Job Description - Research Programme Manager

Job title:

Research Programme Manager

Responsible to:

Director of Research & Impact

Hours:

Salary:

Full Time, 35 hours per week

£45,00-50,000 dependant on experience

Working Pattern:

Primarily within core business hours but with the flexibility to attend
occasional events outside normal office hours as necessary

Location:

Hybrid working with expected travel to London office at least one day a week

Working relationships:   Reports to the Director of Research & Impact and is part of the Research
Directorate.  Line management of the Research Programme Officer. Close liaison with other Institute
teams, and external stakeholders including researchers and clinicians.

BACKGROUND

The Epilepsy Research Institute serves as the central hub for the epilepsy research community.  Our
mission is to radically advance research into the causes, prevention and treatment of epilepsy and
associated conditions.   The Institute aims to strengthen the epilepsy research ecosystem by driving
strategic investment and developing partnerships and collaborations between academia, the NHS,
industry, funders, patient groups and people affected by epilepsy.   Central to everything we do is a
culture of advocating and actioning research priorities.

Underpinning our strategy are six themed research programmes, with a task force group led by leading
UK scientists and clinicians.  These research themes are driving a programme to secure large-scale
research investment which will feed into an overall strategy for research into epilepsy.

The Institute is building an ecosystem that will attract the best researchers, foster an ambitious and
inclusive culture of collaboration, and enable research into epilepsy to flourish.

JOB PURPOSE

The Research Programme Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of a
dynamic programme of themed research and cross-theme collaborations. Reporting to the Director of
Research and Impact they will provide overall coordination, structure and organisation to the thematic
programmes to bring consistency and ultimately successful outcomes.

The role will act as the key contact point for Theme leads and taskforce members. Together with a
Research Programme Officer, the role will provide guidance and tailored support to the Theme leads to
keep work programmes on track.

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The Research Programme Manager will have oversight of the work taking place across the six themes to
bring cohesion and identify opportunities for collaboration and ensure that the programme is aligned
with other Institute research activities. They will support with scoping new initiatives and identifying
and securing suitable funding for activities coming from the themes whilst ensuring this are aligned to
the overarching strategic goals and objectives of the Institute.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  Responsible for the development and management of a thematic programme of research

activity covering all six of the Institute’s Research themes

2.  Ensure the appropriate structures and processes are in place to enable theme-related activity
and to support cross-theme working, including governance processes for approving and
reporting on theme budgets.

3.  Be the primary contact for Theme Leads and Taskforce members, providing support and

guidance to advance delivery of activities aligned to theme goals and priorities.

4.  Facilitate effective communication between Theme Leads, including organisation and delivery

of the Theme Lead workshops throughout the year.

5.  Create a framework for evaluation and reporting of theme progress, including providing

challenge and performance insights as necessary.

6.  To undertake regular horizon scanning to identify potential opportunities, including grants,
that align to the Theme priority areas, ensuring these are communicated to themes as
appropriate,

7.  Undertake data analysis and desk research for the themes, providing feedback and reports as

necessary.

8.  Co-ordinate and support the delivery of key meetings and workshops for the programme,

ensuring clarity of purpose and a focus on outputs.

9.  Develop strong, trusted working relationships with Theme Leads to provide a cohesive

approach, ensuring risks and issues are well understood and support offered to mitigate these
where necessary

10.  Proactively scope new projects and initiatives emerging from the themes, including those that
would require significant Institute resource and/or budget, identifying key stakeholders,
activities and funding sources.

11.  Prepare reports, publications and website content to increase visibility of the themes work and
to promote the outcomes of specific events and other activities to a wide range of audiences.
12.  Ensure accurate, tailored and regular communications with the other teams in the Institute to
ensure key stakeholders are kept up to date and to promote alignment with Institute activities.
13.  Provide line management to the Research Programme Officer, setting objectives aligned to the
overall objectives of the thematic programme, managing performance and support their
development.

14.  With the support of the Research Programme Officer, be responsible for the development and
maintenance of up-to-date content on the Researcher Hub and Researcher Directory on the
website.

15.  Budget management - implement approval and tracking process for any allocated Theme

budget(s)

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16.  Assist with the organisation of Institute-hosted research events, conferences, navigator

symposiums or similar.

17.  To maintain a strict code of confidentiality at all times in relation to your work.
18.  To comply with all aspects of Health & Safety responsibilities.
19.  To undertake any other duties as reasonably requested as part of your role.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and will be
reviewed and updated as the needs of the Institute evolve.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications:
•  Educated to degree level, ideally in a science or health-related discipline
•  A project/programme management qualification e.g. PMP / MSP /Prince2

qualification

Experience:
•  Evidence of successful management of complex, multi-stakeholder projects
•  Demonstratable experience working with a range of stakeholders across the
life sciences sector, including industry partners and academic institutions

•  Experience working in a small team to deliver big results
•  Previous experience working at a medical research charity or research funding

organisation

•  Line management experience
•  Experience working as a researcher at PhD or postdoc level
•  Experience working as project/programme manager
•  Experience of organising health forums, research events or similar
•  Change management experience

Skills and knowledge:
•  Excellent written and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate with
people from a wide range of professional backgrounds and people affected by
Epilepsy

•  Able to read, understand, and summarise complex scientific papers and

communicate to a lay audience

•  Able to write compelling reports and/or grant applications
•  Knowledge and understanding of research processes
•  Data analysis and desk research skills
•  Understanding of importance of Patient and Public involvement and peer

review

Personal competencies:
•  Able to build partnerships and strong networks

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Essential (E) or
Desirable (D):

E
D

E
E

E
D

D
D
D
D
D

E

E

E
E
E

D

E

•  Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrable evidence of effective team-

working and ability to take initiative

•  Able to work at pace, including to plan and prioritise workload, managing

conflicting priorities and meet tight deadlines

•  Excellent organisational skills

E

E

E

 November 2025

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