Research manager jobs in Manchester, greater manchester
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About the role
We are recruiting for a Research Participation Manager to join on a full-time, permanent contract working 35 hours per week. This is a home-based role, with occasional travel required for in-person stakeholder or team meetings.
As Research Participation Manager you will lead the operational delivery and support the strategic development of the Society’s research participation team. You will line manage and develop the Research Participation team and associated staff, overseeing programme performance and reporting, and ensuring all activity aligns with UK clinical research regulations, data governance requirements, and organisational priorities.
In this role, you will work collaboratively across the Society and with external partners. You will strengthen cross sector relationships, drive inclusive and culturally competent engagement, and enhance awareness of, and participation in, vital dementia research, particularly among underserved communities. Your role will also help to ensure the provision of high quality, safe, and compliant support for people accessing dementia clinical research opportunities.
You will provide leadership, expert guidance and robust programme management to maximise the reach, impact, and visibility of the Society’s research participation initiatives, increasing opportunities for people to become aware of, and participate in research; bringing forward the day when a dementia diagnosis no longer devastates lives.
About you
Joining us, you’ll have experience of working in clinical research, science or health sectors, with a good understanding of the processes and challenges facing the NHS. You’ll have experience of shaping and/or leading significant programmes of work with high exposure, with the ability to remain organised, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines.
Crucially, you’ll have good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence others and build and maintain positive relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders. You’ll be able to use your experience of leading and managing a team to inspire and motivate others, creating a positive and proactive work culture.
This position will play a vital role in helping us to end the devastation caused by dementia. To be successful you’ll need to be motivated by our cause and values, and you’ll be able to speak to people affected by dementia with emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion.
What you’ll focus on:
- Leading, line managing and developing the Research Participation team, in addition to managing allocated staff, resources and any assigned budget to ensure all agreed internal and external targets are met.
- Assessing and managing of interdependencies between internal and external stakeholders involved in the Research Participation programme.
- Ensuring all participation support plans and / or awareness raising initiatives comply with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) rules and codes of practice.
- Developing and delivering inclusive and culturally informed initiatives that raise awareness of, and improve equitable access to, clinical research opportunities, with a particular focus on underserved and diverse communities.
- Collaborating with Communications colleagues across the Society to support wider communication activities related to research participation and public research awareness.
- Working with the Lead Research Nurse, Research and Innovation Business Manager, and Project Management Office to ensure robust programme and risk management, and to evaluate the impact of research participation activities.
- Building impactful and sustainable relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders across the dementia clinical trials landscape, seeking opportunities to collaborate on initiatives to drive increased awareness of, and participation in, dementia clinical research.
About Alzheimer's Society - who are we and what’s our mission?
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.
At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding ground-breaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.
Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as part of a minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.
Our hiring process
We want you to bring your whole self to the process. Applications are anonymised until interview stage, and we’re happy to support any adjustments. Share your feedback via our candidate survey when applying to help us improve. We may close early if we receive high interest (with 48 hours’ notice). Some roles may require a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment commitment. Thinking about using AI during the recruitment process? We know this can be helpful in many ways but remember to include your personal and authentic self too. Your voice and experience are what really set you apart.
Giving back to you
At Alzheimer’s Society, we value our people and take a total reward approach to pay and benefits. You’ll enjoy a generous double-matched pension scheme, 27 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays and wellbeing days), and access to a free Health Shield Cash Plan, 24/7 EAP, Thrive mental wellbeing support, and virtual GP services. Our Society Plus platform offers exclusive discounts, wellbeing resources, and recognition schemes, while our flexible working, family-friendly policies, and life assurance provide peace of mind and work/life balance. We also offer a free Will-writing service and long service awards to recognise your ongoing commitment.
Thank you!
Job Purpose
The Research Programme Manager will have a strong grounding in scientific research, expertise in grant management, and report to the Director of Research.
The role’s core responsibility will be to lead on the implementation and delivery of large-scale collaborative programmes and funding schemes. The post holder will have a visible presence within the research community acting as an important point of contact between partner organisations, researchers, committee members, peer reviewers and the charity. They will be expected to keep updated with the latest research developments in order to use strategic scientific expertise and judgement in the ongoing development and improvement of the Foundation’s grant funding schemes.
They will be responsible for the successful delivery of a large portfolio of active projects by working closely with others in the team to ensure all awards are expertly administered, monitored, evaluated and reported against, ensuring the outputs are of the highest quality and supporting the charities activities. The post-holder will identify opportunities to communicate the progress or impact of the work we fund and work with the communications team to develop compelling communications for our supporters.
Key responsibilities:
Grant Funding Programme
● Lead on the setup of large-scale collaborative research programmes ensuring robust peer review, effective contracting and close collaboration with funding partners;
● Lead on the management of multiple grant funding schemes, as well as ad-hoc applications that come to the Foundation;
● Oversee the smooth running of application rounds, peer review and ensure that funding committees function in line with AMRC guidance;
● Be the main point of contact for the AMRC with regards to research management;
● Support the ongoing implementation and development of the Foundation’s Grant Management Software, ensuring the research team are using the platform effectively;
● Manage project set-up including contracting, the development of detailed project plans, including go/no-go milestones and budgets;
● Work with the other Research Programme Managers to oversee the research programme budget including planning, monitoring and forecasting; work with the Directors of Research and Finance to ensure that accurate research finance information is available for organisational budgeting and planning;
● Seek opportunities to improve the Foundation’s grant funding schemes to increase the number and quality of applications received year on year, ensuring funding projects support the delivery of the Foundation’s research strategy;
● Monitor any developments or innovations across the sector and implement changes to maintain a high-quality impactful research funding programme.
