Senior Research Manager - RFSC

TN United Kingdom; Twickenham; Hybrid; GBP 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in social care research is seeking a Senior Research Manager to influence policy and practice through evidence-based research. This pivotal role involves managing social care research funding, collaborating with key stakeholders, and contributing to national research strategies. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and a hybrid work environment based in Twickenham.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Enhanced contributory pension scheme

Life Insurance

Benenden Healthcare

Season Ticket Loan

Qualifications

• Substantial relevant work experience in research funding allocation.
• Experience in research management within social care.
• Knowledge of the UK’s social care and health research landscape.

Responsibilities

• Lead social care research funding and manage the Research Programme for Social Care.
• Develop collaborative relationships with committee chairs and oversee research management processes.
• Contribute to cross NIHR social care research strategy.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Writing skills

Planning and organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences

Doctorate (PhD) in Social Sciences

Job description

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Client:

LGC Group

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Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

9a5743253092

Job Views:

3

Posted:

23.05.2025

Expiry Date:

07.07.2025

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Job Description:

Join Us as a Senior Research Manager – Lead the Future of Social Care Research

Are you a driven and experienced professional passionate about shaping the future of social care? We are seeking a dynamic Senior Research Manager to join our Research Programme for Social Care team (RPSC) at the NIHR, where you'll play a pivotal role in managing our growing Social Care Programme.

In this high-impact position, you will work in close collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care, influencing policy and practice through evidence-based research. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change at a national level while helping to advance the field of social care research.

Main Responsibilities

• Act as a leader in social care research funding and draw together the various relevant NIHR funding streams to synergise and maximise the potential outcomes.
• Work with the Programme Lead and Programme Director, as well as other Senior Programme Managers, to take overall responsibility for major social care research funding, including the Research Programme for Social Care.
• Develop collaborative relationships with committee chairs and the Programme Director.
• Oversee all aspects of the research management process, from setting up funding calls to organising the funded research monitoring.
• Monitor the quality and timelines of the work of the Research Managers within the team.
• Lead on strategic projects, with support from the Programme Lead.
• Operationalise ad hoc special project work in consultation with the team’s Scientific Advisers and assist in the preparation of regular reports and papers.
• Attend funding committee meetings in a supervisory capacity.
• Contribute to cross NIHR social care research strategy.
• Lead on portfolio analysis and call analysis to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Progress development of outline proposals for new initiatives.
• Attend meetings with external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with other social care research funders to coordinate and join up research funding.
• Work with the RPSC Scientific Advisers and other key NIHR social care leaders to develop NIHR’s social care offerings.

Qualifications

Required Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Substantial relevant work experience, including delivering research funding allocation processes.
• Interest in strategic issues in health and care research funding and policy.
• Experience working with local authorities, third sector, or government departments.
• Experience in research management, preferably within social care.
• Knowledge of the UK’s social care and health research landscape.
• Proven leadership skills to inspire, motivate, and guide teams.

Desired Criteria

• Doctorate (PhD) in Social Sciences or a related field (highly desirable).

Key Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills and success in stakeholder management across organizations.
• Strategic thinking, interpreting complex information, and understanding the big picture.
• Excellent writing skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, capable of managing multiple tasks and working to challenging deadlines.

Additional Information

Salary & Benefits

• £47,300 per year
• Bonus (subject to company performance)
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays (UK)
• Enhanced contributory pension scheme
• Life Insurance
• Benenden Healthcare
• Season Ticket Loan

Note: This is a fixed-term contract for 12 months. The role is hybrid, based in Twickenham, London, with at least one in-office day per week, possibly more based on team needs.

If you are interested, submit your CV and a 'Statement of Suitability' demonstrating how you meet the 'Required Criteria'. The deadline is 4 June at 5:00 PM (BST). Interviews will start from 10 June.

We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunity employment.