Job Opportunity: Programme Manager – Medical Research Council (MRC)
Council: MRC
Team: Data Science Team
Contract Type: Open-Ended
Hours: Full-time or part-time (minimum of 0.8 FTE)
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire (Hybrid working available)
The Medical Research Council (MRC) is seeking a Programme Manager to join its Data Science Team. This opportunity will allow you to contribute to the strategic goals of the MRC in delivering advanced data science initiatives, as set out in the MRC Strategic Delivery Plan. The role plays a key part in advancing MRC’s mission to build a safe, efficient, and integrated environment for handling, accessing, and utilizing health data across the UK.
As part of the Challenge-Led Directorate, the Programme Manager will act as the primary MRC contact for the UK Data and Analytics Research Environments (DARE UK) programme. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, this role involves monitoring trusted data environment advancements, implementing MRC’s data science agenda, and collaborating across MRC and UKRI.
Your Responsibilities:
- Serve as the interface with UKRI Infrastructure and Digital Research Infrastructure teams regarding DARE-UK and related initiatives. Responsibilities include reporting on progress, managing finances, attending meetings, and initiating new projects as necessary.
- Collaborate with the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure team and DARE-UK Delivery Team to facilitate the Phase 2 delivery and preparation for development of Phase 3.
- Lead liaison for Trusted and Secure Data Environments (TREs / SDEs) across major institutions such as Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and National Health Service (NHS) organisations.
- Support MRC in efforts to manage, share, access, and analyze personal and protected health data, aligning activities with MRC’s priorities and Strategic Delivery Plan.
- Develop and oversee programmes of digital research infrastructure investment, in partnership with MRC and UKRI teams.
- Represent MRC externally to foster effective collaboration and align mutual understanding of digital research infrastructure needs within the research community.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including UKRI councils, government bodies, learned societies, and international organizations.
- Provide expert insights to MRC Head Office on developments in data science, trusted research environments, and digital research infrastructure. This includes preparing briefings for MRC leadership, responding to consultations, and addressing stakeholder inquiries.
Personal Specification:
We are looking for candidates who possess the following:
- PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant research field or research-focused role, demonstrating a broad scientific and research background.
- Proven experience in liaising with and achieving outcomes through collaboration with diverse stakeholders (e.g., research funders, NHS, industry, academia).
- Comprehensive knowledge of biomedical and health-relevant data science, as well as the UK digital research infrastructure landscape.
- Exceptional communication skills (both written and oral) across complex and varied topics.
- Strong ability to evaluate scientific and partnership opportunities, determine strategic objectives, and adapt work priorities accordingly.
- Effective time and priority management within a context of competing demands.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, including negotiation, persuasion, relationship-building, and influencing abilities.
Benefits:
We offer an excellent range of benefits, including:
- A top-tier defined benefit pension scheme.
- 30 days of annual leave, plus an additional 10.5 public and privilege days (full-time equivalent).
- Access to employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
- Comprehensive employee assistance programme, offering confidential support and advice.
- Flexible working options to support your work-life balance.
- Numerous wellbeing initiatives designed to enhance employee health and happiness.
UKRI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability Confident Employer.
How to Apply:
For complete details, please visit our careers website via the ‘Apply’ button above. Submit your application, which includes a CV and a Cover Letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the requirements of this role.
Join us and help shape the future of data science in health research!