Research Programme Officer

LGC Ltd (www.lgcgroup.com) is an international life sciences company working with customers in the government, academic, pharmaceutical, agricultural biotechnology, food, environment, security and sports sectors. LGC’s Grant Management Group (GMG) manages a number of research funding programmes on behalf of government departments and other large national health bodies, to improve NHS patient health and care.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funded by the DHSC. We work in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients and the public. The NIHR funds, enables, and delivers world leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth. 

The NIHR Life Sciences Industry Hub is the UK’s gateway for life sciences collaboration. We support biotech, pharma, medical device and diagnostics companies in working with the NIHR and NHS, driving commercial clinical research and innovation. As the national hub for industry engagement, we provide a coordinated platform for all NIHR industry activities, helping the UK remain a globally competitive partner in life sciences research. 

As part of the NIHR Life Sciences Industry Office, the Research Programme Officer will provide high quality programme management, coordination and analytical support to enable delivery of the NIHR Life Sciences Industry Strategy and Implementation Plan. The role supports national industry facing activity ensuring activity is delivered at pace, to a high professional standard, and in line with NIHR and Government priorities.Programme Officers operate as part of a coordinated Life Sciences Industry Hub, working closely with senior leaders to support delivery, alignment and effective engagement across the research ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Programme and Delivery Support

• Provide programme management support for national initiatives delivered through the Life Sciences Industry Office, including planning, tracking, reporting and follow-up
• Support delivery of the Industry Hub Plan, including development of nationally coordinated and standardised approaches to feasibility, study set-up, delivery performance, escalation and data intelligence
• Maintain and update programme documentation including plans, risk and issue logs, decision logs, presentations and delivery pipelines
• Proactively identify delivery risks, interdependencies and bottlenecks, escalating issues to senior colleagues where appropriate
• Support development and maintenance of national dashboards to track study set-up timelines, delivery performance and key metrics
• Contribute to analysis and briefing materials to support senior engagement, meetings, external partners, parliamentary questions and other requests for information

Stakeholder and System Coordination

• Support engagement with internal and external stakeholders across NIHR infrastructure, Government, industry and the wider research ecosystem
• Assist with capability mapping activities to help teams engage with appropriate partners and delivery models
• Support identification, development and implementation of appropriate delivery models for new initiatives and pilots
• Work with NIHR Communications and Marketing colleagues to identify case studies and support communications activity where required

Secretariat and Operational Support

• Provide high-quality secretariat support for programme and governance meetings, including agenda preparation, papers, minutes and action tracking
• Coordinate programme-related meetings, workshops, events and conferences, ensuring they are delivered efficiently and to a high professional standard
• Maintain electronic records and shared documentation in line with information governance requirements

Working Relationships

• Collaborate with Life Sciences Industry Director, Heads of Hub and Engagement, and senior NIHR colleagues
• Work within the Life Sciences Industry Hub to ensure aligned, continuous, and resilient delivery and engagement

Essential Criteria

• A degree in life sciences, health sciences, public health, healthcare management
• Experience in clinical trials or clinical research
• Experience in life sciences, healthcare, or research sectors
• Formal training or qualifications in project or programme management (PRINCE2, APM)
• Experience in programme or project management, including planning, tracking and reporting
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, incl: government, industry, and academic partners

Desirable Criteria

• Familiarity with national research infrastructure or industry engagement
• Experience contributing to analysis, briefings, or presentations for senior stakeholders

Competencies & Behaviours

• Strong organisational skills with ability to maintain documentation and dashboards
• Ability to identify risks and escalate appropriately
• Experience supporting meetings, including agendas, papers, minutes and actions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement

Compensation, Benefits & Working Arrangements:

Salary: £32,000 pa 

Location: Victoria, London / Hybrid working model

Contract Type: Full time, permanent  

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Annual Leave: 25 days, plus UK public holidays

Employee Benefits Include:

Annual, discretionary bonus 

Enhanced Contributory Pension Scheme

Life Insurance Cover

Benenden Healthcare Membership

Training and Development Opportunities 

Season Ticket Loan

NB: We offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, flexible working arrangements. This is an office based, hybrid role with an expectation for all employees to attend our offices 1 day each week, this may increase, subject to team requirements. 

Application

If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Essential and Desirable Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with the NIHR.

NB. The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 20th February, with interviews to take place from W/C the 23rd February. 

Inclusion and Diversity

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership. 

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have any accessibility requirements please contact Carl by email [email protected] to arrange appropriate support.