Job Description

RESEARCH PORTFOLIO MANAGER - AI & ROBOTICS

SALARY:

36,650 Per annum

HOURS:

Full Time or Part Time (Min 0.6 FTE)

CONTRACT TYPE:

Fixed Term (6 Months)

LOCATION:

Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire (Hybrid)

GRADE:

UKRI Band D

CLOSING DATE:

08 SEP 25

ABOUT US

Are you passionate about research? Are you keen to work with researchers, business and Government to help support excellent research that delivers real impact for the economy and society?


Research Portfolio Managers assist with the development and delivery of ideas for future activities and build relationships with stakeholders within universities and industry to ensure we fund research of the highest quality to implement new, innovative research programmes. Portfolio managers also play a key role in managing our funding competitions.


We are looking for a Research Portfolio Manager in our Strategy Directorate. The Strategy Directorate leads on delivery of strategic programmes and mission driven research working collaboratively with partners across the research and innovation ecosystem.


EPSRC is a team-based organisation, and no team or directorate works in silo. An important part of your role will be to work with others to deliver results.


We recognise and value employees as individuals and aim to provide a pay and rewards package that motivates staff to perform to the best of their ability. The reward package includes a flexible working scheme, a Career Average Revalued Earnings pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance and a number of other benefits.

PURPOSE

As an EPSRC Portfolio Manager, you will work with the Engineering and Physical Sciences research community to achieve EPSRC's aim to put the UK at the forefront of international research.


This particular role will focus on EPSRC's strategic investments in AI. You will play a key role in EPSRC's AI and Robotics theme in the Strategy directorate. This is an exciting time for our theme, as we seek to deliver research programmes which underpin the UK's AI Opportunities Action Plan. The EPSRC AI and Robotics team collaborate across UKRI and government departments to drive fundamental technology development and embed responsible use of AI across sectors to drive social, economic and environmental benefits across the UK. You will be involved in supporting some of our significant funding investments (Turing AI fellowships, AI CDTs , AI hubs etc.). You will be responsible for monitoring the progress of these investments, attending stakeholder meetings, and developing evaluation plans to ensure value for money and measurable impact. You will work with stakeholders across the AI ecosystem, fostering partnerships with businesses, the public and third sector, and engaging with staff across UKRI's remit. You will also support the development of new strategic interventions, using evidence-based decision-making to inform future investment planning. This role will broaden your skills by giving you the opportunity to manage your own projects and activities.

MAIN OUTPUTS AND ACTIVITIES

Your responsibilities will include:


Gathering, understanding and integrating internal and external information about the research and innovation landscape and the EPSRC portfolio Operation of peer review and other formal decision-making processes Working with external stakeholders to manage strategic relationships with key influencers in universities and business through representing EPSRC in external networks and meetings Working across teams to ensure cross portfolio understanding and joint initiatives as appropriate Working across teams within EPSRC and UKRI to ensure cross portfolio understanding and joint initiatives as appropriate as well as implementing strategy and other programmes of work Supporting senior colleagues with development of projects and implementation of plans, coordinating and operating processes supporting delivery across EPSRC Developing and applying evaluation frameworks to assess the impact of our research portfolio and inform future strategic interventions Contributing to evidence-based decision-making and long-term planning in this sensitive and high-impact area Acting as a key liaison with DSIT and Innovate UK, attending meetings and representing EPSRC's interests
We will consider high calibre graduates with a research background (or those with equivalent education, training, or professional development) who can demonstrate the potential to succeed. You will be a creative thinker who can work effectively independently and with colleagues, be an excellent communicator and manage your time effectively.

SHORTLISTING CRITERIA

(S) - Assessed at shortlisting


(I) - Assessed at interview


(S&I) - Assessed at both shortlisting and interview



Essential:

Problem solving and analytical skills (S) A focus on achievement (S) Effective communication skills (verbal, presentational and written) (S, I) Ability to work with others as part of a team, including through taking a leadership role and influencing others through behaviour and empathy (S, I) Strategic awareness (S, I) Planning and organisational skills, including an ability to prioritise and manage complex activities (S, I) Ability to make decisions (I) Experience or interest in working in AI (S) Experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management (S, I) Analytical mindset with experience in evaluation or evidence-based planning (S, I)
Desirable:

Graduate (or equivalent) who can demonstrate the potential to succeed (S) Experience in public sector programme or project management (I) Project management qualification (S)

INCENTIVES

DEVELOPING TALENT :


We are committed to developing employees in their roles throughout their career. Learning and development plans enable employees to continue their professional development through training and development opportunities such as e-learning, classroom training and on-the-job experiences. We encourage our employees to share their learning across teams and organisations.



BENEFITS:

UKRI can offer the successful candidate:


Flexible Working 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider
Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

HYBRID WORKING

These posts are based at our Swindon office, but we operate a hybrid approach, and you can expect a mix of working from home, the office, and external locations. As we recognise the benefits of in person working, EPSRC currently has a minimum expectation that we will work in person, in the Swindon office, at least 2 days per month. On occasions where there is a business need, you may be required to attend the office more than 2 days a month (e.g., for training, events, or team days). This post also requires travel to attend external visits and meetings. We will make exceptions to the minimum requirement to work in person in the Swindon office for individuals that might encounter difficulties because of a disability/health condition. We welcome applications from candidates with special requirements.

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROCESS

Online applications only are accepted for this role. Please submit a CV and "Application Statement" in which you should give evidenced examples that clearly explain how your abilities, experiences and skills demonstrate each of the shortlisting criteria listed above. You are advised to familiarise yourself with the STAR methodology (see: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/STAR-method.htm), which is a useful framework for providing these examples. Each document should be no more than three pages.


Please ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria, or submission of an application without an 'application statement' may result in the application not being considered.


If successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend a competency-based interview. You will be asked to provide evidenced examples that demonstrate that you are able to cover the interview criteria which are the same as the shortlisting criteria below. You will also be asked to give a short presentation on a topic that will be provided to you in advance.


Your application and performance through this recruitment process may be used for other Research Portfolio Manager (Grade D) opportunities that arise within an appropriate timeframe.


UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness, and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.