Research Project Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced project manager to work as part of a team within the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre within the Translational and Clinical Research Institute in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. You will provide a comprehensive project management and professional support service to a portfolio of translational medical research projects, many of which are multi-site and cross-disciplinary.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day set up and management of allocated projects; working closely with the clinical research team, principal investigators, academic and commercial collaborators, University Research Institutes and professional services staff. To monitor and ensure progress of projects against financial and milestone targets, highlighting and managing risks as appropriate.

The projects that you are to manage will have a focus on muscular dystrophies with a caseload that will link to the specific aims and objectives of the Mitochondrial and Neuromuscular theme of the Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

This role is full time and supported by funding from the NIHR until 31st August 2026., Act as the main point of contact for all parties involved in the Mitochondrial and Neuromuscular theme of the Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre on a day-to- day basis, communicating clearly with the clinical research team, principal investigators, academic and commercial collaborators, , University Research Institutes and professional services staff
Oversee the relevant case load of clinical research projects related to the Mitochondrial and Neuromuscular theme of the Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, and coordinate the reporting
Prepare detailed study/research timelines and milestones, monitoring progress on a continuous basis, with a clear understanding of any impact on the critical path
Actively manage project progress in association with the Neuromuscular and Mitochondrial theme of the Newcastle BRC support and clinical teams to achieve milestones within set timescales. This may involve collaboration with other organisations e.g. funders, Universities, NHS Trusts, patient organisations and industry partners
Day-to-day management of project team support staff and coordination of staff recruitment e.g. data managers
Develop an understanding of clinical governance and good clinical practice (GCP) to facilitate the management of clinical trials and clinical research projects
Ensure the early identification of potential risks to meeting required objectives and coordinate the development of plans to recover the situation where possible, liaising with the funding body as appropriate, keeping the Investigator and research team fully appraised throughout
Manage project finances of clinical research projects including: forecasting; liaison with the University's Contract Financial Management Team and, where appropriate, the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust finance departments to ensure financial transactions and reporting are managed in line with the contract; and holding regular meetings with project leads to ensure effective budget management
Organise regular project update meetings, maintaining appropriate communication with all stakeholders and ensuring actions are created in line with the project objectives/timeline. Ensure agreed actions are undertaken by those assigned responsibility. This will include managing agendas and minutes for meetings
Establish, organise and contribute to project management groups as required to support the project e.g. Advisory Boards, Steering Groups, inter- disciplinary working groups
Develop an understanding of the scientific, regulatory and technical elements of the project in order to cross communicate between different work packages
Provide support for new grant applications as required
Manage the relationship with funder and ensure compliance with reporting requirements, with a specific focus on reporting for Mitochondrial and Neuromuscular theme of the Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre. Provide support for new grant applications in related to the aims of the theme
Preparation for, and facilitation of, audits and/or inspections
Take responsibility for identifying own learning needs, including identifying appropriate courses to ensure up to date knowledge in the funding streams available to support translational research, as well as developing an awareness of the regulations governing clinical research and research data
Work as part of the JWMDRC team to develop common ways of working and promote the use of best practice in project management

• Advanced knowledge of project management and relevant business operating procedures


• Knowledge of project management methodology


• Experience of working in a project management role in clinical research.


• A proven ability to manage projects to defined deliverables and meet audit requirements


• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally


• Excellent organisational and time management skills


• Excellent financial management skills


• Excellent IT skills, including competent use of Microsoft Office including MS Project, Excel and Access


Attributes and Behaviours

• An ability to work to deadlines, organise own workload and work independently


• The ability to work across department and cross-organisational boundaries to build effective relationships both internally and externally


• Attention to detail


• A proven ability to be adaptable, innovative and proactive in project work


• A positive and supportive attitude; ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others


• Enthusiasm to undertake training and learn new skills.


• Flexibility with respect to working hours


• Willingness to travel outside of the Newcastle area and, when permitted, internationally, Degree (or equivalent professional qualification) in a relevant discipline and significant experience of working in project management
  
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At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

Salary: £33,966 to £36,024 with progression to £44,263 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.