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The Clinical Portfolio Manager will work closely with the Head of Clinical Research to pioneer and advance our new clinical research programme. This role is vital in advancing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s research objectives and organisational strategy and will be key to delivering impact for people affected by dementia. The Clinical Portfolio Manager will manage the development and monitoring of our clinical research portfolio working collaboratively as appropriate with external stakeholders and various departments across the organisation, including the wider Research, Fundraising and Policy, Communications and Involvement Teams.

This role sits within the Clinical Research team in the Research Directorate, an ambitious, proactive and growing team that is driving forward initiatives to bring more clinical trials to the UK for people living with dementia. With the first generation of disease modifying treatments recently approved, this is an exceptional opportunity for an individual with strong research programme management experience who understands the clinical research environment in the UK, to contribute to groundbreaking work in dementia research, aligning with and advancing on the Government's investment initiatives in the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Research Portfolio Development

· Manage the development of ARUK’s clinical research portfolio, including funded trials, sub-studies, and Clinical Fellowships

· Act as the key point of contact for potential clinical research applicants, liaising with our clinical advisors to provide advice regarding strategic alignment and pre-application feedback on potential proposals

· Work closely with the Research Involvement Manager and Clinical Research Manager to integrate best practices in patient involvement and co-production to ensure ARUK funded clinical research is relevant for and supported by people affected by dementia

· Support the Research Funding team with the grant review process for clinical proposals to ensure appropriate Clinical Committee reviewer allocations, meeting logistics, paperwork, minutes, and committee feedback

· Contribute to the ongoing development of the Clinical Committee, supporting the Research Funding team with identifying appropriate members, facilitating committee discussions and implement advised strategies to ensure expert insight and support for the clinical research programme

· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of global developments in dementia clinical research and collaborate in mapping the clinical research ecosystem, identifying gaps in funding to support the development of potential clinical research funding opportunities aligned with ARUK’s strategy

Clinical Research Portfolio Oversight

· Oversee the progress monitoring of key clinical research projects, tracking milestones, managing potential risks, and keeping partners updated where applicable, working with the Research Funding team to ensure invoices are managed accordingly

· Work with the Senior Clinical Programmes Operations Officer to maintain the programme tracker and Salesforce records, ensuring conversations and updates are captured

· Support internal reporting mechanisms, providing timely updates to the Senior Leadership Team and preparation of papers and briefings for relevant meetings, including the Clinical Committee and Scientific Advisory Board

· Work with the Evidence Manager to monitor the clinical research portfolio against key performance indicators and evaluate the impact of ARUK clinical research funding to inform future clinical grant calls

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

· Play a pivotal role in fostering and nurturing relationships with clinical leaders and research funders in the UK to build the profile of ARUK’s clinical research programme and help us to accelerate research towards a cure

· Work closely with our Research Partnerships manager to maintain and build partnerships that further the clinical research programme’s objectives

· Support the Head of Clinical Research in enhancing ARUK’s external profile through active participation in meetings and collaborations with key stakeholders

· Ensure appropriate information-sharing between internal stakeholders including Research, Fundraising, Finance, Policy, Communications, and Involvement teams

What we are looking for:

· Degree (or equivalent) in relevant biomedical science

· Proven experience managing large programmes of work, preferably in the healthcare, research or charity sector

· Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities, overseeing budgets and identifying risks

· Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholder groups and build strong, effective and productive relationships

· Experience defining programme requirements and using data and metrics to determine improvements

· Understanding of drug development and clinical research

· Demonstrable commitment to collaborative and inclusive working.

· Commitment to ARUK’s vision, mission and values

· Good analytical skills demonstrated by a structured and methodical approach

· Excellent eye for detail with a focus on continuous improvement

· Strong communication skills both oral and written with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences

· Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task, prioritise competing demands

· Collaborative approach with ability to build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders

· Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines

· Ability to use own initiative, with a proactive and problem-solving attitude

· Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel

· Good IT skills.

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £44,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 30th November 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest