Job Description

The Research Team at ARUK is fast paced, highly collaborative and committed to achieving ARUK’s vision of a world where people are free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia. With responsibility for delivering on the charity’s research strategy: to fund the very best biomedical research, from basic to clinical, to build our understanding of the causes of dementia and to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment, the Research Team manages a large portfolio of investigator-led response-mode grant schemes and strategic initiatives within the UK and increasingly internationally.

An opportunity has arisen for a biomedically qualified candidate, with an interest in dementia research, to join the Research Team, as a Research Officer providing vital support and insight into the pre- and post-award processes associated primarily with ARUK’s investigator-led response mode grant funding and strategic initiatives.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Grant Management.

• Liaise with the dementia research community, offering advice and support on aspects of ARUK’s grant application procedures
• Work closely with the other members of the research team to ensure high quality, appropriate peer review is achieved for investigator-led response-mode applications, as well as for the strategic initiatives Drug Discovery Alliance and Brains for Dementia Research. This will likely include: Assigning appropriate Review Board and Panel members to assess grant applications at both triage and review meetings. Identifying, assigning and liaising with external peer reviewers within tight timeframes to ensure timely external review of grant applications. Processing the submission of external peer review reports and applicant rebuttals
• Preparing constructive scientific feedback for applicants based on written feedback from the Board and minutes taken at Review Board meetings
• Support on other aspects of the grant application and review process as required, such as coordinating meetings through Grant Tracker and coordinating interviews
• Support on the development, implementation and monitoring of new schemes or calls, as required
• Support with analyses that will inform the evaluation of various processes and initiatives, such as peer-review, specific grant schemes and strategic initiatives, or the Research Team’s equality, diversity & inclusion commitments.
• Support the development, scientific review and monitoring of other strategic initiatives or partnerships as required, for example calls in partnership with Royal National Institute for Deaf People and Race Against Dementia
• Disseminate research information across different ARUK teams and support the creation of case studies or material tailored to specific fundraising pitches based on content related to the initiatives and schemes described above.

External role

• Contribute to external events, including national and international conferences, as a representative of the charity by giving presentations to researchers on, for example, ARUK’s funding opportunities and running exhibition stands
• As required, deputise for the Research Grants Manager, at meetings with key external stakeholders, particularly researchers and other funding bodies

What we are looking for:

• Undergraduate degree in a biomedical science, medicine or other relevant scientific discipline
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Understanding of how biomedical research is conducted, perhaps through participation in the preparation of grant applications
• Interest in and awareness of key areas of dementia research
• Effective communication with colleagues, external stakeholders or representatives of other organisations, including written communication skills such as preparing meeting minutes or summaries
• Excellent organisational skills with an eye for detail
• Ability to manage a large number of tasks with multiple and often tight deadlines
• Willing to work collaboratively as part of a busy team alongside working independently on some projects
• Working with independence, drive and initiative
• Willing and able to travel independently in the UK and to work outside of regular office hours when needed

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abingdon, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £28,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 4th September 2022, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 12th September 2022. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.  Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via the channels on our website.

How to apply:

Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment System which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV and covering letter to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK:

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity dedicated to diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. Backed by our passionate scientists and supporters, we’re challenging the way people think about dementia, bringing together the people and organisations who can speed up progress, and investing in research to make life-changing breakthroughs possible.

You will be part of an organisation that has been recognised nationally as an outstanding place to work. In 2021, we were listed 69th in the prestigious 100 Large Best Companies to Work For.  We were also awarded a 2-star accreditation by Best Companies, recognising outstanding levels of workplace engagement and were listed in the 75 Best Companies to Work for in the East of England and the Charity’s 30 Best Companies to Work For.

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK