Programme Manager and Scientific Coordinator

We are seeking to appoint a Programme Manager and Scientific Coordinator to join the dedicated team at the Centre for Medicines Discovery (CMD). The CMD was established in 2020 with the ambition to help pioneer new treatments for disease. To realise this ambition, the CMD is forming extensive collaborations with academics across the University of Oxford and beyond to help translate basic science into new drug discovery projects, as well as partnerships with industry to develop drug leads into new medicines.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to engage with a large number of world-leading academics and clinicians, as well as funders and industry representatives on a diverse portfolio of projects. You will help to establish strategic alliances for the department, help to write funding applications for new projects and contribute to their successful project management. You will be expected to supervise an associated project manager and will have the support of other Senior Programme Managers and Principal Investigators in the department. Successful projects will have a clear research and financial path to the clinic.

You will be responsible for researching and initiating new translational proposals, working in collaboration with scientific colleagues. You will lead the conception and writing of proposals for the raising of funds through the pitching of applications to industry, venture capitalists, charities and grant awarding bodies, and identify new funding opportunities and co-ordinate the writing and submission of proposals and communicate opportunities to scientific colleagues. You will manage a portfolio of collaborative research initiatives as a part of a small portfolio management team. These range from small virtual initiatives, managed via outsourcing, to large multi-disciplinary, international, £multi-million syndicates. You will be responsible for leading in presenting and raising the CMD’s public and professional profile by providing a ‘front-of-house’ capability, making academic and business contacts and managing conferences and introductory meetings to showcase the CMD’s science and capability.

It is essential that you hold a PhD in life-sciences, and have demonstrable experience in grant writing and managing complex successful scientific projects. You will possess a knowledge of biomedical discovery research that enables the formulation of collaborative work plans and critique of the scientific contributions made by collaborating partners. Critical thinking, strong scientific writing and problem-solving skills are essential. You will be organised and with ability to prioritise and multitask a complex workload, and deliver in a timely manner to deadlines. You will be able to work both within a multidisciplinary team or independently, and to coordinate activities across teams. A strong interest in neuroscience and rare diseases would be desirable.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 31 March 2026 and is funded by NIHR BRC Oxford and Oxford Health

Only applications received before 12 midday on 10 April 2024 will be considered. Please quote 170842 on all correspondence.