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- Tasks: Manage research funding processes and oversee impactful health projects.
- Company: Join the UK's largest funder of health and social care research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of health research and improve lives across England.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in managing research funding.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Health Research. Be part of a team making real change happen. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support innovative health and social care research across England through the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) programme. If you’re passionate about research that truly impacts lives, we’d love to hear from you.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is the UK’s largest funder of health and social care research. We work with the NHS, universities, local government, funders, patients and the public to deliver research that improves health, wellbeing, and economic growth.
As a Research Manager you will support and manage funding processes and oversee a portfolio of funded research projects. You will help ensure effective monitoring, support applicants and colleagues, and contribute to process improvements. The role also includes capturing project outputs and assessing their impact on patient benefit.
Key Accountabilities
- Support the full funding cycle, including theme development, applicant guidance, and reviewing applications for eligibility and scope.
- Coordinate funding committee processes, attend meetings, and prepare feedback.
- Undertake due diligence, assessing scientific rationale, clinical relevance, technical feasibility, and value for money.
- Review IP, dissemination, adoption and commercialisation plans.
- Negotiate funding agreements, set milestones and reporting requirements.
- Monitor funded projects for scientific, financial and contractual progress and impact.
- Liaise with stakeholders and represent the funder in meetings and external events.
- Contribute to ongoing improvements in programme operations and working practices.
Qualifications and Experience
Required Criteria
- Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., biomedical or life sciences, healthcare).
- Experience managing research funding processes from application through post-award.
- Ability to critically assess research proposals in healthcare or clinical fields.
- Experience monitoring funded research projects, including budgets and deliverables.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and meeting coordination skills.
- Experience facilitating formal meetings or panels.
Desired Criteria
- Experience in a research funding organisation or similar environment.
- Knowledge of translational research, adoption, and commercialisation routes.
- Experience improving research management processes.
- Understanding of the UK health research landscape and patient benefit pathways.
Key Competencies
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong organisation and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Analytical mindset with ability to assess complex scientific and clinical content.
- Confident engaging with diverse stakeholders.
- Proactive, collaborative, and capable of independent work.
- Financial awareness and strong IT skills.
Research Manager employer: NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
Contact Detail:
NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the health research field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Research Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the NIHR and its funding processes. We recommend having specific examples ready that showcase your experience in managing research projects and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that truly excite you! Use our website to find positions that align with your passion for impactful health research. We’re here to help you find the right fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe that a little extra effort can make a big difference in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Research Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for health research! Share specific examples of how your work has made an impact in the field, and why you're excited about contributing to the NIHR RfPB programme.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see your potential fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and developments in health and social care research. Familiarise yourself with the NIHR RfPB programme and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed research funding processes in the past. Highlight your ability to oversee projects, monitor budgets, and ensure deliverables are met, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Think about how you’ve engaged with diverse stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share specific instances where your communication and coordination skills made a difference in project outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you assess research proposals critically. Bring examples of how you've evaluated scientific rationale and clinical relevance, showcasing your analytical mindset and attention to detail.