Company Description
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR – www.nihr.ac.uk) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research and is the largest funder of health and social care research in the UK. We work in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the public. The NIHR funds, enables, and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people’s health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.
The NIHR RfPB programme provides funding for high quality health and social care research in the NHS in England, and allocates funding on a regional basis, for project grants of up to £500,000 and 36 months in duration. The team currently manages a portfolio of over 1,400 projects and delivers at least three funding competition cycles per year.
Job Description
Reporting to a Senior Research Manager, this role will involve managing and supporting the funding processes and to ensure effective monitoring of funded projects.
Other key aspects include the management of a portfolio of funded projects, supporting team members and the improvement of operational processes and working practices. The Research Manager will also be involved in the capture of key outputs and their impact on delivering patient benefit.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The role involves supporting all aspects of research funding, from identifying potential call themes and advising applicants, to revising application forms and guidance documents. It includes reviewing and short listing applications for funding, managing the funding committee process, coordinating and attending committee meetings, and preparing detailed feedback for both successful and unsuccessful applicants.
A key responsibility is undertaking due diligence of healthcare-related project proposals. This requires critical assessment of the scientific, technical, and clinical rationale, as well as, with support from senior colleagues, analysis of value for money. The role also involves evaluating proposed intellectual property (IP) protection and freedom to operate, alongside assessing dissemination, adoption, and commercialisation strategies.
The postholder will negotiate funding agreements for approved projects, including defining milestones, financial arrangements, and reporting requirements to ensure successful project progression. They will also manage a portfolio of funded projects, monitoring scientific, clinical, and financial performance, reviewing IP and dissemination plans, and overseeing contractual changes to ensure appropriate strategies are in place to deliver patient benefit and/or commercial outcomes.
Regular liaison with internal and external stakeholders is essential, including attending, organising, and leading meetings. The Research Manager will represent the funder’s perspective at project meetings to facilitate successful development, while also promoting and representing funding programmes at relevant external events. Additionally, the role contributes to strategic programme initiatives, supporting the continuous improvement of processes and working practices.
Qualifications

APPLICATION

If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a ‘Statement of Suitability’ that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the ‘Required Criteria’ outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with the LGC Group.
If you are interested to discuss this role in more details, please contact Jennie Hejdenberg, Assistant Director, RfPB, jennie.hejdenberg@nihr.ac.uk.

Please refer the Job description for details