Research Manager, Discovery Research in London

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 are committed to spend £16bn in the ten years to 2032, funding new discoveries in all areas related to life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

Our mission in Discovery Research, a strategic programme within the Discovery Department at Wellcome, is to generate new knowledge that has the potential to transform life, health and wellbeing in ways we can’t always anticipate. We fund researchers, in the UK and in LMICs, across disciplines and career stages, creating the conditions for ambitious and transformative research ideas to flourish. By investing in tools, technologies and research cultures, we aim to remove barriers and enable breakthroughs that improve health for everyone.

We are looking to recruit two Research Managers to join the team. We are open to candidates with a background in any area relevant to discovery research, but are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in immunology, engineering and physical sciences, and/or working with or leading projects in LMICs.

You will manage and deliver projects that support the Discovery Research team to convene communities, fund research and track progress in line with its strategy, working closely with internal and external partners. By building strong relationships and coordinating activities such as evaluation, collaboration and reporting, you will play a key role in helping the team deliver its goals and maximise the impact of its work.

The Discovery Researchers team supports Wellcome’s core discovery‑led research portfolio, working with researchers across disciplines to design funding opportunities, support robust decision‑making and steward funded research. The team builds strong relationships with applicants and grant‑holders, monitors research progress and culture, and ensures learning informs Wellcome’s wider work.

The Major Initiatives team leads Wellcome’s large‑scale, long‑term discovery research investments, including institutes, platforms and major partnerships. The team works with researchers, partners and funders to shape strategic initiatives, oversee delivery and governance, and support ambitious programmes with the potential for wide‑ranging impact.

As a Research Manager, you will:

• Deliver Discovery Research work by convening communities, supporting funding decisions, producing reviews and reports, and applying relevant technical expertise to specific projects.
• Build and share a strong understanding of Discovery Research and the wider research and funding landscape, contributing knowledge and insight across the team and Wellcome.
• Support effective stewardship of Wellcome’s funding portfolio by monitoring research progress, research culture and diversity and inclusion, and maintaining active relationships with applicants and grant‑holders.
• Work with advisors, funders, partners and the research community to support high‑quality decision‑making and clearly communicate Discovery Research priorities and funded activity.
• Manage and coordinate Discovery Research initiatives and awards, acting as a key contact for defined projects and working collaboratively across teams to achieve shared outcomes.
• Deliver work to agreed timelines and budgets, managing risks, compliance and quality of outputs while contributing to a collaborative, inclusive and values‑led working culture.

This role is suited to someone with broad research experience who is excited by discovery research and the strategic questions around how research is funded, supported and shared. You will enjoy working across disciplines and cultures, communicating complex ideas clearly, managing multiple projects, and building credibility with researchers, funders and partners — including those working in low‑ and middle‑income country (LMIC) contexts. If you are collaborative, intellectually curious and motivated by supporting excellent, inclusive research with global impact, this could be the right role for you.

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, industrial, funding agency or charity setting.
• Experience/knowledge of universities, funders and other relevant scientific and research organisations and communities.
• Ability to employ diverse approaches to effectively communicate complex information to individuals and groups from a range of different backgrounds and different seniority levels.
• Well-developed writing skills with ability to synthesise information conveying key points clearly and concisely.
• Experience/knowledge of managing projects in an academic or industry setting.

Application Questions:

• Using examples please provide evidence to demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria for this role as outlined in the job description? (Up to 500 words)
• 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.

You can view the full job description on our website. You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website.

Our Hybrid Way of Working

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best. 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

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. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs@wellcome.org.