Director of Research

Director of Research

Bristol- hybrid and remote working available, based in the UK

Full time

£65,000-£70,000 pa

Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Research to lead our research initiatives. The ideal candidate will have experience in infectious diseases, a strong background in biomedical research, international collaboration and a proven track record of managing and leading research projects. This is a key leadership role that will drive our efforts to prevent and cure meningitis and septicemia through innovative research and collaboration. Initially managing a small team, the Director will lead on growing the team to support the new research strategy launching in 2025.

This role will report directly in to the charities CEO.

Lead responsibilities

• Strategy – development and implementation.
• Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) accredited grant awards and management process including research funding rounds; grant awards; grant management and all aspects of reporting for the research portfolio and impact of projects funded by MRF.
• Recruitment, development and management of MRFs Scientific Advisory Panel and their participation in the grant awards process.
• Externally funded research projects including concept development, partner identification, writing, developing and where necessary producing peer-reviewed academic papers of relevance to MRFs strategy and shorter briefing documents and presentations as required.
• MRF’s in-house research including concept development, writing, developing and produce peer-reviewed academic papers of relevance to MRFs strategy and shorter briefing documents and presentations as required.
• Research environment horizon scanning to appropriately brief internal teams on new developments in the field that are relevant to their work.
• Secretariat of the Global Meningitis Genome Partnership (GMGP).
• Representing MRF as a collaborative patient representative partner on external academic research projects and panels.
• Conferences and Meetings- Working with external experts, on the development and agreement of suitable agenda, speakers and formats for the MRF Scientific Research conference.
• Representing MRF at key research conferences and events, and seek opportunities to present latest in-house research and projects.
• Policy integration. Working with the Head of Health Insights and Policy to ensure latest research evidence is fully integrated into MRFs policy strategy, framework and activities.
• Responding to external consultations that are focused on research and the research environment with relevance to meningitis.
• Represent MRF on relevant sector bodies and working groups; present to high level external stakeholders about our work; represent beneficiaries of our work to various bodies including national and international health bodies; industry; researchers, public health officials and civil society representatives; deputising for CEO as required.
• Media. Support communications teams on research content for media use; represent MRF in the media as required.
• Report quarterly to CEO on performance of the Directorate and prepare papers and presentations as required for committee and full Board meetings.
• Develop and recommend an annual budget and operating plan for the Directorate to the CEO, monitor and report on implementation throughout the year. Liaise with the Director of Finance and Administration to ensure accurate and timely production of management accounts; inputs to development of other departments; and uphold the financial policies and procedures of the charity.
• Being an active member of the senior leadership team, supporting other departments and teams to achieve their goals and helping to communicate progress of the charity with staff and volunteers.

Experience required

• Published researcher or research management in health or scientific environment/field.
• Research grant management and portfolio oversight.
• Presented multiple times at international research conferences.
• Extensive relevant networks in research and academic community.
• Recent experience of being an organisation’s spokesperson on research activities, including to the media.
• Have represented a research unit or equivalent body on inter-organisational working groups of relevance to public health.
• Extensive experience leading teams including budget setting and strategic planning.
• Strategy development and implementation.
• Senior external stakeholder management.
• Representation or accreditation with or on a professional body relevant to the area of subject expertise.
• Budget management experience relevant to Directorate scale and strategy.
• Have presented to Boards/Senior stakeholders internally and externally on multiple occasions.
• Lead, developed and managed a team/department/organisation/operation >10 people.
• A PhD in a relevant discipline or relevant equivalent life experience.
• A second European language, ideally French, desirable.

Key Competencies for all Directors at MRF

Leadership behaviours

• Strategy: Develops and executes strategic plans within directorate.
• Leadership: Leads and aligns directorate goals with organisational objectives.
• Management: Monitors and enhances directorate performance.
• Finances: Develops, recommends and optimizes directorate budgets.
• Supervision: Guides and mentors heads of departments & wider teams.
• Team contribution: Ensures directorate operates as a highly effective team aligned to values.
• Communicating progress: Regularly reports progress to the CEO, SLT and board.

Values

• Evidence-led: Bases directorate strategies on data and research.
• Integrity: Upholds ethical practices within directorate.
• Determination: Steadfast in achieving directorate goals.
• Passionate Advocate: Promotes the mission of the charity confidently to internal and external stakeholders with conviction.
• Collaboration: Identifies partnership opportunities; encourages cross-directorate and departmental cooperation.
• Compassion: Role models compassion for beneficiaries and staff within directorate.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV with a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and interest in the position. CV’s sent through without a covering letter will not be considered.

Applications should be sent to Kate Gill kateg@meningitis.org by 5pm on Friday 21st February 2025.

Candidates wishing to have an informal exploratory conversation before applying can also contact Kate to set up a call with Vinny Smith.

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.