Research Initiatives Manager
£47,240 per annum plus excellent benefits
London WC1 and home-based
35 hours per week, full-time
Permanent
Interviews : 10th September 2026
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 the RCPCH Genomics Programme alongside a range of research initiatives focused on building research capability across the profession. 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
- 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
- Managing and developing two direct reports to deliver high-quality outcomes across the programme portfolio
Please review the job description for further information.
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
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. Our Research and Evidence team plays a vital role in supporting paediatric research, driving innovation and ensuring that the profession is equipped to meet future healthcare challenges.
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.
Application Procedure
If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should set out how your qualifications, experience and training meet each of the selection criteria. The supporting statement is an essential part of the selection process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered. An answer to any of the criteria such as "Please see attached CV" will not be considered acceptable.
If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please email [email protected]
