Senior Research Manager, Vaccines

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

Wellcome’s Infectious Disease team is dedicated to tackling some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. Infectious diseases cause millions of deaths annually, disproportionately affecting the poorest communities. Our mission is to accelerate the discovery, development and optimisation of interventions that prevent and control these diseases. We focus on two critical threats: drug-resistant infections and diseases impacted by environmental change, such as arboviruses and waterborne illnesses. Through partnerships, advocacy and evidence-based action, we aim to ensure that research translates into equitable, accessible solutions for those who need them most.

The Vaccines team supports research to develop new and improved vaccines and develop evidence-based strategies to optimise their use across a range of priority pathogens. We work both directly with researchers and through strategic partnerships to identify opportunities that further Wellcome’s mission.

Vaccines are one of the most effective interventions for reducing morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases. Within the vaccines team, we aim to accelerate the development and optimal use of vaccines to reduce the burden of infectious diseases, especially in low and middle income countries. The Vaccines team works to enable the development of new and improved vaccines and promote their effective use worldwide. We champion innovation across the vaccine ecosystem, addressing systemic barriers such as market failures, regulatory challenges and manufacturing constraints.

In this role, you’ll help shape global health by driving fair, high‑quality funding decisions and leading strategic projects within our Vaccines programme. You’ll use your scientific expertise to assess applications, design and deliver impactful initiatives, and build strong partnerships across disciplines. Working collaboratively, you’ll champion inclusive research culture and ensure our funding portfolio advances innovative solutions for communities most affected by infectious disease.

As a Senior Research Manager, Vaccines, you will:

• Deliver funding decisions with rigour and fairness – provide expert scientific assessment of applications, participate in reviews, and make clear recommendations aligned with Wellcome’s strategy.
• Shape and advance strategic programmes – apply deep knowledge of your field and the wider research landscape to develop new activities, share expertise, and ensure robust decision-making processes.
• Lead and manage major projects – act as the main point of contact for complex initiatives, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensure timely, high-quality delivery of agreed outcomes.
• Collaborate and influence across networks – work in partnership internally and externally, organise multidisciplinary meetings, and communicate programme goals clearly to diverse audiences.
• Champion research culture and inclusion – maintain active engagement with funded researchers, promote diversity and inclusion, and contribute to a collaborative and respectful organisational culture.
• Ensure accountability and compliance – manage risk and budgets responsibly, uphold Wellcome’s policies and principles, and report progress to senior leadership with transparency.

We’re looking for someone with strong research expertise in immunology or vaccine related infectious disease, gained through experience in academia, industry, a funding body or charity. You’ll have a proven ability to shape and deliver complex research programmes, manage large projects and build partnerships across universities, funders and global health organisations. The ideal candidate communicates complex ideas with clarity—whether writing concise reports, presenting confidently or engaging diverse audiences—and thrives in a fast-paced environment, balancing priorities with excellent organisational skills.

To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria:

• Able to demonstrate a breadth of research expertise in a relevant field through relevant work experience in an academic (i.e. PhD setup), industrial, funding agency or charity setting, with experience in Immunology, or a discipline related to vaccine research for infectious diseases.
• Experience/knowledge of universities, funders and other relevant scientific and research organisations and communities, with an understanding of the global health ecosystem, and major stakeholders in vaccine development and implementation, and can establish and manage partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
• Significant experience in working in relevant field with the ability to identify relevant research gaps and develop solutions to address gaps in line with our strategy.
• Understands the global health ecosystem, and major stakeholders in vaccine development and implementation, and can establish and manage partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

Application Questions:

• Using short summaries please provide specific details of up to two different initiatives or projects you have been directly involved in that are relevant to this role. For each initiative or project please use up to 250 words to describe your role (e.g. team leader, team member), the purpose of the activity (i.e. its aims), and the major contributions you personally made.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles.