Research Project Manager

Meningitis Research Foundation is an international health charity headquartered in the UK, driven by a passionate mission to prevent the devastating impact of meningitis. Founded by individuals whose lives were profoundly affected by meningitis, we are dedicated to enabling positive change by uniting people and knowledge to save lives. The Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) is our worldwide network of people and groups who are driven by a shared purpose to defeat meningitis.

The role is a key position in our Research team, responsible for developing and managing our research projects and grants programme, in alignment with our new research strategy. You will manage our genomics programme of research, which includes an exciting multi-stakeholder, international project, designed to understand barriers and opportunities to the use of whole genome sequencing in low- and middle-income countries. This role reports to the Director of Research.

Responsibilities

• Manage our internally driven research projects including scoping, planning, designing, budgeting and reporting on activity to internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise with research partners and funders on research project development and activity.
• Connect research projects to colleagues working on related activities in Insights and Policy, and Communications and Engagement.
• Brief Fundraising teams on research projects and progress.
• Project Manage the launch of grants rounds and co-ordination of peer review procedures, in alignment with the UK Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) requirements.
• Lead on the development and maintenance of all application, peer review and grant management procedures.
• Project Manage administering post award processing, monitoring, reporting and governance of successful grant applications.
• Support the Director of Research to identify and respond to relevant meningitis research consultations in the UK and internationally.
• Work with the Director of Research to identify, monitor and respond to developments in the UK and international research funding environment and help draft grant applications.
• Collaborate with Health Insights and Policy colleagues, to enable research to inform MRF’s policy positions.
• In collaboration with the Head of Research, support implementation of our research strategy.
• Build an approach to strengthen involvement of those with lived experience in research.
• Identify and develop opportunities for those with lived experience with MRF funded and externally funded research.
• Work with the Director of Research to develop a Patient and Public Involvement strategy.

Qualifications & Experience

• A degree in relevant biomedical science or equivalent.
• Previous experience of performing peer review and grant management, ideally in line with Association of Medical Research Charity (AMRC) requirements.
• Strong knowledge of UK research funding environment.
• Demonstrable management skills or a professional project management qualification.
• Project Budget management experience.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise competing demands.

Key competencies

• Leadership behaviours: Aligns team goals with organizational strategy.
• Leadership: Motivates and leads team members.
• Management: Manages day-to-day operations and projects.
• Finances: Monitors and manages team budget expenditure.
• Supervision: Supervises senior executives and executives.
• Team contribution: Promotes team engagement and productivity.
• Communicating progress: Reports team progress to senior manager or Director.

Values

• Evidence-led: Uses evidence to inform team activities.
• Integrity: Practices honesty and ethical behaviour.
• Determination: Committed to achieving team goals.
• Passionate Advocate: Advocates for the Foundation’s vision and mission.
• Collaboration: Encourages team collaboration and support.
• Compassion: Ensures a supportive environment for patients and team members.

What we offer you

• £35,000 to £39,999 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.
• 2% employee pension contribution + 6% employer pension contribution.
• Flexible working arrangements between work and home. Fully remote working also available.
• 25 days holiday.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and interest in the position. CVs sent through without a covering letter will not be considered. Applications should be sent to talent@meningitis.org by 5 pm on Friday, 14th March 2025. Candidates wishing to have an informal exploratory conversation before applying can also contact Kate to set up a call with Vinny Smith. Please note interviews will be organised on a rolling basis and therefore applications may be closed before the end date above, if a suitable candidate is interviewed and offered.

Equal Opportunities

Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates that may previously have, or feel like they have, experienced being excluded from generally advertised roles due to their gender, ethnicity, disability status or sexual orientation.

Safeguarding

Meningitis Research Foundation is committed to safeguarding, and any advertised role will require references, confirmation of your identity and your right to work in the UK. Following receipt of satisfactory references, the successful candidate will be able to start work soon after receiving their offer of employment.