The NIHR, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, is the UK’s largest health and social care research funder. Working with the NHS, universities, and the public, it delivers world-leading research to improve health, wellbeing, reduce inequalities, and promote economic growth through evidence-based innovation and care.

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 Research Manager supports the full research funding cycle, from identifying opportunities and advising applicants to refining application materials. They review and shortlist proposals, manage funding committee processes, attend meetings, and provide detailed feedback.

Key responsibilities include conducting due diligence on healthcare projects, assessing scientific, technical, and clinical rationale, value for money, intellectual property, and strategies for dissemination, adoption, and commercialisation. The role negotiates funding agreements, sets milestones and financial terms, and manages a portfolio of funded projects, monitoring progress and overseeing contractual changes.

The Research Manager liaises with stakeholders, represents the funder’s perspective, promotes programmes, and contributes to strategic initiatives to enhance processes and maximise impact.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Criteria

• Degree in biomedical, life sciences, healthcare management, or related field
• Experience managing research funding from application to post-award monitoring
• Skilled in reviewing and assessing healthcare or clinical research proposals
• Background in managing funded projects, including budgets, milestones, and reporting
• Proven ability to negotiate research contracts or agreements
• Strong stakeholder engagement with researchers, industry, and committees
• Experienced in organising and facilitating formal meetings, such as funding panels and review boards

Desired Criteria

• Experience in research funding organisations, charitable funders, or govt. research agencies
• Familiarity with healthcare innovation, translational research, and commercialisation strategies
• Experience supporting strategic programmes and funding policy development
• Track record in process improvement for research management
• Knowledge of the UK health research landscape, regulatory requirements, and innovation ecosystems
• Understanding of patient benefit pathways and research translation into practice

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with attention to detail
• Strong planning, organisation, and multitasking abilities
• Analytical and problem-solving skills for complex healthcare projects
• Stakeholder management experience
• Self-motivated, proactive, and team-oriented
• Financial awareness and proficient IT skills

Position Details:

Salary: £40,300

Location: Twickenham / Hybrid working model

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

Working Hours: 7.5 hours per day

Annual Leave: 25 days, plus UK public holidays

Employee Benefits Include:

Annual Bonus, subject to company performance

Enhanced Contributory Pension Scheme

Life Insurance Cover

Benenden Healthcare Membership

Training & Development Opportunities

Season Ticket Loan

Please note: This is an office based hybrid position, with a mandatory requirement to attend our office in Twickenham, London, one day each week.

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.

NB: Closing date for applications is 5pm on the 26th August, interviews to be held from the 1st September.

Company Statement

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age or trade union membership.