The Christie NHS FT

Research Project Manager

The closing date is 09 April 2026

Job summary

This post is an opportunity for an enthusiastic, well-motivated individual with excellent interpersonal, communication, financial, and organisational skills to join the Research and Innovation Division at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The Research Project Manager will play a key role in supporting research from grant preparation through to project completion, to maximise research output, developing strong relationships and working alongside clinical and non-clinical researchers and other research support staff.

The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the smooth management of research projects and the production of deliverables, on time and within budget. The post holder will need to work with minimal supervision and have experience within research, preferably in cancer immunology, immunotherapy and/or cell therapy. Specifically, the Research Project Manager will play a central coordinating role across the Manchester Immuno-Oncology Network (MION) and The Christie Advanced Immunotherapy and Cell Therapy (AICT) team, supporting the delivery of a complex translational research ecosystem spanning academia, the NHS, and industry.

For an informal discussion please contact:

Terry Wood

AICT Research Manager

Terry.Wood@nhs.net

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support the management and maintenance of the clinical trial coordination, data management and administrative functions within designated research team(s) delivering information, tools and processes that support the effective management of the portfolio of research within the team(s).

The primary aims of the post are to:o Support the coordination and delivery of cross-institutional translational research and infrastructure projects across the Manchester Immuno-Oncology Network (MION), including activities that span multiple NHS, academic, and partner organisations.o Scoping, mapping and support documentation activies for strategic initiatives e.g. point-of-care cell therapy manufacturing models and harmonized biospecimen processing, contributing to option appraisals and business case development.o Input into issues of project feasibility from an early stage in grant application processo Prepare and submit ethics and regulatory authority applications and amendments and ensure all approvals have been gained prior to research commencingo Assist in the writing and evaluation of research protocols, patient information, questionnaires and other study documentation as applicable

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

27 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Per annum, Pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

413-103235-RI-DA

Job locations

Clinical Trials Department - Q02054

Manchester

M20 4BX


Job description

Job responsibilities

Research Project Management

Support the coordination and delivery of cross-institutional translational research and infrastructure projects across the Manchester Immuno-Oncology Network (MION), including activities that span multiple NHS, academic, and partner organisations. Scoping, mapping and support documentation activies for strategic initiatives e.g. point-of-care cell therapy manufacturing models and harmonized biospecimen processing, contributing to option appraisals and business case development. Input into issues of project feasibility from an early stage in grant application process Prepare and submit ethics and regulatory authority applications and amendments and ensure all approvals have been gained prior to research commencing Assist in the writing and evaluation of research protocols, patient information, questionnaires and other study documentation as applicable Good planning and organisational skills able to plan project and make adjustments if needed

Assist with management of patient & public involvement & engagement activities Advise and negotiate on clinical trial agreements including financial arrangements and material/data transfer agreements Develop and implement suitable tracking tools for all aspects of the project Develop and manage the risk management strategy Conduct research activity within the research governance framework 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

Finance/Budget Management Identify funding streams for potential grant applications Facilitate preparation and submission of research grant applications Assist in development of the project budget ensuring finances are well managed throughout the project duration; Working with NHS/University finance systems to raise purchase requisitions, receipt goods and check invoices are paid Day-to-day project budget management duties, including administering and monitoring the project budget, acting as budget holder for project Develop and maintain excellent working relationship with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust finance department and University Research Finance/Support/Contracts to provide detailed costings for research projects and to troubleshoot any issues that arise

Communications Serve as a main point of contact for clinicians, scientists, research support teams, and external partners e.g. funding bodies, pharmaceutical companies etc, as applicable Support the development and maintenance of a functional network directory of expertise, platforms, and resources, and assist in the coordination of collaborative events and workshops Support researchers with internal and external communication so that collaborations are maximised Liaise with a wide range of academic, clinical, managerial and administrative staff throughout the Trust, and other academic and healthcare institutions, both nationally and internationally

Communicate persuasively to project boards and staff to the requirements of the project, negotiates with and motivates sites on project delivery, including linking with other initiatives, Communicates sensitive information about performance and change, makes routine/complex formal presentations to large groups Arrange meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes and distribute as appropriate, following up any action points; includes study team meetings, study initiation visits etc Draft abstracts and posters for local, national and international conferences Write regular updates or newsletters to keep collaborators up to date with developments Prepare and submit interim and annual reports for R&I, ethics committees, funding bodies, etc. as required Proofread and edit manuscripts before submission to scientific journals. Coordinate the process from submission to publication Where appropriate link with the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) and the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) Organise external collaborative and training meetings: invite speakers, book venue, liaise with organisers and attendees, advertise event Contribute to research project web site design and content, if required.

