Science Portfolio Manager

Interviews: There will be a two-stage process comprising of a telephone interview, and an in-person interview in London on Thursday 25 September 2025.

Deadline: Monday 1 September 2025

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 900 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.

Based at our office in London, we are looking for an experienced Science Portfolio Manager to provide a strategic scientific portfolio management and ambassador role within the UK DRI who will serve as a key interface between researchers, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and external stakeholders.

Building and nurturing relationships are important in this role. You'll be maintaining knowledge of key scientific areas while also facilitating collaboration and communication across the UK DRI network to advance the institute's research mission. You'll additionally be interfacing with industry experts within the key scientific areas to understand the current limits and opportunities in the UK and internationally.

About You

We are looking for someone to:

1) have scientific knowledge management specific to the Institute's area of expertise,

2) strengthen and nurture the relationship with an assigned Centre, and

3) develop and manage the strategic development of key scientific initiatives and the advancement of research programmes.

You'll:

• have the ability to understand complex research
• be personable; able to engage people around them in the UK DRI’s mission and research
• diplomatic and professional approach
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships
• strategic thinking and planning capabilities
• able to manage projects well
• have strong presentation, reporting, influencing and negotiating skills
• be self-motivated with ability to work independently
• excellent IT skills, with experience in Microsoft Office and a demonstrable aptitude for learning new systems and software

The experience you'll bring with you will include:

• experience of representing an Institute/organisation and its research in a professional and positive way
• knowledge of the science areas, specific to dementia and/or neurodegeneration preferred
• good knowledge of peer reviews and funding; able to help and advise researchers
• a relevant degree or equivalent experience
• experience in positively and proactively managing multiple projects and key relationships
• experience in respecting the research undertaken and the sensitivities/confidentiality required when working with external partners
• evidence of owning personal and career growth and development

What we offer

As well as a competitive base salary and the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, including:

• 27 days holiday + UK Bank Holidays

• Up to 6 business closure days

• Option to purchase 5 days’ annual leave

• Single medical cover

• Group Life Assurance 4x base salary

• Group Income Protection and Critical illness cover

• Season ticket loan

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

• Employee assistance programme

• Comprehensive programme of voluntary benefits

The UK DRI currently operates hybrid working.

About the UK DRI

Today, over 1M people in the UK are living with dementia and related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and motor neuron disease (MND). The impact of these incurable and progressive conditions on individuals and their families is devastating. Societal costs are staggering and growing as the population ages.

Due to major advances in our understanding of the biology of these disorders the field is at an inflection point with the next decade promising to deliver transformative breakthroughs in therapies and a new era of predictive, preventative, and precision medicine. The UK is well placed to play a leading role in this revolution due to its strengths in science required for discovery and delivery, led by the UK DRI working with our world-class university-based centres. To find out more about the UK's leading biomedical research institute dedicated to neurodegenerative diseases, visit. UK Dementia Research Institute.

To apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter telling us why you wish to join the UK DRI and your experience for this role.

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

No agencies please.

By applying to this role, you understand and agree that your information will be shared within the UK DRI People & Culture team and/or any team members who will be part of the hiring process.

UK DRI is committed to equal opportunities.

The UK DRI embraces diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all of our people. We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do. This means ensuring our recruitment processes are barrier-free and as inclusive as possible to everyone. We will make adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.