Clinical Research Manager

The Clinical Research Manager will work closely with the Head of Clinical Research to pioneer and advance our new clinical research programme. This role is vital in advancing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s research objectives and organisational strategy and will be key to delivering impact for people affected by dementia. The Clinical Research Manager will work collaboratively with external stakeholders and various departments across the organisation, including the wider Research, Fundraising and Policy, Communications and Involvement Teams to develop the programme and aid its successful rollout.

This role sits within the new Clinical Research team in the Research Directorate, an ambitious, proactive and growing team that is driving forward initiatives to bring more clinical trials to the UK for people living with dementia. With the first generation of disease modifying treatments recently approved, this is an exceptional opportunity for an individual with strong research experience who understands the clinical research environment in the UK, to contribute to groundbreaking work in dementia research, aligning with and advancing on the Government's new investment initiatives in the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Assisting in Development and Implementation of the Clinical Research Programme

·         Assist in crafting and fine-tuning the strategies for the new clinical research programme under the guidance of the Head of Clinical Research to accelerate research towards a cure.

·         Collaborate in mapping the clinical research ecosystem, identifying gaps in funding and recommending actions to address them.

·         Contribute to the development of business plans and budgets by bringing in fresh perspectives and insights into the clinical research space.

·         Support in keeping abreast of developments and trends in dementia clinical research to influence ARUK's strategies and decisions.

·         Collaborate in the formation and facilitation of the clinical trials steering group, contributing to discussions and implementing advised strategies to ensure that ARUK has expert insight and support for its clinical programme.

·         Assist in internal reporting mechanisms, ensuring timely updates to the Senior Leadership team and other relevant boards to provide strong governance and internal coordination.

·         Work closely with the Public Involvement Manager to integrate best practices in involvement and co-production within the clinical research programme to ensure our research is relevant for and supported by people affected by dementia

·         Ensure appropriate information-sharing between internal stakeholders on the clinical research programme including the wider Research, Fundraising, Finance, and Policy, Communications and Involvement Teams.

Assisting in the Delivery of our Drug Repurposing and Repositioning Programme

·         Support the identification of drugs with the potential to be repurposed or repositioned for Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia through literature search and communication with the clinical research community.

·         Work on the preparation of dossiers gathering pre-clinical and clinical data for drugs with the potential to be repurposed or repositioned for Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

·         Work closely with the Head of Clinical Research to craft a clinical strategy for our Drug Repurposing and Repositioning Programme

·         Oversee all activities related to the progression of our drug portfolio as part of our Drug Repurposing and Repositioning Programme by working in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Strengthening Relationships with External Stakeholders

·         Play a pivotal role in fostering and nurturing relationships with clinical leaders and research funders in the UK to build the profile of ARUK’s clinical research programme and help us to accelerate research towards a cure.

·         Work closely with our Research Partnerships manager to maintain and build partnerships that further the clinical research programme’s objectives.

·         Support the Head of Clinical Research in enhancing ARUK’s external profile through active participation in meetings and collaborations with key stakeholders.

What we are looking for:

·         Excellent understanding of pre-clinical and clinical data

·         Excellent understanding of clinical studies

·         Excellent understanding of the clinical research environment in the UK.

·         Proven experience in partnership building with medical research organisations.

·         Excellent stakeholder management skills.

·         Demonstrable commitment to collaborative and inclusive working.

·         Proven experience in project management with the ability to adhere to deadlines and prioritise tasks.

·         Exceptional scientific communication skills (written and verbal).

·         Good IT skills.

·         Commitment to ARUK’s vision, mission and values.

·         Highly self-motivated with the ability to work across different teams and departments.

·         Solution-focussed with the ability to problem solve creatively.

·         Able to work independently.

·         Collaborative approach with ability to build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders.

·         Good communicator with the ability to tailor communications to a range of audiences.

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £44,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 30th March 2025, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 7th April 2025. 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.

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.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: 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. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

·         18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

·         10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

·         2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

In addition, we were also shortlisted for a special award recognising the work undertaken on reducing our environmental impact.

In 2021, we were awarded the HR Management award by The Charity Times for our Wellbeing initiatives throughout the pandemic.

In 2020, we demonstrated our commitment to changing the way we think and act about mental health in the workplace and signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge. 

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK