The Medical Research Council (MRC)

Salary: £56745.00 per annum
Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8 FTE)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months).
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire. (hybrid working options available)

Closing Date:12/01/25

Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the Recruitment Policy for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your Line Manager and the designated HR Team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place.

About the role

We are recruiting a Strategic Lead within the UKRI Talent & Skills team, who will lead the delivery of UKRI Talent programmes, including the Future Leaders Fellowships, by leading the operational processes associated with delivery of peer review and assessment panels. The role will also contribute to the strategic development of UKRI Talent in the context of our transition to Collective Talent Funding over the coming years.

Key Responsibilities

The role is expected to cover the following areas, with a focus on scheme delivery and cohort support, but this is to be confirmed dependent on the skills and interests of the person appointed:
Oversee the development, establishment and delivery of new and existing cross UKRI talent programmes:

• Contribute to the strategic development of UKRI’s transition to Collective Talent Funding
• Lead on the planning, evidencing and development of strategy in the talent ecosystem in academia, business and across sectors.
• Support existing cohorts of fellows through an extensive post-award offer, which includes oversight of the FLF Development Network and the annual conferences and starting meetings.
• Manage the delivery of operational support ensuring processes and practices are delivered to the highest standard and the resources are in place to administer the programme
• To work collaboratively with talent teams across UKRI to lead Council activities in support of UKRI associated talent activities.
• Supporting UKRI engagement with the research and innovation community as part of talent scheme establishment and delivery, and the development of clear communications regarding launched UKRI talent programmes.
• Leading, supporting and guiding the development of team members as appropriate.
• Carry out other UKRI Talent duties/ projects that may be required of the post

(S) – Assessed at shortlisting

(I) – Assessed at interview
(S&I) – Assessed at both shortlisting and interview

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Educated to degree-level or demonstrable equivalent experience (S)

Knowledge and experience:

Essential

• A thorough understanding of the higher education sector with strong experience of research funding schemes – particularly people related investments such as fellowships. (S/I)
• Experience in the delivery and oversight of complex funding schemes (S/I)
• Experience of working and problem solving within a fast-paced research funding environment and delivering against tight timelines. (S/I)
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills; the ability to seek and work with a range of internal colleagues and external experts and stakeholders, build networks and influence others as appropriate.(I)
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.(S/I)
• The ability to lead, manage and work collaboratively across diverse teams.(I)

Desirable

• Able to demonstrate development and implementation of arrangements that improve EDI practices (I)
• Strong numeracy skills and experience of managing budgets and the exercise of financial control (S/I)

Additional information:

• The post holder will be based primarily in Swindon (hybrid working options available) but may be required to attend meetings/workshops in other UK locations.

About the Medical Research Council (MRC)

Within UKRI, the MRC seeks to improve human health through world-class research. With an annual budget of over £800 m, MRC provides support both to individuals, through fellowships and grants, and to institutions, such as the MRC Laboratory for Molecular Biology and the Francis Crick Institute. The outcomes of our research span discovery science, improvements in public health and the development of new treatments for common diseases.

For more information about MRC, please visit https://mrc.ukri.org

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.