Other

Able to exercise analytical and critical thinking - assimilating complex facts or situations, requiring interpretation, comparison of a range of options to meet project standards Contribute to training programmes for R&D and other clinical staff Contribute to the development of systems and infrastructure, such as SOP development, business development activities and financial management Assist with preparation for and presentation of reviews/audits/inspections (e.g., MHRA, in-house audits etc). Contribute to any process improvement initiatives. Line management of junior staff Contribute to Cancer Research Project Manager Network activities

Training and Personal Development

Maintain professional development whilst evaluating own specialist knowledge through a process of appraisal and personal development planning to satisfy the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework requirements relating to the job Participate in Trust-wide education programmes and study days, regional and national meetings and research seminars as appropriate Acquire and maintain a working knowledge of key research areas Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Research Project Management

Support the coordination and delivery of cross-institutional translational research and infrastructure projects across the Manchester Immuno-Oncology Network (MION), including activities that span multiple NHS, academic, and partner organisations. Scoping, mapping and support documentation activies for strategic initiatives e.g. point-of-care cell therapy manufacturing models and harmonized biospecimen processing, contributing to option appraisals and business case development. Input into issues of project feasibility from an early stage in grant application process Prepare and submit ethics and regulatory authority applications and amendments and ensure all approvals have been gained prior to research commencing Assist in the writing and evaluation of research protocols, patient information, questionnaires and other study documentation as applicable Good planning and organisational skills able to plan project and make adjustments if needed

Assist with management of patient & public involvement & engagement activities Advise and negotiate on clinical trial agreements including financial arrangements and material/data transfer agreements Develop and implement suitable tracking tools for all aspects of the project Develop and manage the risk management strategy Conduct research activity within the research governance framework 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

Finance/Budget Management Identify funding streams for potential grant applications Facilitate preparation and submission of research grant applications Assist in development of the project budget ensuring finances are well managed throughout the project duration; Working with NHS/University finance systems to raise purchase requisitions, receipt goods and check invoices are paid Day-to-day project budget management duties, including administering and monitoring the project budget, acting as budget holder for project Develop and maintain excellent working relationship with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust finance department and University Research Finance/Support/Contracts to provide detailed costings for research projects and to troubleshoot any issues that arise

Communications Serve as a main point of contact for clinicians, scientists, research support teams, and external partners e.g. funding bodies, pharmaceutical companies etc, as applicable Support the development and maintenance of a functional network directory of expertise, platforms, and resources, and assist in the coordination of collaborative events and workshops Support researchers with internal and external communication so that collaborations are maximised Liaise with a wide range of academic, clinical, managerial and administrative staff throughout the Trust, and other academic and healthcare institutions, both nationally and internationally

Communicate persuasively to project boards and staff to the requirements of the project, negotiates with and motivates sites on project delivery, including linking with other initiatives, Communicates sensitive information about performance and change, makes routine/complex formal presentations to large groups Arrange meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes and distribute as appropriate, following up any action points; includes study team meetings, study initiation visits etc Draft abstracts and posters for local, national and international conferences Write regular updates or newsletters to keep collaborators up to date with developments Prepare and submit interim and annual reports for R&I, ethics committees, funding bodies, etc. as required Proofread and edit manuscripts before submission to scientific journals. Coordinate the process from submission to publication Where appropriate link with the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) and the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) Organise external collaborative and training meetings: invite speakers, book venue, liaise with organisers and attendees, advertise event Contribute to research project web site design and content, if required.

Other

Able to exercise analytical and critical thinking - assimilating complex facts or situations, requiring interpretation, comparison of a range of options to meet project standards Contribute to training programmes for R&D and other clinical staff Contribute to the development of systems and infrastructure, such as SOP development, business development activities and financial management Assist with preparation for and presentation of reviews/audits/inspections (e.g., MHRA, in-house audits etc). Contribute to any process improvement initiatives. Line management of junior staff Contribute to Cancer Research Project Manager Network activities

Training and Personal Development

Maintain professional development whilst evaluating own specialist knowledge through a process of appraisal and personal development planning to satisfy the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework requirements relating to the job Participate in Trust-wide education programmes and study days, regional and national meetings and research seminars as appropriate Acquire and maintain a working knowledge of key research areas Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.

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 research environments
  • 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

Values

Essential

  • Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

Other

Essential

  • Flexible
  • Conscientious and hardworking

Desirable

  • Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
  • Evidence of achievement under pressure
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 research environments
  • 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

Values

Essential

  • Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

Other

Essential

  • Flexible
  • Conscientious and hardworking

Desirable

  • Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
  • Evidence of achievement under pressure

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

Clinical Trials Department - Q02054

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

Clinical Trials Department - Q02054

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:

AICT Research Manager

Terry Wood

Terry.Wood@nhs.net

01619187685

Details

Date posted

27 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Per annum, Pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

413-103235-RI-DA

Job locations

Clinical Trials Department - Q02054

Manchester

M20 4BX


Supporting documents

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