Research Initiatives Manager

Research Initiatives Manager
£47,240 pa plus excellent benefits
Hybrid working - London office and home-based
35 hours per week, full-time
Permanent

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an experienced and motivated Research Initiatives Manager to lead programmes that strengthen research capacity, capability and innovation across the paediatric workforce.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Research and Evidence team and play a leading role in shaping the future of child health research. Working closely with senior clinicians, including the Officer for Research and the Officer for Genomics, you will lead a portfolio of projects and initiatives designed to support paediatricians in developing academic skills, engaging in research and preparing for emerging developments in healthcare, including genomic medicine.

Reporting to the Head of Research and Evidence, you will lead the delivery of a range of research initiatives focused on building research capability across the profession and manage the RCPCH Genomics Programme. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, external partners, researchers, clinicians and funders to develop resources, events and programmes that support the paediatric workforce and improve outcomes for children and young people.

You will also manage a small team, oversee funded projects and represent the College across national research and genomics networks, helping to position RCPCH as a leading voice in paediatric research and innovation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of research initiatives that strengthen research capacity and capability across the paediatric workforce
• Managing the RCPCH Genomics Programme and supporting the integration of genomic medicine into paediatric practice
• Developing and delivering educational resources, webinars, workshops, conferences and events relating to research and genomics
• Providing strategic project leadership to support paediatricians undertaking academic and clinical research
• Managing research funding and funded projects, ensuring strong governance, compliance and achievement of objectives
• Acting as operational lead for relevant committees, working groups and project boards, ensuring effective governance and reporting
• Building and maintaining relationships with clinicians, academics, funders, policymakers and external partners
• Representing the College on external committees, advisory groups, conferences and stakeholder forums
• Working with colleagues across the College to develop communication plans and promote research initiatives and opportunities
• Supporting the identification of funding opportunities and contributing to grant applications and income generation activities
• Deputising for the Head of Research and Evidence when required
• Managing and developing two direct reports to deliver high-quality outcomes across the programme portfolio

Essential skills and experience include:

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in a research, health sciences, life sciences, genetics or genomics-related field
• Strong understanding of the UK clinical research infrastructure and research funding landscape
• Experience managing research funding, funded projects, budgets and compliance requirements
• Experience developing funding bids, grant applications or research proposals
• Knowledge of child health research and the clinical academic environment
• Experience producing high-quality reports, briefing papers, presentations and communications for a range of audiences
• Experience building and managing relationships with academics, clinicians, committees and external stakeholders
• Strong programme and project management skills, with experience delivering complex initiatives and managing multiple priorities
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively
• Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and organisational boundaries
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work independently

Desirable:

• Knowledge of research methodology and data analysis techniques
• Experience organising conferences, workshops, webinars or professional events
• Understanding of genomic medicine and its application within healthcare
• Knowledge of research governance, ethics, data protection and patient confidentiality requirements
• Experience working within healthcare, research, academic or professional membership organisations

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and plays a leading role in improving child health and supporting paediatricians across the UK and internationally. Through our Digital Health Programme, we are helping to ensure that paediatricians have the skills, knowledge and resources needed to embrace innovation and improve outcomes for children and young people.

Our values - Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire - are central to everything we do. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.

We operate a flexible and modern hybrid working policy. This role is based across our London office and home working, with two days per week in our London office and the remainder working remotely.

The RCPCH is committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults it has contact with. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Employment is subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. If you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Closing date: 27 August 2026