Research Initiatives Manager

London WC1 and home-based
12-month Fixed Term Contract

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking a proactive and collaborative Research Initiatives Manager to lead a portfolio of projects that strengthen research capacity and capability across the paediatric workforce. Based in the Research and Evidence team and reporting to the Head of Research and Evidence, you will play a central role in enabling paediatricians to undertake academic research and embed research skills in everyday practice.

A key aspect of the role will be leading the RCPCH Genomics Programme, developing and delivering resources and activities that prepare our membership for the era of genomics medicine. You’ll work closely with senior clinicians, academic partners, and internal stakeholders to design, deliver and communicate high-quality initiatives that have measurable impact.

Sitting at the heart of RCPCH’s research ambitions, this role blends strategic leadership with hands-on project delivery. You’ll manage relationships across the College and wider sector, steward research funding effectively, and act as an operational lead for relevant Committees and working groups.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading delivery of research initiatives such as awards, events and programmes that build capacity and capability among paediatricians.
• Providing senior project leadership to embed academic skills into the paediatric workforce and enable clinical academic research.
• Managing research funding and overseeing project delivery, ensuring financial accountability, strategic alignment and timely achievement of objectives.
• Designing and delivering genomics-focused resources and activities, including eLearning, webinars and symposia, to support preparedness for genomics medicine.
• Acting as operational lead for relevant Committees/working groups, ensuring governance compliance and reporting on progress, risks and issues to Project Boards.
• Collaborating internally and externally to develop education and training resources for paediatricians.
• Building external relationships and representing RCPCH on working groups/committees; attending conferences and sector events.
• Partnering with communications colleagues to create and implement plans and assets that raise awareness of RCPCH research initiatives.
• Line managing two direct reports, coaching and supporting their development.

Essential skills and experience:

• Postgraduate degree or equivalent experience with a research, health science, life sciences or genetics/genomics component.
• Proven understanding of the national funding landscape and infrastructure for clinical research.
• Experience producing high-quality written reports, documentation and promotional materials for varied audiences.
• Strong track record of collaborative working across multidisciplinary teams and programmes.
• Ability to manage competing demands while maintaining productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrable ability to handle confidential/sensitive information appropriately.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders on complex issues.
• Programme and project management skills; comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership.
• Ability to deliver multiple objectives to high standards within short timeframes and meet multiple deadlines.
• Outstanding organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to standard procedures.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of research methodology, including data analysis.
• Experience in the organisation of workshops and events (e.g. conferences, webinars).
• Understanding of the genomic medicine landscape.

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows and employs around 200 staff, most of whom work in our London office in Holborn. We have a Devolved Nations team operating from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Our College values: Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire, are important to us. These values ensure we bring out the best in each other, strive forward together to make the College a positive and dynamic place to work. 

The RCPCH champions Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our workplace is inclusive, offering a supportive environment where staff can thrive. The College is keen to accept applications from people with protected characteristics. We believe that our staff should represent all of the diverse communities we serve. Join us to help realise our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well.

The College operates a flexible and modern working policy, whereby our colleagues work in the office for a minimum of 40% over a 4 week cycle and the remainder from home.

The RCPCH is committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults it has contact with in the exercise of its functions and responsibilities. The RCPCH expects all staff to share this commitment – we place a high priority on ensuring only those who do so are recruited to work for us.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. 

Closing date: 25 January 2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.