Senior Science Project Manager

Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8 FTE) 

Contract Type: Open Ended.

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire - Hybrid working available (In the office based on business requirements)

Senior Science Project Managers provide essential project management to a portfolio of infrastructure projects across the MRC remit. The roles support projects in different science areas ranging from multi-million-pound national infrastructure such as UK Biobank and the new Adolescent Health Study, to smaller internally focussed projects. The role involves working closely with MRC and UKRI, central government, research funders, and the UK research and innovation community to develop cases for green book projects.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Infrastructure, this role will suit an experienced project manager with an interest in science, or scientifically trained individuals with project management experience. Take charge of coordinating various projects and creating proposals for ground-breaking infrastructure investments that support medical sciences. You will coordinate the peer review of applications, gather strategic advice from collaborators, and provide advice to internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Managing the argument process for multiple MRC-led infrastructure bids
• Working with the wider research and industry communities to develop strategic cases for future bids
• Providing support and advice to internal and external audiences
• Project management of the different workstreams to simultaneously support a number of high-profile projects
• Assist senior colleagues in the review of research fields and the development and implementation of scientific initiatives and policy
• Developing and managing funding schemes and initiatives
• Developing an effective communication and evaluation strategy and managing internal and external communications, announcements, updates, and reporting
• Identifying and mitigating risks to the projects
• Supporting budget management and forecasting

The role also includes:

• Visiting institutes, units, centres, and other significant MRC investments
• Acting as MRC representative or observer (e.g., for external scientific committees, working parties, government departments, research charities, regulatory agencies, patient groups)
• Assisting senior colleagues with the preparation of briefing documents and other material on matters for committees, and advising on replies to parliamentary questions or other external queries

Person Specification

• Relevant degree or demonstrable equivalent experience
• Experience of planning, managing, and delivering projects or programmes
• Understand the importance of managing and mitigating risks and issues and raising where required
• Skill to effectively negotiate and influence with collaborators at all levels
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to independently plan, prioritise, and progress multiple workstreams.
• Excellent numeracy skills, with experience of handling budgets.
• Effective collaborator and team member

Benefits

• 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.

If you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org

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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