Research Partnerships Manager

As our Research Partnerships Manager, you’ll play a vital role in shaping collaborative partnerships and programmes that support research development for people with motor neurone disease (MND). This is an opportunity to bring your skills to a team that works with focus and determination.

Joining the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, you will help ensure that research partnerships are well-managed, well-governed and ready to grow. As Research Partnerships Manager, you’ll work closely with colleagues and external stakeholders to strengthen programmes that support innovation across the research community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational management of research partnerships and programmes
• Line manage and support the Research Partnerships Officer
• Oversee governance, due diligence, contracting and compliance processes
• Maintain programme plans, timelines and reporting frameworks
• Monitor progress and risks, ensuring effective mitigation
• Liaise with Finance and Research Funding teams on budgets and procurement
• Drive improvements to partnership and governance procedures
• Develop and deliver partnership activities across academic, clinical, funding and industry sectors
• Support negotiation and documentation of collaboration agreements
• Implement new programmes including seed funding and innovation calls
• Oversee all operations and reporting linked to the MND Collections

About You

• Degree in biomedical or health sciences (postgraduate desirable)
• Significant experience in research programme or partnership management
• Proven understanding of research governance, ethics and data management
• Confident delivering partnership or convening activities
• Skilled communicator able to work with varied stakeholders
• Excellent organisation, analytical ability and complex project management skills
• Experience supporting or managing people
• Understanding of research funding or translational research initiatives
• Knowledge of the health innovation landscape across academia, NHS or industry
• Working knowledge of managing biobanks or collaborative research infrastructures

Hybrid working expectations: office attendance one day per week

Further information about MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

What We Offer

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development
• Hybrid working

About Us

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.