Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Manager to join the Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI) at the University of Sheffield and support the activities of UKAgeNet, a network of more than 70 UK research organisations focused on ageing and age-related diseases. UKAgeNet works to shape national research policy by representing shared priorities to research funders and influencing national and local governments.
As Research Manager, you will coordinate the network’s activities, organise high-profile events involving a wide range of stakeholders, and play a key role in raising UKAgeNet’s profile. You will draft opinion papers that summarise discussions and consensus across the network, as well as write blogs and social media content that communicate its expertise to a range of audiences. You will also oversee project administration and finances, monitor progress against milestones, and ensure timely reporting. Some flexibility will be needed to engage with stakeholders and attend events.
You will have a background in scientific, medical, public health or social science research, with experience of writing high-quality scientific or policy-related documents and working collaboratively across large teams and interdisciplinary partnerships. Experience of policy development or engagement would be an advantage.
The post is based within the Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), which brings together more than 180 researchers across five faculties to develop research, policy, services and products that improve healthspan. The role is also aligned with the School of Medicine and Population Health. You will be supported by Professor Ilaria Bellantuono, Director of HELSI.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Coordinate the day-to-day management and delivery of UKAgeNet, ensuring activities are delivered effectively and in line with agreed objectives and timelines.
- Organise and deliver meetings, workshops, conferences and other high-profile events involving researchers, policymakers, funders and other stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with UKAgeNet members, partners and external stakeholders to support collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Draft high-quality opinion papers, briefing documents and consultation responses by synthesising discussions and evidence from across the network.
- Produce engaging communication materials, including blogs, website content and social media posts, to promote UKAgeNet’s activities and impact.
- Monitor project plans, budgets and reporting requirements, ensuring appropriate governance and financial procedures are followed.
- Support the Director and Executive Group in delivering the strategic objectives of UKAgeNet and identifying opportunities to enhance the network’s profile and influence.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Degree in a scientific, medical, public health or social science discipline.
Experience of managing complex research projects, programmes or networks involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience of organising meetings, workshops or conferences involving a range of stakeholders
Demonstrable ability to produce high-quality written outputs, including synthetizing complex discussions and evidence into reports, briefing papers, scientific or policy documents.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including monitoring budgets, milestones and reporting requirements.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across multidisciplinary teams and external organizations
Confident in using a range of IT systems and digital collaboration tools to support project coordination, administration and communication
Experience of producing engaging content for website and social media to communicate the network activities to a range of audiences to raise the UKAgeNet profile
Application/Interview Application/Interview
Ability to work independently managing competing priorities and meet deadlines
Experience of research policy or policy engagement
Further Information
2st September 2026 to 31st May 2027
If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
https://ukagenet.co.uk/about/ and https://sheffield.ac.uk/healthy-lifespan
For informal enquiries about this job contact Ilaria Bellantuono, Director of the Healthy Lifespan Institute: on i.bellantuono@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
Candidates will be informed of the interview date once the advertisement has closed. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 27th July. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Ilaria Bellantuono on
[email protected].
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
