Salary Circa £44,000 per annum

Contract type Fixed Term

Location Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AD (Agile; approximately 2 days a week from our office)

Published

5 hours ago

Closing

in 18 days

This is a Fixed Term, 12 Months, Full Time vacancy that will close in 18 days at 23:59 GMT.

The Vacancy

We have established a number of high-profile strategic initiatives to help us advance our work towards a cure, such as the Drug Discovery Alliance and Brains for Dementia Research. We now have an exciting opportunity for a Research Programme Manager to support the first year of our newest initiative, the Dementia Frontiers Fund. Launched in partnership with Gates Ventures, this bold, ambitious global initiative is empowering researchers to tackle the most urgent and complex questions in dementia. Where required, the successful candidate will also support the ongoing delivery of our other major initiatives, working collaboratively across the organisation to maximise their impact both internally and externally.

This role sits within the Strategic Programmes team in the Research Directorate, an ambitious, supportive and friendly team that funds the best research to transform the lives of people affected by all forms of dementia. We’re looking for someone with strong programme management experience, a good eye for detail and who is excited by the opportunities in the dementia research landscape.

This is a 12- month Fixed Term Contract.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities:

Support the delivery of the Dementia Frontiers Fund in close collaboration with another Research Programme Manager: 

• Oversee the establishment of project teams, tracking progress against milestones and KPIs, managing risks and keeping partners updated
• Ensure finances are effectively managed, working with the Research Funding and Finance teams
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders involved with the initiatives to maximise their success
• Implement robust and proportionate review processes
• Lead the preparation of papers and briefings for meetings

Collaborate across teams to deliver and enhance strategic initiatives:

• Provide programme management support to the wider Strategic Programmes team on other strategic initiatives as required
• Work closely with the Research Funding team to ensure review processes are proportionate and aligned with funding mechanisms
• Support the implementation of strategic initiatives within the new Grant Management System, including the setup of grants and associated review processes
• Work closely with the Research Involvement Manager to embed lived experience into programme delivery and review

Strengthen relationships within the dementia research community

• Work with the Senior Research Manager and Partnerships Manager to identify and support strategic partnerships that complement programme goals, including providing programme information, sharing progress updates, and contributing to setup and ongoing engagement
• Attend meetings and events to build relationships and promote our strategic programmes
• Support the Research Leadership team to enhance ARUK’s external profile through active participation in meetings and collaborations with key stakeholders

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• First degree (or equivalent) in relevant biomedical science.
• Proven experience managing large programmes of work, preferably in the healthcare, research or charity sector.
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities, overseeing budgets and identifying risks.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholder groups and third-party suppliers and build strong, effective and productive relationships.
• Experience defining programme requirements and using data and metrics to determine improvements.
• Commitment to ARUK’s vision, mission and values.
• Good analytical skills demonstrated by a structured and methodical approach.
• Excellent eye for detail with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Strong communication skills both oral and written with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task, prioritise competing demands.
• Demonstrated stakeholder management (internal & external), and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to use own initiative, with a proactive and problem-solving attitude.
• Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel.

The closing date for applications is the 7th December 2025, with interviews being arranged once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country. Recently, the company has won multiple workplace environment awards and has an outstanding record of employee satisfaction.

The Benefits

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The Values

• Innovation

We are creative and fearless in our work.

• Accountability

We take ownership of our work and lead from the front.

• Teamwork

We collaborate widely and build supportive environments.

The Charity

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

The Benefits

It is important to offer a range of benefits which are designed to meet both the organisational and individual needs, are market competitive and designed to attract and retain employees.

For more details on working for Alzheimer's Research UK click here.

Holiday entitlement

Healthcare

Sick pay

Pension

Cycle to work scheme

Family friendly policies

Learning & development

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