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- Tasks: Manage research funding and engage with stakeholders to drive environmental innovation.
- Company: Join the Natural Environment Research Council, a leader in environmental research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of leave, flexible working, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental research while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in research or innovation, strong communication skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; apply by 9th September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 29280 - 40920 £ per year.
- Job Category Research Programme and Funding Management
- Apply Before 03/24/2026, 11:55 PM
- Job Identification 1986
- Posting Date 02/16/2026, 09:43 AM
- Job Shift Day
- Hours Full Time
Job Description
Programme Manager – Medical Research Council (MRC)
Council: MRC
Salary: £46,437 Per Annum
Band: UKRI Band E
Team: Data Science Team
Contract Type: Open-Ended
Hours: Full time / Part time (0.8 FTE Minimum)
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire– Hybrid working available
Closing Date: Tuesday March 24th 2026
About the role
The Programme Manager will join the Medical Research Council’s Data Science team to help deliver strategic aims in data science, as outlined in the MRC Strategic Delivery Plan. The role supports MRC’s objectives to develop a cohesive, safe, and efficient environment for delivering, accessing, and using health data across the UK. The Data Science Team is part of the Challenge-Led Directorate, You will act as the main MRC contact for the UK Data and Analytics Research Environments (DARE UK) programme and work extensively across MRC and UKRI. The role involves engaging internal and external stakeholders, tracking developments in trusted data environments, and contributing to the strategic implementation of MRC data science activities.
Your responsibilities:
- Manage the interface with the UKRI Infrastructure and Digital Research Infrastructure teams related to DARE-UK and related schemes including reporting on progress and finances, attending meetings, and development of further projects in this area as needs arise.
- Liaise with the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure team and the DARE-UK Delivery Team to support Phase 2 delivery and development of Phase 3.
- Act as lead contact for Trusted and Secure Data Environments (TREs / SDEs) across major partners including HEIs and NHS organisations.
- Contribute to MRC’s needs in managing, sharing, accessing, and analysing personal and protected health data, aligned to MRC priorities and Delivery Plan. Develop and manage programmes of digital research infrastructure investment in partnership with teams across MRC and UKRI.
- Provide external representation to ensure mutual understanding of research community needs in digital research infrastructure.
- Build strong and effective relationships with partners including other UKRI councils, government bodies, learned societies, and international organisations.
- Provide expert advice within MRC Head Office on developments in data science, trusted research environments, and digital research infrastructure, including developing briefings for the MRC Executive and responding to consultations and stakeholder requests.
Personal Specification
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
- PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant research or research facing role, demonstrating broad scientific and research understanding. (S)
- Experience liaising and achieving results with a wide range of stakeholders (e.g., research funders, NHS, industry, academia). (S&I)
- Knowledge and understanding of biomedical/health relevant data science and UK digital research infrastructure environments. (S&I)
- Strong communication skills (oral and written) across a range of issues. (S)
- Ability to appraise science and partnership opportunities, identify strategic objectives and implications, and adapt work accordingly. (S&I)
- Ability to manage conflicting priorities and time effectively. (I)
- Strong interpersonal skills including relationship building, negotiation, persuasion, and influencing. (S&I)
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees\’ development and promote a culture of continuous learning!
A list of benefits below:
- 30 days\’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
- Flexible working options.
Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!
For further information on our benefits please see:
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org
About Us
UKRI – UK Research and Innovation
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
About the Team
Within UKRI, the MRC seeks to improve human health by investing in world-class research, from fundamental science to early clinical trials and preventive medicine. Working in partnership with other UKRI councils, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and devolved administrations, the NHS, charities and industry, we are a dynamic organisation continually evolving and embracing new opportunities to achieve our mission first framed over a century ago. With an annual budget of over £800m, MRC provides support both to individuals, through fellowships and grants, and to institutions, such as the MRC Laboratory for Molecular Biology and the Francis Crick Institute.
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Programme Manager employer: UKRI
Contact Detail:
UKRI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in environmental research and innovation. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage more effectively with stakeholders during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the research and innovation landscape. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within NERC's priorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing research funding competitions and post-award monitoring. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to communicate complex information clearly. Practice explaining intricate concepts in simple terms, as this skill is crucial for engaging with diverse stakeholders, including researchers and policymakers.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements of the Programme Manager position. Make notes on how your experience aligns with these aspects.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in programme management, research funding, and stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the job description. Provide concrete examples of your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Programme Manager at NERC. Familiarise yourself with their strategic delivery plan and how your experience aligns with their goals in environmental research and innovation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex information clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced or collaborated with diverse teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple tasks. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to prioritise effectively or manage a project under tight deadlines, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Since the role requires collaboration with both internal teams and external stakeholders, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team setting. Emphasise your flexibility and initiative in contributing to group objectives.