Job Description

Salary

Circa 44,000 per annum

Contract type

Permanent

Location

Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AD (Agile; approximately 2 days a week from our office)

Published

a day ago

This is a permanent

,

, full time vacancy.

The VacancyAs the UK's leading dementia research charity, we're determined to stop this from becoming a reality. We're working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose and prevent dementia. But we will not stop there. With your support, we will keep going until every person is free from the heartbreak of dementia. We exist for a cure.


As Research Contracts Manager, you will play a vital role in the delivery of Alzheimer's Research UK's growing research portfolio. You will lead on the financial and contractual aspects of our research funding processes. You will help ensure our funding is administered responsibly, efficiently, and in a way that maximises impact for people affected by dementia. This role sits within the Research Directorate, an ambitious, supportive and friendly team, and working closely with colleagues across Finance and Fundraising.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research award financial oversight

Manage and develop the post-award lifecycle, ensuring compliance with ARUK's funding policies and funding conditions, whilst reducing administrative burden. Act as a primary point of contact for host institutions on post-award matters, including financial management, reconciliation and contractual issues. Maintain systems to track financial data associated with funded grants, providing information to internal teams and act as the primary contact for all questions related to award finances. Collaborate with the Research Manager, Finance team and Research Leadership team to maintain robust grant forecasting and budget control across research programmes. Be a Subject Matter Expert for the Grants Management system and maintain accurate grant records and ensure internal and external stakeholders have access to accurate data. Provide advice and training on financial best practices to internal teams. Implement, oversee and refine a grants audit approach.

Research contracts and agreements

Lead the drafting, negotiation, and finalisation of all research-related awards and contracts, including funding agreements, collaboration agreements, and data agreements. Develop and maintain templates and a database of executed agreements. Liaise with host institutions, collaborating organisations, and legal advisors to resolve contractual queries and ensure efficient processing. Work in partnership with internal legal counsel and DPO, ensure contracts are consistent with ARUK's policies, funder requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Research policy and process development

Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of ARUK's research finance, grant cost and contracts policies, ensuring they remain aligned with best practice, proportionate and compliant with legal and regulatory frameworks. Support the development and roll-out of new funding schemes by advising on financial models and contract terms. Represent ARUK at relevant sector forums, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of trends and developments in research funding and compliance. Champion the implementation of the new Grants Management system across the organisation.

Management Responsibilities

Manage, coach and develop of a Research Executive, effectively delegating work to support delivery of their objectives. Work to promote an inspiring team culture across the Research Funding team where personal development is prioritised.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Significant experience in research finance and/or research contract management, ideally within a medical research funder, university, NHS, or research setting. Sound knowledge of research funding frameworks, budgeting principles, and financial governance. Experience drafting and negotiating research-related agreements, with a good understanding of IP, data sharing, and collaboration issues. Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and diplomatically. Proactive and detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities and identifying risks Commitment to ARUK's vision, mission and values Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills. Excellent eye for detail with a focus on continuous improvement Willingness to embrace and drive change to maximise impact A team player who can collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders internally and externally to deliver Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise competing demands Ability to work independently Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel


The closing date for applications is the

3rd August 2025

, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

The Charity

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.


There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer's Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

The Benefits

It is important to offer a range of benefits which are designed to meet both the organisational and individual needs, are market competitive and designed to attract and retain employees.

Holiday entitlement

Healthcare

Sick pay

Pension

Cycle to work scheme

Family friendly policies

Learning & development