At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research initiatives and engage with communities to improve care for smell and taste disorders.
- Company: Join SmellTaste, a pioneering charity dedicated to enhancing patient experiences.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Remote work options available; join a friendly, ambitious team committed to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in an underserved community while shaping impactful research.
- Qualifications: Degree in biological sciences and experience in public engagement and research.
Join SmellTaste and lead the development of the charity’s involvement in research, shaping how lived experience of those affected by smell and taste impairment is integrated in research projects. You will lead engagement with researchers, our patient community, and external partners to develop and support new research collaborations. This includes leading the Public and Patient Involvement activity for a 12-month National Institute of Health Research-funded Programme Development Grant, the ICAST Programme: Improving Care for patients with Smell & Taste Disorders, and undertaking planning work for the prospective Programme Grant which is expected to follow this.
This post is funded for 2 days (15 hours) per week for an initial 12-month period, with the potential for the contract to be extended and for it to become a full-time role subject to further funding being secured. You will be joining a small, friendly and ambitious team that will support your professional development as part of the charity’s ongoing growth. If you are passionate about making a difference to an underserved patient community and want to be part of a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers the people it represents then we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Application instructions: Please apply by providing both a CV and a covering letter which clearly states how you meet all the points in the Personal Specification.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the SmellTaste contribution to a 12-month National Institute of Health Research-funded Programme Development Grant, led by Prof Carl Philpott at the University of East Anglia (the ICAST Programme: Improving Care for patients with Smell & Taste Disorders).
- Develop a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) strategy for the above project, including evaluation of impact and dissemination.
- Manage a PPI panel for the NIHR project, organise PPIE meetings and ensure participants and panel members are remunerated for activity.
- Develop a detailed, costed delivery plan for the national survey element of the planned Programme Grant which is expected to follow on from the Programme Development Grant, including marketing and publicity, recruitment and dissemination.
- Work with the charity’s CEO and honorary Director of Research and Medical Affairs to develop a research strategy for the charity that aligns with the research priorities identified in the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership for Smell and Taste Disorders.
- Work with the charity’s CEO, honorary Director of Research and Medical Affairs and external researchers to identify opportunities for new collaborative research opportunities.
- Develop funding applications for research projects.
- Oversee all of the charity’s collaborative research activity, including PPIE activity.
- Evaluate and report on the impact of research projects, ensuring inclusivity and ethical standards.
Personal specification:
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in biological sciences or a related field.
- Experience leading or supporting public and patient involvement and engagement initiatives in research.
- Experience leading or supporting involvement in research.
- Experience of writing grant applications.
- Ability to communicate and interpret complex scientific research clearly.
- Experience working with diverse and underrepresented communities.
- Confident relationship builder with researchers and other external stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills, including strong project management skills.
Hours: Part-time, 15 hours per week
Salary: £40,000, pro-rata
Holiday allowance: 25 days pro-rata, plus bank holidays
Location: Home working. Some travel will be required to attend in-person meetings and events.
Interviews expected to be held during the week commencing 22nd June.
Research Development and Engagement Manager employer: SmellTaste
At SmellTaste, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by smell and taste disorders. Our small, friendly team fosters a collaborative work culture that values professional development and inclusivity, offering flexible home working arrangements and opportunities for growth within a pioneering charity. Join us in shaping research that truly matters while enjoying a supportive environment that champions equality and diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Development and Engagement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to SmellTaste or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity's current projects and values. Show us how your passion aligns with our mission to improve care for patients with smell and taste disorders. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in public and patient involvement can benefit our research initiatives. We want to hear how you can make a difference right from the get-go.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Development and Engagement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Development and Engagement Manager. Highlight your experience in public and patient involvement, as well as any relevant research projects you've been part of. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Clearly state how you meet the points in the Personal Specification. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and passion for improving care for patients with smell and taste disorders.
Show Your Passion:We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference. In your application, let us know why this role excites you and how you can contribute to our goals. A little enthusiasm goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our friendly and ambitious team at SmellTaste!
How to prepare for a job interview at SmellTaste
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the ICAST Programme and its objectives. Understand how the lived experiences of those affected by smell and taste impairment can be integrated into research projects. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how you can contribute.
✨Engagement is Key
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading public and patient involvement initiatives. Think of specific examples where you've successfully engaged with diverse communities, as this role heavily relies on building relationships with both researchers and patients.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to talk about your organisational skills and project management experience. Highlight any relevant projects you've led, especially those involving funding applications or collaborative research, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Align with Their Values
Demonstrate your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Share your thoughts on how these values can enhance research outcomes and patient engagement, showing that you resonate with the charity's mission and culture.
