersonal / "people" skills, including ability to build relationships, negotiate, influence and persuade
Positive advocate for medical research and the MRC
Drive and determination
Has integrity and takes personal responsibility
Resilience - ability to remain calm under pressure
Committed to self and organisational improvement
Benefits
An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
Flexible working options
Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
How to apply:
For full details on the role, please visit our careers site. Please submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that clearly showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role.
Closing Date: 02/01/24
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: From GBP43,116.00 per year
Work Location: In person