Research Portfolio Manager

Salary for this Role:

From £48,955, with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Job Title:

Research Portfolio Manager

Reports to:

Douglas Gray

Closing Date:

19/Aug/2026 23.59 GMT

Job Description:

Research Portfolio Manager (12 Months Maternity Cover) – Human Biology Facility

Contract term: This is a full-time, fixed term (12 months) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Reports to: Douglas Gray (Head of Human Research Governance)

Salary for this Role: From £48,955 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy. 

About the Human Biology Facility

The Human Biology Facility supports Crick researchers to conduct high-quality research involving human samples and data. We provide expertise across the full study lifecycle – from sourcing materials and navigating governance frameworks to ensuring compliance and managing samples.

Working with scientists, clinicians and external partners, the team enables responsible and compliant research involving human tissues, data and participants. Through governance advice and operational support for receiving and tracking samples, the facility helps ensure research meets ethical and regulatory standards.

About the role

We are seeking an experience Research Portfolio Manager to lead the management of the Crick’s portfolio of clinical research studies.

You will oversee projects from study set-up through to completion, supporting researchers to navigate regulatory requirements, coordinate stakeholders and deliver high-quality research involving human participants. Working across multidisciplinary teams, you will play a key role in driving study delivery, maintaining compliance and continually improving our clinical research processes.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced clinical research professional who enjoys project management, stakeholder engagement and improving how research is delivered within a world-leading biomedical research institute.

What you’ll be doing

You will be responsible for:

• Leading a portfolio of clinical research studies across the full study lifecycle.
• Managing study set-up, regulatory approvals, monitoring, risk management and project delivery.
• Coordinating with scientists, NHS partners, participating sites and external collaborators to ensure successful study delivery.
• Leading IRAS submissions, sponsorship assessments and Trial Master File management.
• Monitoring study progress, identifying risks and providing clear project reporting.
• Developing and improving governance processes, SOPs and researcher guidance.
• Supporting the continuous improvement of the Human Research Governance service.

Click to see the full job description

Click to find out more about the Human Biology Facility

About you

Essential:

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience, with a strong background in clinical research or project management.
• Experience managing clinical studies across the full research lifecycle within NHS, academic or industry settings.
• Excellent knowledge of clinical research regulations, governance and ethical frameworks.
• Experience in study monitoring, data management and oversight of research sites.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and project management skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A collaborative, proactive and adaptable approach to working across multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable

• Project Management qualification or certification.
• Experience contributing to study design and development.
• Experience with financial tracking or grant-funded research.
• Experience developing processes, governance frameworks or operational improvements.
• Understanding of clinical sample and research data management.

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture! 

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: [email protected].

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive?  

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development: 

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays. 

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%. 

• Health & Well-being: 

• 24/7 GP consultation services. 

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs. 

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

• Back-up care for dependents. 

• Childcare support allowance. 

• Annual leave purchase options. 
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.