We have established a number of high-profile strategic initiatives to help us advance our work towards a cure. We now have an exciting opportunity for a Research Programme Manager to support the successful ongoing delivery of two of our major initiatives, the Drug Discovery Alliance and Brains for Dementia Research, and collaborate across the organisation and externally to maximise their impact. Where required, the successful candidate will also support the ongoing delivery of our other major initiatives, working collaboratively across the organisation to maximise their impact both internally and externally.

This role sits within the Strategic Programmes team in the Research Directorate, an ambitious, supportive and friendly team that funds the best research to transform the lives of people affected by all forms of dementia. We’re looking for someone with strong programme management experience, a good eye for detail and who is excited by the opportunities in the dementia research landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the delivery of two of ARUK’s major initiatives, Drug Discovery Alliance (DDA) and Brains for Dementia Research (BDR), and other initiatives as required:

Develop a deep understanding of the programmes, acting as a point of knowledge and expertise
Implement robust and proportionate review processes to oversee delivery of objectives and manage risks
Ensure finances are effectively reported on and managed, working with the Research Funding and Finance teams
Lead the preparation of papers and briefings for meetings, and support the Research Officer to ensure minutes and actions are captured and followed up on

Monitor and disseminate the impact of the DDA and BDR, to effectively tell the story of the initiatives and identify gaps:

Monitor key programme progress, scientific developments and major outputs
Work with the Impact team to ensure data gathered from the programme meets the needs of the wider organisation in terms of communicating progress and impact
Work with the Public Involvement team to ensure the initiatives are reflective of the needs of people with lived experience

Stakeholder management

Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the initiatives to identify opportunities to maximise their impact and value.
Collaborate with the Head of Strategic Programmes and colleagues across the Research Directorate and wider ARUK to identify opportunities to strengthen programme objectives, provide updates on progress, and promote achievements.
Act as a key point of contact and subject matter expert for the initiatives, both internally and externally.
Support development of the strategic programme team’s strategy:
Contribute to internal meetings, including discussions and content on strategic programmes and new initiatives
Maintain up to date knowledge of developments in the dementia research field
Attend meetings and events to build relationships and promote our strategic programmes
Support the Research Leadership team to enhance ARUK’s external profile through active participation in meetings and collaborations with key stakeholders

Line Management Responsibilities:

Line management of a Research Officer, effectively delegating work to support delivery of their objectives
Help to promote an inspiring team culture where personal development is prioritised

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

Degree in Biomedical Science, or equivalent relevant knowledge and experience.
Experience and/or in-depth knowledge in early-stage drug discovery, ideally in dementia
Proven experience managing large programmes of work, preferably in the healthcare, research or charity sector
Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities, overseeing budgets and identifying risks
Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including external partners and suppliers
Experience defining programme requirements and using data and metrics to determine improvements
Experience of managing staff and/or leading the delivery of work through others.
Commitment to ARUK’s vision, mission and values
Good analytical skills demonstrated by a structured and methodical approach
Excellent eye for detail with a focus on continuous improvement
Strong communication skills both oral and written with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences
Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task, prioritise competing demands
Demonstrated stakeholder management (internal & external), and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines
Ability to use own initiative, with a proactive and problem-solving attitude
Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.

Salary: Circa £44,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 20th September 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us at recruitment@alzheimersresearchuk.org.

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference.

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

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Research Programmes Manager