Project Portfolio and Impact
● Oversee the delivery of large-scale collaborative research programmes including:
- Leading on management on behalf of funding partnerships
● Manage and oversee project delivery of the Foundation’s active project portfolio by:
- Building and managing relationships with award holders and attending site visits;
- Approving grant payments and managing the change process for any project amendments;
- Ensuring project progress is effectively monitored and reported against;
- Identifying opportunities for and approving any project communications.
● Lead on the development and implementation of an Impact Evaluation Framework, to monitor and evaluate the impact of the research we fund.
● Lead on the development of an annual impact report to demonstrate the impact of the research we fund.
Line Management
● Provide line management responsibilities to the Research Officer, supporting their performance and ongoing development.
General Responsibilities
● Support the Director of Research to deliver the Foundation’s research strategy;
● Support more junior members of the team through training and mentoring;
● Contribute to the team being proactive and supportive, and working effectively and efficiently to achieve agreed objectives;
● Support the development of research communications activities, working closely with our communications team.
● Contribute to the development and maintenance of strong internal relationships across the charity, working specifically with the Fundraising Team to support income generation;
● Support the Director of Research in the development of updates for the Board of Trustees and other groups such as our Scientific Advisors;
● Keep updated with the latest scientific developments in the field, attend conferences and build strong relationships with MND experts and other relevant stakeholders;
● Represent the Foundation at external scientific meetings and conferences;
● Undertake other work as required by the Director of Research.
Skills and experience required:
● Educated to PhD level or with equivalent experience in a science subject relevant to MND;
● Experience of research management, including the management of grant schemes, preferably with experience of using Flexi-Grant;
● Experience of research communications, including the ability to disseminate complex scientific information and present it to non-technical audiences;
● Experience of liaising with senior individuals in a variety of organisations with an ability to create favourable working relationships;
● Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time;
● A great communicator, with excellent written and oral skills and the ability to maintain relationships with a wide variety of individuals, including those within the Foundation, researchers and clinicians, relevant organisations and industry bodies, MND patients, and other MND charities;
● Self-motivated, proactive and able to work using own initiative;
● Organised, with a proven ability to successfully manage a broad spectrum of tasks, deadlines and individuals;
● Motivated to make a real difference for those living with MND and future generations.
Working Pattern: Full time, permanent, home-based with regular travel across the UK
Salary: Circa £45,000 dependent on experience
Direct reports: Research Officer, 1 FTE
Closing date: Friday 8th May
Interviews: Week commencing 11th May
Registered Charity
6 - 10
We are My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and we're absolutely committed to our goal: A World Free of MND
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Research Grants Manager
We’re looking for a Research Grants Manager to join the team.
Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.
Position: CE401 Research Grants Manager
Location: Home-based, UK nationwide however, occasional travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary: Circa £47,000 per annum (inner London weighting £3,950 per annum or outer London weighting £2,475 per annum may be applied in accordance to where you live)
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.
Closing Date: 8 May 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
Interview Date: 20 May 2026
The Role
The Research Grants Manager leads the design, delivery and governance of the Association’s research funding portfolio. The role ensures that all Association funded research schemes, including fellowships and project grants, are strategically configured, rigorously governed and effectively delivered in line with the Association’s Research Strategy.
The role will ensure that research funding schemes are aligned with external research developments and designed to maximise long-term impact. The role includes formal accountability for embedding high-quality, inclusive and structured lived experience participation within research funding processes.
The Research Grants Manager is the organisational lead for research funding operations, ensuring the Association maintains a sector-leading, transparent and strategically focused funding programme.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Lead the design and operational delivery of Association research funding, including fellowships and project grant schemes.
- Accountable for the governance of funding mechanisms, ensuring fairness, compliance with governance standards and integration within existing research management systems.
- Management of expert review and award decision processes, ensuring robust scientific assessment, transparent decision-making and strategic alignment with organisational priorities.
- Ensure consistent, high-quality and inclusive lived experience involvement within research funding processes.
- Provide authoritative insight about Association funded research to communications, fundraising, policy and service development colleagues to assist with media and fundraising opportunities.
- Contribute to effective financial planning and budget monitoring across all funding schemes, including forecasting, risk management and reporting.
About You
You will:
- Be educated to post graduate level in a science, health, social science or related discipline
- Have experience of research management in a life science setting, including management of research funding award cycles
To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK
Please state any preferences for flexible options in your covering letter.
Finding strength through support
The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke.
They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.
It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support.
The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.
The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.
A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work.
You may also have experience in areas such as Research and Grants Manager, Research Manager, Grants Manager, Scientific Research, Health, Social Science, Social Science Research.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP
