Research Applications Manager

Description

We are currently looking for a Research Applications Manager to join our Clinical Practice Research Datalink team in the Safety and Surveillance group.

This is a full-time opportunity on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade Canary Wharf London E14 4PU. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites .

We are currently implementing a flexible hybrid way of working with a minimum of 4 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role this can flex up to 8 days a month with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Remote working is potentially available for some specific roles. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

Who are we

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices underpinned by science and research.

The new Safety and Surveillance Group brings together into a single integrated structure devices and medicines safety expertise with enforcement capabilities. These functions will be supported by our data and evidence generating capabilities complementing our signal generating capabilities produced via the new Safety Connect System.

Part of the Safety and Surveillance group The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) jointly sponsored by the Agency and the National Institute for Health Care Research (NIHR) is the UKs preeminent research service providing access to anonymised NHS data for addition to supporting high quality observational research CPRD has developed world leading services based on using real world data to support clinical trials and interventional studies.

Whats the role

The Research Applications Manager will possess leadership skills and programme management expertise to lead on the delivery of data access and platforms for CPRDs research services. The post is based within the CPRD Business Management team and the post holder will work closely with CPRD researchers development partners and committee members providing oversight and coordination of the RDG Secretariat team to deliver on key projects and the day to day running of the administrative aspect of the Research Data Governance (RDG) process.

We are seeking an individual with experience overseeing an application review process within a health-related organisation who is adept at delivering to strict timeframes and standards. Post holder will also be proficient in testing of online systems to meet user and service requirements have excellent attention to detail alongside a strong understanding of process flows and be capable of liaising with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the Research Application Review Process

• Manage Secretariat Support to Advisory Committees

• Drive Improvements to the Online Application Portal

• Enhance Processes

• Information Management and Reporting and People Management

Who are we looking for

Oursuccessful candidatewill have:

• A degree or relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience managing administrative or secretariat functions including meeting coordination and record keeping.
• Communicate in a straightforward honest and engaging manner choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact.
• Successfully deliver high-quality outcomes that meet customers needs and give value for money.
• Previous experience of supervising or managing the review process of research applications protocols or manuscripts.

Person Specification:

Method of assessment: AApplication IInterview PPresentation

Behaviour Criteria:

• Communicating and Influencing (I P)

• Working Together (I)

• Managing a Quality Service (I)

• Seeing the Big Picture (I)

Experience Criteria:

• Proven experience managing administrative or secretariat functions including meeting coordination and record keeping. (A I)

• Experience in system testing or quality assurance for digital platforms. (A I)

• Experience of scoping planning and project managing minor system enhancements. (A P)

• Previousexperience of supervising or managing the review process of research applicationsprotocolsor manuscripts. (A)

Technical Criteria:

• Degree orrelevantprofessional experience. (A)

• Project Management certificatione.g. Agile PRINCE2 or relevant professional experience. (A)

• Proficiencyin project management tools (e.g. Jira) and record management systems (e.g. Salesforce) (A)

• High computer literacy particularly in Microsoft Office (Word Excel PowerPoint). (A)

Strengths Criteria:

• Team Leader (I)

• Disciplined (I)

• Organiser (I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

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The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates find out more here .

• Online application form including questions based on theBehaviour Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.

• Presentation to be prepared as part of your interview with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.

• Interview which can include questions based on theBehaviour Experience Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

Closing date: Friday 12th December 2025

Shortlisting Date: Wednesday 17th December 2025

Interview date: Thursday 15th January 2026

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here .

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks .

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations and in some circumstances routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens

• Maintenance roles particularly those required to work in laboratory settings

• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required

• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here .

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries please contact .

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint you should firstly contact Florentina Oyelami Head of Talent Acquisition .

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:

Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1 Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ

Required Experience:

Manager