Research Inclusion Project Manager

University of Leicester; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Career development

Job summary

University of Leicester invites applications for a Research Inclusion Project Manager to support the NIHR RSS national network. Based in the Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, you will implement and evaluate the inclusion strategy, build relationships with colleagues and partner organisations, and manage cross‑network programmes from planning to delivery.

You will gather evidence, organise accessible events, support public involvement, and produce reports and resources.

Qualifications

• A relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Significant experience managing and delivering complex multi‑stakeholder projects.
• Strong knowledge of the health and social care research context and inclusion initiatives.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience developing resources, facilitating public involvement, and equality impact assessments.
• Highly organised, independent, with the ability to balance priorities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Implement and evaluate the NIHR RSS research inclusion strategy across a national network of eight Hubs and Specialist Centres.
• Manage national work programmes from planning through evaluation, tracking milestones and risks.
• Gather and synthesise evidence, organise accessible meetings and events, and support meaningful public involvement.
• Collect and curate quantitative and qualitative data and develop approaches to demonstrate impact.
• Produce reports, presentations and webinars; monitor developments in research inclusion policy and practice.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Clear communication

Equality and inclusion

Digital skills

AI responsible use

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

About the role

University of Leicester is seeking a Research Inclusion Project Manager to support the National Institute for Health and Care Research Support Service National Network. Based in the Division of Public Health and Epidemiology within the School of Medical Sciences, you will implement and evaluate the NIHR RSS research inclusion strategy, helping to advance inclusive practice across a national network of eight Hubs and associated Specialist Centres. Working under the direction of the national lead for equality, diversity and inclusion, Dr Rebecca Barnes, you will build productive relationships with colleagues, public contributors and partner organisations across the NIHR and wider research infrastructure. You will manage national work programmes from planning through to evaluation, tracking milestones, identifying risks and ensuring that agreed actions are delivered. Your work will include gathering and synthesising evidence, organising accessible meetings and events, supporting the meaningful involvement of public contributors, collecting and curating quantitative and qualitative data, and developing approaches to demonstrate impact. You will also produce reports, presentations, webinars and other engaging resources, while monitoring developments in research inclusion policy and practice.

About you

You will have a relevant undergraduate degree, an equivalent professional qualification or equivalent experience, together with significant experience of managing and delivering complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. You will bring strong knowledge of the research context, a clear commitment to improving the inclusivity of health and social care research, and proven experience of implementing equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives. You will be confident building networks, influencing stakeholders and communicating complex information clearly in both professional and plain language. Experience of developing resources for different audiences, facilitating public involvement, conducting equality impact assessments or contributing to peer‑reviewed publications would be an advantage. You will be highly organised, collaborative and able to work independently, using sound judgement to balance competing priorities and meet deadlines. Strong analytical, literature‑review and problem‑solving skills are essential, as is the ability to handle confidential information with tact and discretion. You will have excellent digital skills, be able to use artificial intelligence responsibly in your work, and understand how to make documents, meetings and events accessible and inclusive. You should also be willing to travel when required and work flexibly where necessary.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Rebecca Barnes on [e-mail]

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

• competitive salary package
• excellent pension scheme
• a generous annual leave allowance
• opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment

Vacancy terms

Full time or part time, Fixed-term until 31st March 2029