The Christie NHS FT

Research Project Manager

The closing date is 13 October 2025

Job summary

The CPOC research project manager post holder will be responsible for ensuring the smooth management of programmes of research for The Christie Colorectal and Peritoneal Oncology Academy and the production of deliverables and milestones, on time and within budget. The post holder will: use specialised knowledge to advise on funding strategy; ensure deadlines for grant applications are met; work effectively across complex research organisations; be able to take initiative where necessary; identify and breakdown tasks required for a multidisciplinary research group project; delegate and assign tasks to others.The position will involve close liaison with a wide range of academic, clinical, managerial and administrative staff throughout The Christie NHS Trust (Christie) and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH) at University of Manchester and as warranted: other research active Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) members; other academic and healthcare institutions (both nationally and internationally); grant funding bodies; and companies (medical devices, pharmaceutical, scientific equipment).

Main duties of the job

This appointment is within the Colorectal and Peritoneal Oncology Centre and funded for 2 years. The post holder will work closely with the Consultant Surgeons within a newly formed Surgical Oncology & Anaesthetic Research (SONAR) Centre with a primary focus on supporting development and delivery of translational research projects and programmes in association with the MCRC Biobank and research delivery team.

About us

The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

Details

Date posted

15 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

24 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

413-96629-RI-AK

Job locations

Surgical and Anaesthetic Research - Q02842

Manchester

M20 4BX


Job description

Job responsibilities

Manage the grant application and submission process adhering to Faculty policies and deadlines. Provide grant writing support, devise budgets, coordinate and submit research grant applications to local, national and international funding bodies. Preparation of University/ Christie business cases. Proofread and edit manuscripts, book chapters etc. for submission to high impact scientific journals and publishers. Produce abstracts and posters for local, national and international conferences. Produce annual reports, business plans, and supporting documentation as required for University, funding bodies, ethics, Research and Development (R&D), National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) etc. Prepare and submit ethics and regulatory applications to the relevant bodies, and assist in the development (writing and reviewing) of study documentation namely research protocols, patient information sheets, consent, questionnaires, and CRFs. Manage finance accounts related to academic and research led projects; work to ensure maximum value is achieved for the resources available. Review financial statements and spending projections on a regular basis in collaboration with the Finance Officer and Research Support Manager. Organise and participate in regular research, management and finance meetings (face-to-face, video- or teleconference). Devise the agendas, minute and disseminate appropriately. Assist in the coordination, planning and development of funding strategies and provide guidance for researchers on appropriate funding streams for their research. Support postgraduate research students to initiate and undertake projects and adhere to deadlines. Establish and maintain research databases. Manage the implementation of research projects, coordinate and implement changes to the project plans as required, ensuring they keep to specific timelines and can deliver on objectives.

Develop effective working relationships across complex research organisations both internally and externally (Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University, NHS, MAHSC, industry and funding bodies) to deliver projects and facilitate research. Demonstrate a strong personal presence with negotiation and diplomacy skills in the management of projects, in partnership with the Principal Investigator. Liaise with colleagues via internal and/or external networks, and also with patients/ public to ensure effective management of grant applications. Act as the first point of contact for all new project enquiries. Provide detailed and timely responses to all enquiries. Liaise with University of Manchester and NHS Trusts to secure sponsorship of research projects. Ensure appropriate ethical and other regulatory approvals are in place before research commences and that all enquires, amendments and progress reports are dealt with in a timely manner. Maintain and develop a working knowledge of current legislation regarding participation in research, including research and clinical governance and data protection. Attending mandatory and specialist training (e.g. ICH GCP) in accordance with local policy and research governance. Work efficiently, professionally and in a flexible manner. To meet objectives within pre-determined timescales. Strict adherence to protocols and Institute policies. Effective communications to be maintained with staff at all levels. To comply with Health & Safety requirements, including having an awareness of personal responsibilities to maintain a safe working environment. To contribute to The Christie NHS Trusts and Universitys agenda for social responsibility, including sustainability. To maintain confidentiality of information in line with NHS and data protection requirements within the University and The Christie NHS Trust. Familiarise themselves with the Universitys and The Christie NHS Trusts Equality and Diversity policies and to actively support these wherever possible. Be a team player.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Manage the grant application and submission process adhering to Faculty policies and deadlines. Provide grant writing support, devise budgets, coordinate and submit research grant applications to local, national and international funding bodies. Preparation of University/ Christie business cases. Proofread and edit manuscripts, book chapters etc. for submission to high impact scientific journals and publishers. Produce abstracts and posters for local, national and international conferences. Produce annual reports, business plans, and supporting documentation as required for University, funding bodies, ethics, Research and Development (R&D), National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) etc. Prepare and submit ethics and regulatory applications to the relevant bodies, and assist in the development (writing and reviewing) of study documentation namely research protocols, patient information sheets, consent, questionnaires, and CRFs. Manage finance accounts related to academic and research led projects; work to ensure maximum value is achieved for the resources available. Review financial statements and spending projections on a regular basis in collaboration with the Finance Officer and Research Support Manager. Organise and participate in regular research, management and finance meetings (face-to-face, video- or teleconference). Devise the agendas, minute and disseminate appropriately. Assist in the coordination, planning and development of funding strategies and provide guidance for researchers on appropriate funding streams for their research. Support postgraduate research students to initiate and undertake projects and adhere to deadlines. Establish and maintain research databases. Manage the implementation of research projects, coordinate and implement changes to the project plans as required, ensuring they keep to specific timelines and can deliver on objectives.

