Head of Theme (1 X Population & Systems Medicine and 1 X Neurosciences and Mental Health)

Contract Type: Open Ended.

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire / Caxton House, London 

The purpose of this role is to manage and develop MRC's research portfolio in the Population & Systems Medicine Board (PSMB) or Neurosciences and Mental Health Board (NMHB) domains, ensuring clear, well-communicated, and realistic plans are implemented. Key responsibilities include:

• Network Building: Establish and nurture relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic Projects: Undertake and deliver strategic and policy projects.
• Financial Accountability: Oversee financial resources allocated for research and associated activities.
• Staff Management: Manage and develop staff, prioritize resources to ensure effective delivery of key activities.
• Advisory Role: Provide advice to MRC leadership on key issues to inform decision-making and organizational direction.
• Influence Outcomes: Act on behalf of MRC to influence outcomes in the medical research field.

Managing MRC's Research Portfolio (as defined by the Research Board):

• Awareness: Stay informed about emerging opportunities, challenges, and threats.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards in peer review and program implementation.
• Strategic Changes: Implement suitable strategies to achieve MRC’s goals through reviews, partnerships, and funding decisions.
• Strategic Thinking: Work with the Board and key leaders to identify impactful investment opportunities, develop funding proposals, establish partnerships, and ensure approved projects are delivered.
• Expertise and Direction: Contribute expertise to MRC strategy, budget setting, and evaluation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the Board portfolio and MRC’s successes to stakeholders to maintain MRC’s profile.

Person Specification:

• PhD (relevant to the work of the MRC).
• Significant experience working in health research management.
• Developing strategies for delivering major objectives in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Ability to manage and lead a team, including the management of performance.
• Experience of running high quality peer review.
• Familiar with UK medical or biological research in Universities and the NHS.
• Strong organisational planning skills.
• The ability to handle, analyse and present complex information (scientific, financial, policy, ethical).
• Excellent written communication skills, able to tailor style to a range of scientific, executive and lay audiences. Persuasive and credible in winning support for MRC’s agenda.

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We’re committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
• Flexible working options

Plus, many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

How to apply:

For full details, please visit our careers site via the ‘Apply’ button above. Please submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role. 

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