Senior Research Manager - Research Infrastructure

NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) provided pay range

This range is provided by NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research). Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

We are looking to recruit a dynamic and experienced Senior Research Manager to manage a high-profile National Institute for Health and Care Research (
NIHR
) portfolio of clinical and applied health research infrastructure funding schemes
. These schemes drive the delivery of research breakthroughs into life‑saving treatments for patients, driving innovation and enabling the UK’s international competitiveness in crucial areas of experimental medicine, applied health and care research.

Reporting to a Programme Lead, and working closely with the Assistant Director of Research Infrastructure, and the Department for Health and Social Care, the postholder will lead the planning and delivery of all activities for their portfolio of research infrastructure schemes. This will include the development of the strategic direction for future funding competitions; leading on the delivery of funding competitions and the management of awards and working with internal and external stakeholders to capture impact, promote collaborative working and other priority areas relevant to your schemes portfolio.

We are looking for someone with a broad perspective of academia, funding, project management and health‑related policy. You will liaise with internal and external stakeholders and provide our community of researchers with support and advice. You will be confident interacting with your peers and the external scientific community; able to demonstrate critical thinking and an ability to influence and build productive relationships.

Meticulous project management skills, with the ability to deliver multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Funding strategy: Review and improve existing schemes to guide future funding calls
• Research commissioning: Lead new competitions plan projects, draft guidance, organise panels and provide applicant feedback
• New calls development: Respond to DHSC/NIHR priorities, design assessments and implement monitoring processes
• Stakeholder engagement: Support researchers, raise award visibility and foster collaboration among award holders
• Contract & reporting: Manage contractual changes, respond to FOI/Parliamentary requests, review progress and flag concerns
• Team support: Provide flexible, high level assistance during peak periods and rotate schemes to enhance team learning

Required Criteria:

• PhD or equivalent in biomedical/health sciences research, or significant sector experience
• Substantial relevant experience in research funding allocation, research management (NHS/HEIs), industry, or academia
• Strategic thinker with the ability to interpret complex information and maintain a “big picture” perspective
• Interest in health and care research funding and policy
  , understanding strategic issues
• Project planning & management skills
  , able to prioritise multiple tasks under tight deadlines
• Line management and staff development experience

• Contract Type: Full Time,
  12 month FTC

• Annual bonus, subject to company performance
• Enhanced Contributory Pension Scheme
• Life Insurance Cover
• Benenden Healthcare Membership
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Season Ticket Loan

NB: This is a hybrid role based at our office in Twickenham, London with a minimum requirement of one in‑office day per week. This requirement may increase based on team needs or operational demands.

If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a “Statement of Suitability” that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the "Required Criteria" outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with the LGC Group.

Closing date for applications is 5pm on the 9th January 2026, interviews to be held from the 15th…