Develop effective working relationships across complex research organisations both internally and externally (Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University, NHS, MAHSC, industry and funding bodies) to deliver projects and facilitate research. Demonstrate a strong personal presence with negotiation and diplomacy skills in the management of projects, in partnership with the Principal Investigator. Liaise with colleagues via internal and/or external networks, and also with patients/ public to ensure effective management of grant applications. Act as the first point of contact for all new project enquiries. Provide detailed and timely responses to all enquiries. Liaise with University of Manchester and NHS Trusts to secure sponsorship of research projects. Ensure appropriate ethical and other regulatory approvals are in place before research commences and that all enquires, amendments and progress reports are dealt with in a timely manner. Maintain and develop a working knowledge of current legislation regarding participation in research, including research and clinical governance and data protection. Attending mandatory and specialist training (e.g. ICH GCP) in accordance with local policy and research governance. Work efficiently, professionally and in a flexible manner. To meet objectives within pre-determined timescales. Strict adherence to protocols and Institute policies. Effective communications to be maintained with staff at all levels. To comply with Health & Safety requirements, including having an awareness of personal responsibilities to maintain a safe working environment. To contribute to The Christie NHS Trusts and Universitys agenda for social responsibility, including sustainability. To maintain confidentiality of information in line with NHS and data protection requirements within the University and The Christie NHS Trust. Familiarise themselves with the Universitys and The Christie NHS Trusts Equality and Diversity policies and to actively support these wherever possible. Be a team player.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline

Desirable

  • Post graduate qualification
  • Clinical research or project management qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Relevant experience in scientific/medical research
  • Demonstrable Research Project Management experience
  • Grant writing
  • Ethics submissions
  • Experience working with other staff at all levels
  • Experience of co-ordinating and managing clinical trials

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working within the NHS Trust and/or University
  • Experience working with funding bodies

Skills

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to communicate at all levels
  • Able to work autonomously and collaboratively
  • Excellent organisational and project management skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and work to strict deadlines
  • Ability to work to tight and unexpected deadlines
  • Proven collaborative and diplomatic skills
  • Ability to troubleshoot effectively
  • Use of MS Office IT packages
  • Self-motivated
  • Results orientated
  • Attention to detail
  • Report writing
  • Analysing, interpreting and presenting data clearly

Desirable

  • Use of bibliographic software (e.g., EndNote)
  • Able to understand the principles of research proposals covering a wide range of subject areas
  • Use of research funding systems
  • Experience preparing manuscripts for publication

Knowledge

Essential

  • Data Protection Act and confidentiality
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and knowledge of R&D regulations and Research Governance

Desirable

  • Understanding of the financial issues governing clinical research in the UK
  • Understanding of cancer and cancer research
  • Related clinical/medical terminology
  • Knowledge of research funding systems
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline

Desirable

  • Post graduate qualification
  • Clinical research or project management qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Relevant experience in scientific/medical research
  • Demonstrable Research Project Management experience
  • Grant writing
  • Ethics submissions
  • Experience working with other staff at all levels
  • Experience of co-ordinating and managing clinical trials

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working within the NHS Trust and/or University
  • Experience working with funding bodies

Skills

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to communicate at all levels
  • Able to work autonomously and collaboratively
  • Excellent organisational and project management skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and work to strict deadlines
  • Ability to work to tight and unexpected deadlines
  • Proven collaborative and diplomatic skills
  • Ability to troubleshoot effectively
  • Use of MS Office IT packages
  • Self-motivated
  • Results orientated
  • Attention to detail
  • Report writing
  • Analysing, interpreting and presenting data clearly

Desirable

  • Use of bibliographic software (e.g., EndNote)
  • Able to understand the principles of research proposals covering a wide range of subject areas
  • Use of research funding systems
  • Experience preparing manuscripts for publication

Knowledge

Essential

  • Data Protection Act and confidentiality
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and knowledge of R&D regulations and Research Governance

Desirable

  • Understanding of the financial issues governing clinical research in the UK
  • Understanding of cancer and cancer research
  • Related clinical/medical terminology
  • Knowledge of research funding systems

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

The Christie NHS FT

Address

Surgical and Anaesthetic Research - Q02842

Manchester

M20 4BX


Employer's website

https://www.christie.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Christie NHS FT

Address

Surgical and Anaesthetic Research - Q02842

Manchester

M20 4BX


Employer's website

https://www.christie.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Biobank Manager

Jane Rogan

jane.rogan@nhs.net

07917173490

Details

Date posted

15 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

24 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

413-96629-RI-AK

Job locations

Surgical and Anaesthetic Research - Q02842

Manchester

M20 4BX


Supporting documents

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