MRC Programme Manager
Purpose
- To manage a portfolio of research (a ‘scientific patch’) within one of MRC’s broader science areas. Including:
- Being the knowledge-holder of the scientific issues relating to the patch in question, spanning new research developments, research partnerships and policy-related issues.
- Advising grant applicants and being responsible for the peer review of research funding.
- Acting as the primary interface for stakeholders, both internally (across sections of the MRC office and UKRI partners) and externally (e.g. researchers in the academic and commercial sectors, funding agencies, policy makers).
- Assisting senior colleagues in the review of research fields and the development and implementation of scientific initiatives and policy.
- Developing and managing funding schemes and initiatives
Main duties and responsibilities
- To be responsible for the peer review of research funding applications, including discussing proposals with applicants; selecting reviewers or providing quality control for outsourced selection; providing advice during triage and attending the Board/Panel meetings or interviews in order to answer queries; to minute the discussion, and to take any follow-up action.
- To act as the point of contact for the management of investments, which may include: monitoring the grant’s progress at stages to ensure it is meeting its objectives; considering requests for supplements or alterations to the grant and recommending action to senior colleagues.
- To keep abreast of research and developments in the subject fields and to be a primary source of information for Head Office in these areas.
- To visit Units, Centres and other significant MRC investments in the patch.
- To prepare briefing documents relating to your scientific patch.
- To act as MRC representative or observer (e.g. for external scientific committees, working parties, Government departments, research charities, regulatory agencies, patient groups).
- To assist senior colleagues with the preparation of briefing documents and other material on matters for committees and advise on replies to parliamentary questions and other external queries.
- To carry out any other duties that may be required of the post as delegated by line manager/senior colleagues
Working Relationships
Reporting to: Head of Theme
Staff Management: No direct line management (unless specifically identified); working with administrative teams on peer review delivery.
Interactions: In addition to close working relationships with senior colleagues, other Programme Managers and MRC office groups, the role involves developing and maintaining a broad range of working relationships within MRC/UKRI and externally; including
- Board/Panel members
- Researchers
- Peer reviewers
- Directors of MRC Units and Centres or strategic programmes within the Board/Panel remit
- Other UKRI funders, NIHR, the charity sector, the university sector and government stakeholders
Other Key Information
Successful applicants will be required to frequently work in the opposite (London) office and be willing to stay overnight and occasionally work long hours. Additional, infrequent UK & European travel may also be necessary.
UKRI is a Disability Confident Committed employer, and we welcome applications from talented people from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage individuals who identify as being from an ethnic minority group and those with disabilities or long-term conditions to apply, as they are under-represented at this level in MRC.
Person requirements and selection criteria (those with an asterisk* will be used at the shortlisting stage)
We will be asking shortlisted candidates to complete a written assessment and make a five-minute oral presentation as part of the interview process.
