Job Description

Science Manager, Population Health Sciences

Salary: 36,650 per annum

Band: UKRI Band D

Team: Infrastructure and Population Health Sciences team, Medical Research Council

Hours: Full time.

Contract Type: Open Ended.

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire - hybrid working available.

Closing Date: 20th July 2025

We are seeking a Science Manager to support programmes and activities related to Population Health Sciences as well as provide support to the wider Infrastructure team at MRC. The role will involve providing Secretariat support for the UK Prevention Research Partnership (UKPRP), a 55m multi-funder partnership aimed at the primary prevention of non-communicable diseases. Reporting to the UKPRP Programme Manager, you will help to deliver the key objectives of the initiative and will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the partnership. You will also support key MRC and UKRI investments such as Population Research UK and the Population Health Improvement initiative as well as contributing to the development of MRC strategy for population studies and prevention research.

Key Areas of Accountability

Leadership / teamwork / collaboration

You will work with the UKPRP Programme Manager and colleagues within the Population Health Sciences and Infrastructure team at MRC. The role requires strong collaboration with and coordination of external stakeholders including the twelve UKPRP funding organisations, national and international experts, and funded research teams.


Teamwork is essential to the role but you will also be required to work independently on a day-to-day basis to progress projects and report back to your line manager and the wider team.

Delivery / programmes / projects / process

You will run the UKPRP Secretariat to deliver the programme, including organising monthly project board meetings, and twice-yearly funder meetings and Scientific Advisory Board meetings. Your work will support the research and impact activities of UKPRP, including delivery of future funding calls.


You will provide support, including organising management and oversight meetings, for MRC and UKRI investments such as Population Research UK and Population Health Improvement, and assist with internal activities, including producing landscape reviews and compiling reports from research data, to shape strategy for longitudinal population studies and prevention research.

Responsibilities

Oversee and maintain an overarching project plan, to ensure that progress is monitored and reported in a timely manner, and that issues regarding delivery are escalated to the Programme Board (or equivalent) for resolution. Assist the Programme Manager in preparation of papers, background briefs, reports and other material on related matters for the Programme Board, Funders Executive Group and/or senior staff at UKRI. Support the administration and delivery of calls for proposals, for example tracking the peer review process and delivering funding panel meetings, and monitoring progress of grants provided as part of the programme. Support stakeholder engagement activities for the population health sciences team. Work with MRC finance staff on the financial management of the initiative including managing the profile of costs and ensuring the planned budget profile reflects the practical delivery plans. Support delivery of the communications activities, including maintenance of the website and disseminating key messages about the initiative and funding calls to the research community. Identify opportunities to promote the achievements of the initiative. Support workshops and other networking activities.

Person Specification

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

Essential

First degree (or equivalent experience) in a biomedical, life or physical science discipline. (S) Experience of working directly and achieving results with a wide range of stakeholders. (S&I) Understanding and application of appropriate project management tools and other software packages including Office suites, AI and data analysis. (S&I) Good analytical ability, encompassing critical thinking, evaluation, decision making and problem-solving skills. (I) Ability to identify strategic objectives and their implications and make adaptations to ensure project delivery and impact. (I) Ability to communicate clearly - both orally and written, across a range of issues. (I) Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships. (I) Highly organised, with good time management skills and a flexible approach, able to juggle priorities. (I) Has integrity and takes personal responsibility. (I) Committed to self and organisational improvement. (I)

Desirable

MSC or PhD in biomedical, life or physical science and/or training in project management. (S) Experience of planning, managing and delivering strategic and/or policy projects within a public sector or academic environment. (S&I) Experience of research or research funding. (S) Experience representing your organisation to external stakeholders. (S&I) Ability to positively advocate for biomedical research and UKRI. (I)

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)

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact

Recruitment@ukri.org