The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a national interdisciplinary research centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). We are dedicated to creating new disruptive technologies which will allow us to see the biological world in new ways - from picometre-scale atoms to centimetre-scale tumours. These technological advances will speed up the discovery of new medicines, help find new diagnostics and contribute to a deeper understanding of human health and disease.

The Franklin operates from a purpose-built research facility on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus near Didcot, a unique community of government, academia and industry working to accelerate progress on key issues. The 700-acre campus is steeped in world-firsts, and technology and research are at the heart of everything Harwell does.

Our building houses both specialist laboratories, research scientists and operational staff within a state-of-the art facility designed to inspire our people in their work and create a welcoming hub for our collaborations and visitors. Our research values of adventure, novelty, engagement, and utility are drawn on and exemplified by the Franklin team through our collaborations with universities and industrial partners, both in the UK and internationally.

The Role

As we expand our activities, we are looking to appoint an experienced Project Manager to provide professional and organisational support for the coordination and delivery of a broad range of institute projects in collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly collaborative, vibrant, and professional research institute devoted to developing tomorrow’s healthcare innovations. As the Project Delivery Manager, you will support the planning, execution, and evaluation of institute-wide projects, ensuring effective communication channels with stakeholders, project sponsors and project teams. Monitoring and coordinating progress will be key, providing regular updates and proactive risk strategies and deviations to plan and budget, and administering key processes across a portfolio of projects.

This is a high-profile role that will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the implementation of our strategic goals - to deliver world class science, build a legacy to be proud of, and secure our future success.

We are looking for someone with excellent organisational, communication and negotiating skills, who is committed, and results driven. You will proactively engage with our multidisciplinary team members helping to ensure they are well briefed and motivated to effectively deliver specific project aims, adding value through provision of high-quality support and specialist advice.

Responsibilities

These will include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting planning, execution, and evaluation of institute-wide projects, ensuring alignment with our strategic goals.
• Executing project management administrative tasks such as updating risk registers and project plans, embedding appropriate governance, and defining and enabling collection of agreed project metrics and milestones.
• Collaborating closely with senior leadership and Strategic Projects Manager to ensure clarity on objectives and methodologies.
• Working closely with our scientists and operational team members to provide specialist expertise, ensuring projects adhere to our institutional policies.
• Helping to bring shape and clarity to complex, institute-wide projects, providing project management support to help the partners work effectively towards project requirements and deadlines.
• Helping develop and promote best practices in project management and assisting with the development of standardised project management documentation for institutional projects.
• Establishing close working relationships with Franklin staff, and pro-actively developing a network of external professional contacts.

Skills and Attributes

• Personable and approachable, able to work effectively with a wide range of colleagues and accommodate their differing approaches and styles.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build good relationships with staff at all levels.
• Ability to craft clear project documentation and effectively communicate across departments and with stakeholders at all levels will be crucial.
• Highly developed skills of stakeholder engagement, communication, consultation, collaboration, negotiation and influence.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, proactively exchanging advice and support with colleagues in a considered and effective manner.
• Strong organisational abilities and excellent attention to detail, with an ability to prioritise and deliver to deadlines.
• Ability to take ownership of tasks, act independently in light of shifting priorities and escalate issues appropriately when required.
• Demonstrate keen problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly come up with solutions, showing plenty of initiative and taking personal responsibility for delivery of work.
• Customer-focused approach and the ability to adapt flexibly, excelling in collaborative environments, motivating and advising team members while effectively managing workloads.
• Comfortable taking on new challenges and learning new skills.
• Ability to use IT systems & software appropriate to the role.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of working in a similar role within a Research Institute, Higher Education Institution, or R&D industry (ideally life science).
• Degree or equivalent professional experience, coupled with a track record of supporting projects of varying scales from inception to completion.
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of project management principles and practices, alongside outstanding interpersonal and negotiation skills.

In return we offer:

• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
• Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
• Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
• Health Cash Plan
• Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
• Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment at the bottom of this page.

About us: The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a national research centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

Location: The Franklin is based in Harwell Campus, UK’s innovation hub and well-established as one of the leading science and innovation campuses in Europe. 

The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. 

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we welcome applications from all around the world!

To be considered for this role, please send a CV and cover letter through explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please including information about your education and work experience.

Closing date: Closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 7th July 2024.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 18th July 2024.

Applicants should refer to our Candidate Privacy Policy