Research Manager

Ataxia UK Research Manager  

This is a part-time 12 month fixed term maternity cover post 

Salary: £44,000 pa pro-rata 

Conditions: 25 days annual leave pa pro-rata (not including Bank Holidays)   

                      5% employer contribution to a personal pension plan. 

Hours: 21 hours pw with provision for flexible working in line with Ataxia UK’s policy.  Some out of hours work may be required for which time off in lieu will be granted. 

Location: Hybrid working between home and office: Ataxia UK Office, 12 Broadbent Close, London N6 5JW.  

Reporting to: Director of Research 

About Ataxia UK 

Ataxia is the umbrella term for a group of neurological conditions and Ataxia UK is the UK’s leading ataxia support and research charity. Ataxia UK collaborates with the global ataxia community through our Research team,  and we are on the board of the international non-profit association, Euro-ataxia. Our Services team focuses on helping people affected by ataxia across the UK live well with their condition. Our Helpline and Advocacy services provide information, and one-to-one support on a range of issues, while our Community Engagement services deliver activities, events and volunteering opportunities that bring the ataxia community together and help reduce isolation. 

Job Description 

Research:  

The post-holder is expected to gain an understanding of the ataxias, keep updated with developments in the ataxia research area, and liaise effectively with researchers and other stakeholders. 

Research Grants Programme:

• To support the Director of Research in implementing Ataxia UK’s research strategy 

• To manage the Research Communications Officer in implementing the peer review process (e.g. by identifying/ liaising with peer reviewers and keeping a database of potential peer reviewers) 

• To support the Scientific Advisory Committee by attending meetings, and manage the Research Communications Officer providing papers and writing minutes 

• To liaise with researchers funded by Ataxia UK  

Global collaborations: 

• To represent Ataxia UK or stand in for the Director of Research on research projects (eg: representing the patient perspective) 

• To manage the meetings of the Pharma Strategy Advisory Group 

• To support the Director of Research in working with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to advance ataxia research 

• To assist the Director of Research in other research related-initiatives where required 

Research communication: 

• To manage the Research Communications officer in communications to people affected by ataxia (via Ataxia UK’s magazine, e-newsletter and website) 

• To represent Ataxia UK at ataxia meetings/conferences, write reports and do oral presentations 

• To assist in the organisation of Ataxia UK’s Research conferences 

• To make presentations to communicate research advances to people with ataxia and their families at Ataxia UK’s conferences  

Support for people with ataxia: 

• To support Ataxia UK’s Helpline team to respond to research enquiries from people with ataxia 

• To manage Ataxia UK’s Internal Ethics Committee 

Improving healthcare:

• To coordinate annual reviews of current Ataxia Centres, and accreditation reviews of new Ataxia Centres 

• To coordinate the Ataxia Grand Rounds programme 

• To manage the updating of Ataxia UK’s Medical Guidelines and similar publications 

• To support the Director of Research in the development of new projects and policy work aimed at improving the healthcare of people with ataxia as required  

Other: 

• Participate in supervision, and staff meetings as required 

• Undertake professional development and training 

• To manage the Research Communications Officer  

• Comply with the data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, supporters, employees and volunteers remains confidential  

• Implement Ataxia UK’s health and safety policy and procedures, ensuring that all practices and procedures are undertaken in accordance with a healthy and safe working environment and that all staff and volunteers for whom you may be responsible are aware of their responsibilities in respect of their role, monitoring data and recommending action as required 

• Administer and organise own work to ensure that it is accurate and meets quality targets, agreed deadlines and reporting requirements 

• Take responsibility for personal learning, training and development, and support the learning and development of others and the whole organisation 

• Work to embed a culture of inclusion and collaboration, within and beyond Ataxia UK 

Note: This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post. Ataxia UK reserves the right to update the Job Description from time to time to reflect these changes in or to the post after consultation about any proposed changes. 

Person specification 

Qualifications and experience 

• Degree and higher degree in a relevant biological science or in medicine (PhD desirable) 

• Experience of working in a research environment, in a hospital or for a medical research charity  

Essential Skills  

• Ability to write clear, concise, accurate English    

• Ability to communicate effectively with both researchers and lay people 

• Ability to do oral presentations to large audiences  

• Ability to work independently  

• Excellent organisational skills  

• Ability to use Microsoft Office packages  

• Ability to maintain databases and generate reports  

Perspectives  

• Support for the ethical use of animals in medical research and human embryonic stem cell research 

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion and knowledge and understanding of the barriers faced by people with a disability 

Personal qualities 

• Flexible approach to work 

• Adaptable to changing working hours to support work with international partners  

• Willing to travel nationally and internationally with overnight stays 

Benefits of working for us 

• 25 days annual leave pro rata (rising to 30 with a length of service) 

• Extra holiday day for your birthday 

• Access to a free Employee Assistance Programme & Employee Hotline 

• Flexible hybrid working 

• Pension scheme 

• Enhanced maternity and co-parental leave 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Training and development opportunities 

Accredited Living Wage Employer