Job summary
Head of Theme (two roles � one each for Population & Systems Medicine and Neurosciences & Mental Health)
The Medical Research Council (MRC)
Salary: �65,262 (plus London allowance if applicable)
Band: UKRI Band G
Hours: Full time�
Contract Type: Open Ended.
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire / Caxton House, London�
Closing date: 02/08/24�
Job description
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:
1. Network Building: Establish and nurture relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
2. Strategic Projects: Undertake and deliver strategic and policy projects.
3. Financial Accountability: Oversee financial resources allocated for research and associated activities.
4. Staff Management: Manage and develop staff, prioritize resources to ensure effective delivery of key activities.
5. Advisory Role: Provide advice to MRC leadership on key issues to inform decision-making and organizational direction.
6. 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):
7. Awareness: Stay informed about emerging opportunities, challenges, and threats.
8. Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards in peer review and program implementation.
9. Strategic Changes: Implement suitable strategies to achieve MRC�s goals through reviews, partnerships, and funding decisions.
10. 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.
11. Expertise and Direction: Contribute expertise to MRC strategy, budget setting, and evaluation.
12. Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the Board portfolio and MRC�s successes to stakeholders to maintain MRC�s profile.
Person specification
Person Specification:
13. PhD (relevant to the work of the MRC).
14. Significant experience working in health research management.
15. Developing strategies for delivering major objectives in a multi-stakeholder environment.
16. Ability to manage and lead a team, including the management of performance.
17. Experience of running high quality peer review.
18. Familiar with UK medical or biological research in Universities and the NHS.
19. Strong organisational planning skills.
20. The ability to handle, analyse and present complex information (scientific, financial, policy, ethical).
21. 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
Alongside your salary of �65,262, Medical Research Council contributes �17,621 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
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!
22. An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
23. 30 days' annual leave in addition to public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
24. Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
25. Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
26. 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.