Head of Theme - Population Health Research Infrastructure

Head of Theme, Population Health Research Infrastructure

The Medical Research Council (MRC)

Salary: £65,262 per annum (dependent on skills and experience). 
Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8 FTE)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (18 months) 
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire / Caxton House, London - Hybrid Working 

Closing Date:28/04/24

The role entails leading MRC’s management of its research portfolio in population health science. This includes overseeing key UKRI infrastructural programs such as UK Biobank, Population Research UK, and the Adolescent Health Study. As the knowledge-holder of scientific issues pertaining to this remit, responsibilities span across staying abreast of new research developments, fostering research partnerships, and addressing policy-related matters. Overseeing peer review procedures for relevant research funding is integral, alongside acting as the primary interface for stakeholders internally (across MRC sections and UKRI partners) and externally (including researchers, funding agencies, and policymakers). Assistance to MRC/UKRI leadership in developing and implementing scientific initiatives and policy is also part of the role, as is the development and management of funding opportunities and innovative initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• To oversee the delivery of key infrastructural programmes funded through the UKRI Infrastructure Budget, to manage associated Gateway Reviews and to provide progress reports to UKRI Executive Committee, DSTI, HMT as appropriate;
• To oversee the peer review procedures of research funding applications, including management of the team interfacing with principle investigators / applicants; providing advice during review meetings or interviews in order to answer specific queries, and to take any follow-up action appropriate;
• To act as the point of contact for the ongoing management of grants, which may include: monitoring the grant’s progress at critical stages to ensure it is meeting its milestones and/or objectives; considering requests for supplements or alterations to the grant and, if appropriate, recommending action to senior executive staff;
• To keep abreast with research and developments in the subject fields and to be a primary source of scientific information for Head Office in these areas;
• To maintain awareness of and regularly visit key MRC/UKRI strategic /infrastructural investments of significance in the patch;
• To prepare briefing documents relating to the scientific patch allocated to the role;
• To act as MRC representative, liaison or observer as appropriate (e.g. external scientific committees, working parties, Government departments, research charities, regulatory agencies, patient groups);
• To assist senior staff with the preparation of briefing documents and other material on scientific matters for UKRI/MRC Boards , Government Depts, ad-hoc committees, and assist in advising on the line of replies to parliamentary questions and other external queries;
• To carry out any other duties that may be required of the post as delegated by line manager/senior staff.

Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role.

Shortlisting Criteria

Essential

• PhD (relevant to the work of the MRC), or equivalent higher degree in research
• A background in population health science, or research aligned to this, whether in research or policy
• Experience working in health research management and familiarity with UK medical or biological research in Universities and the NHS
• Experience in developing and managing strong partnerships and relationships inside and outside the organization, managing conflicts, and building consensus to deliver key objectives.
• Ability to manage and lead a team and work effectively across internal & external organizational structures
• Ability to handle, analyse and present complex information (eg. scientific, financial, policy, ethical)
• Able to address your motivation and clearly state how you meet the criteria of the role in a cover letter (Max 2 pages)

Desirable

• Experience of running high quality peer review

Interview Criteria

Essential

In addition to the above

• Negotiating solutions in conflicting and politically sensitive environments
• Proven experience of representing an organisation at a senior level and the influencing favourable outcomes
• Ability to engage in scientific issues, with credibility at all levels
• Ability to think and plan strategically in research, relating long-range goals to short-term action
• Ability to manage, motivate and develop individuals within a team, and empower others to take responsibility for delivery of business objectives
• The ability to work under pressure and deliver targets to very tight deadlines
• High level of insight and credibility in population science / medical research and research funding issues
• Excellent oral communication skills

Additional information:

You will be required to frequently work in the opposite (Swindon) office and be willing to stay overnight and work long hours on an occasional basis. Additional, infrequent UK & European travel may also be necessary.

Benefits

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

A list of benefits below:

• 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.

Working relationships:

Reporting to: Chief Science Officer

Staff Management:

Line management of 

• Band F Head of Programme, Population Health;
• Band E Programme manager for Population Health;
• Band D UKPRP Science Manager; 

Interactions:

In addition to close working relationships with senior staff, other Programme Managers and various MRC office groups, the role involves developing and maintaining a broad range of working relationships within MRC/UKRI and externally; including:

• Board/Panel member;
• Researchers;
• Peer reviewers;
• Directors of MRC Units and Centres or strategic programmes within the Board/Panel remit;
• Other UKRI funders, NIHR, the charity sector, the university sector and government stakeholders.

Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org