Senior Research Project Manager; translational research

Senior Research Project Manager (translational research)

Band 7 – Contract 12 months (Fixed term). 37.5 hours per week (Full time fixed term). Job
-DA.

Site: R&D Office – Q01552, Town Manchester. Salary £49,387 – £56,515 per annum (pro rata). Closing date 02/07/2026 23:59.

Join a high-impact translational research programme at one of Europe’s leading cancer centres and help turn scientific discovery into real patient benefit.

We are seeking an ambitious and driven Senior Research Project Manager to join the Translational Research Office at The Christie. The role will establish and deliver a new cross‑cutting function that supports design, set‑up and delivery of translational research across the Manchester cancer research ecosystem.

You will manage a portfolio of translational and academic clinical research studies, providing senior oversight and contributing to the development of a new service model.

• Lead the end‑to‑end management of complex projects, from concept, feasibility, through delivery and reporting.
• Provide expert input into study design, operational planning and delivery models, ensuring projects are viable and scalable.
• Coordinate multi‑disciplinary and multi‑partner studies, including investigator‑led and collaborative programmes.
• Oversee regulatory and governance processes, including ethics approvals and compliance with GCP and HTA requirements.
• Manage and monitor project budgets and grant funding, supporting cost recovery and sustainability.
• Act as a senior point of contact for investigators, collaborators, funders and external partners.
• Supervise and support Band 6 Project Manager(s) and contribute to team development.
• Identify and manage risks, issues and dependencies across a portfolio of studies.
• Contribute to grant development and funding applications, including feasibility and costing.

• Degree level (or equivalent) in a biological or scientific discipline.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Clinical research or project management qualification.
• Post‑graduate qualification or equivalent years of relevant work experience.

• Significant experience in academic, industrial or research management settings.
• Experience managing complex multi‑partner projects within academic and/or clinical organisations.
• Experience running a variety of translational research projects.
• Experience delivering complex projects to tight deadlines.
• Analysing, interpreting and presenting data clearly.
• Grant writing and submissions.
• Development, submission and ongoing management of research ethics applications.
• Managing budgets and liaising with finance staff.
• Line management experience, including completing PDRs.
• Previous experience in the NHS and university settings, preferably within a teaching hospital.
• Experience coordinating international clinical trials.
• Experience working with funding bodies.
• Audit design experience.
• Experience liaising with industry.
• Experience training and developing junior staff.

• High‑level communication skills, written and verbal, with the ability to communicate at all levels.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines.
• Proven collaborative and diplomatic skills.
• Effective troubleshooting abilities.
• Experience supporting PPIE activities.
• Proficiency with bibliographic software (e.g., End Note).
• Understanding of research proposal principles across varied subject areas.
• Use of research funding systems.
• Proficiency with MS Office and IT packages.
• Analysing, interpreting and presenting data clearly.

• Understanding of cancer and cancer research.
• Knowledge of the Data Protection Act and confidentiality.
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and knowledge of R&D regulations and Research Governance.
• Understanding of the regulatory and legal landscape of translational research using human tissue.
• Understanding of the financial issues governing clinical research in the UK.
• Knowledge of research funding systems.
• Knowledge of ICH GCP and Research Governance.

• Demonstrate organisational values and behaviours.

• Flexible
• Conscientious and hardworking
• Able to work effectively from home and across sites as needed.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
• Evidence of achievement under pressure.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a balanced and diverse workforce. All admissions are made solely on merit.