Job Description

Salary

Circa 43,000 per annum

Contract type

Permanent

Location

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

This is a permanent

,

, full time vacancy.

The VacancyAs Research Manager - Contracts and Funding, 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

Maintain systems to track financial data associated with funded grants, providing information to internal teams and act as the primary contract for all questions related to financial award data Monitor active grants for financial compliance, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting from researchers and host institutions. Collaborate with the Finance team and Research Leadership team to maintain robust grant forecasting and budget control across research programmes. Provide advice and training on financial best practices to internal teams Implement, oversee and refine a grants audit approach and lead on the annual AMRC data collection Work with teams across the organisation to identify efficiencies and improvements to existing procedures

Research contracts and agreements

Lead the drafting, negotiation, and finalisation of all research-related contracts, including non-disclosure agreements, funding agreements, collaboration agreements, and data agreements, working with the Partnerships manager as appropriate. Liaise with host institutions, collaborating organisations, and legal advisors to resolve contractual queries and ensure efficient processing. Working with internal and external legal counsel, ensure contracts are consistent with ARUK's policies, funder requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Research policy and process development

Contribute to the refinement of ARUK's research finance and contracts policies and standard operating procedures, ensuring they remain aligned with best practice 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.

Management Responsibilities

Line management of a Research Executive, effectively delegating work to support delivery of their objectives Help 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. Sound financial literacy, including relevant experience of managing budgets, financial reporting and analysing data 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 A team player who can collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders internally and externally to deliver 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 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

26th May 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