Job Description

Programme Manager

The Medical Research Council (MRC)

Salary: 45,272 (plus 5385.00 London allowances if applicable)

Band: UKRI E

Hours: Full time (job share is available with the expectation that candidates apply with a pre-arranged job share colleague)

Contract Type: Open Ended.

Location: Swindon / London

Positions: 2

Closing Date:Friday 25th July 2025

We are recruiting two Programme Managers to join the Medical Research Council's Investigator-Led Directorate. The roles play a core part in MRC's mission to improve human health by managing a portfolio of research funding, embedded within MRC's translation group. Reporting to the Head of Theme, the Programme Managers work with administrative teams on peer review delivery and with others across MRC Head Office. The roles will support science and related policy areas. The posts will play a role in supporting our research and are part of a wider scientific Programme Manager cadre across MRC Head Office where staff move periodically between roles and directorates to expand experience and take on new challenges within MRC's core business.


You will be the knowledge-holder of the science issues relating to your area, spanning new research and policy-related issues. You will:


Provide support and advice for grant applicants Be responsible for the peer review of research/training proposals Act as the primary interface for internal (across the MRC office and UKRI partners) and external stakeholders (e.g. researchers in the academic and commercial sectors, funding agencies, policy makers) Assist senior colleagues in the review of research fields and related investments, and the development and implementation of scientific initiatives and policy Develop and manage funding schemes and initiatives.

General Responsibilities

Programme Managers are responsible for the peer review of research funding applications, including discussing proposals with applicants; providing oversight and quality control; providing advice during the review and award process; attending Board/Panel meetings in order to answer queries; minute discussions, and take any follow-up action.


You will be the point of contact for the management of investments, which may include monitoring grant progress; considering requests for supplements or alterations to awards; and recommending action to senior colleagues.


Building close working relationships with senior colleagues, other Programme Managers and MRC office groups is a key feature of these roles, as is the development and maintenance of a broad range of working relationships within MRC, UKRI and externally.


You'll also stay on top of research and developments in relevant subject fields and be a primary source of subject matter knowledge for Head Office colleagues in these areas.


The role also includes:


Visiting significant MRC investments, research organisations and other MRC stakeholders. Preparing briefing documents relating to your patch. Acting as MRC representative or observer (e.g. for external scientific committees, working parties, Government departments, research charities, regulatory agencies, patient groups). Assisting senior colleagues with the preparation of briefing documents and other material on matters for committees and strategy development, and advising on replies to parliamentary questions and other external queries. Carrying out any other duties that may be required of the post as delegated by line manager/senior colleagues

Other key information

These are hybrid working roles. Successful applicants will be formally based in Swindon with some home-working flexibility in line with business needs and occasional requirement to travel to the other site when required. Overnight stays and occasional long working hours may be required. Additional, infrequent UK and European travel may also be necessary.


The roles do not generally include direct line management responsibility, but Programme Mangers will be involved in managing team working from time to time, have the opportunity to engage in mentoring activities, supporting the learning and development of MRC colleagues.

Person requirements

The below criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I)

Essential:

A degree in an area of science relevant to the MRC (S) Significant research (in academia, industry or NHS) or research-related experience (e.g. research funding/strategy management or publishing), demonstrating strong understanding of the biomedical/health research landscape and a broad understanding of scientific issues (S) Excellent people skills, including ability to build relationships, negotiate, influence and persuade (I) Experience of achieving results with a wide range of stakeholders (across levels of seniority), progressing the organisation's interests while being sensitive to those of the stakeholders e.g. research funders, the bioscience industry, NHS, scientific publishing or academia (S) The ability to communicate clearly - both in oral and written form, across a range of issues (beyond your own academic focus), and articulating complex ideas and conflicting perspectives (S) Strategic and pragmatic thinker with the ability to work alone and in a team, analyse complex information and identify key risks, issues and solutions within their work (I) The ability to appraise science and partnership opportunities, identify strategic objectives and their implications, and make adaptations to their own area of work (I) Highly organised with the ability to manage conflicting priorities and time effectively (I) Positive advocate for medical research, the MRC and UKRI (I) Has integrity and takes personal responsibility for their actions and work (I) Resilient - ability to respond effectively to unexpected changes or demands and to remain calm under pressure (I) Committed to personal and organisational improvement. (I)

Desirable:

A PhD or equivalent in an area of science relevant to the MRC (S) Post-doctoral experience in a clinical, academic or industrial setting (S) Experience of planning, managing and delivering strategic and policy projects (S) Experience of acting as an organisation representative to external stakeholders (S) Experience of delivering peer review processes (S) Ability to lead a team. (S)

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!


A list of benefits below:


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!

For further information on our benefits please see:

Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)