Main Purpose of the Job

The main purpose of this role is to project manage and enable the development of strategic research programme grants within the Earlham Institute (EI).

Key Relationships

INTERNAL: Reporting to the Head of the Research Faculty Office. This role will also work closely with the DECODE programme lead, work package leaders, group leaders and PDRAs across EI, programme managers within the RFO, the Technical Genomics project managers, Business Development and Communication teams, Executive Assistants, and the shared support service teams such as Contracts and Finance.
EXTERNAL: Strategic partners in academia and industry, UK and international scientists, principal investigators and funding bodies. In particular the DECODE partners including Kew Gardens and UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and collaborators in academia and industry, and funding bodies.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Day-to-day management of the DECODE strategic programme, including:
• Establishing and maintaining the programme plan and timeline monitor the delivery, identify any delays or problems to achieve early resolution.
• Create, maintain and manage central records during the lifetime of the programme: tracking the progress of objectives and milestone delivery, budgets, invoices, and a lessons log.
• Supporting work package and project leaders in the coordination of the planning and delivery of outputs.
• Organising and running the quarterly work package meetings, and other programme meetings as required.
• Maintaining records of programme and project meetings, ensuring good communication and timely follow up on actions.
• Coordinating the drafting and final submission of annual/interim/final grant reports, including researchfish.
• Contributing to DECODE presentations and press releases by drafting and critical reviewing of text.
• Liaise with DECODE programme stakeholders and partners.

Management of the DECODE consumables and impact budgets:
• Monitoring spend and forecasting against budget, working with the programme lead and Finance.
• Administering the impact budget in line with programme priorities and reporting on its use.

65

Support the Head of the Research and Faculty Office and Director by drafting reports and briefing notes for the Executive team, Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees.
In particular preparing DECODE progress reports and briefing notes and other funder reporting.

Preparing, co-ordinating and leading the submissions of scientific business cases/grants: collating material, providing text, critical proof reading of documents and papers.
When relevant, supporting the development and editing of grant/fellowship submissions.

20

Liaising with and between the Research Faculty (work package leaders and researchers) and Operations Division: Chief Operating Officer, Technical Genomics, Earlham Biofoundry, Communications, Business Development & Impact and Advanced Training.

10

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Essential

PRINCE II Project Management foundation or equivalent

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Working knowledge of project management productivity tools and principles

Essential

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain effective performance when under pressure; meeting the needs of end-users in a timely way

Essential

Excellent organisational skills

Essential

Competence in the use and application of IT systems and computer packages

Essential

Good critical thinking to facilitate problem resolution

Essential

Proficiency in project management productivity tools, able to develop and implement effective processes

Desirable

Skilled in analysing qualitative and quantitative data

Desirable

Good understanding of genomics and biodiversity research

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Interpreting discussions, preparing an actionable written record of key discussion points

Essential

Working in a research area relevant to the Institute

Essential

Track record in scientific writing

Essential

Writing progress reports

Essential

Experience of project management

Desirable

Experienced in the management of large-scale projects

Desirable

Running effective hybrid meetings

Desirable

Track record of contributing to the acquisition of diverse research funding (UK, EU and International)

Desirable

Budget management

Desirable

Science-related event planning and execution

Desirable

Taking minutes of scientific discussions

Desirable

Management and Leadership

Requirement

Importance

Demonstration of matrix management skills applied across an organisation or project

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent communications skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Demonstrates a commitment to high personal and professional standards. Assumes responsibility and accountability for the successful completion of projects, assignments or tasks

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team

Essential

Good negotiation skills, able to deal with difficult situations and negotiate agreed solutions

Essential

Skilled in facilitation

Desirable

Able to act as an ambassador for the Research Faculty/Institute and build key relationships locally on the park and externally

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement of the Institute

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Ability to undertake occasional travel related to collaborations and/or seminars

Desirable

Willingness to occasionally work outside standard working hours when required

Desirable

Earlham Institute

About the Earlham Institute
The Earlham Institute harnesses the power of data-driven biology to accelerate solutions for health, biodiversity, and food security. Based at Norwich Research Park, the Earlham Institute is one of eight institutes strategically funded by BBSRC.

Our science combines world-class technology, interdisciplinary expertise, and training and development across genomics, engineering biology and data science, to decode the scale and complexity of living systems.

We believe we can achieve more if we work together. That's why we collaborate with the global science community and industry partners, while also inspiring the next generation of scientists and technical specialists.

Our Science
Earlham Institute scientists specialise in developing and testing the latest tools and approaches needed to decode living systems and make biological predictions.

We are home to state-of-the-art facilities and technology, creating a unique combination of expertise and infrastructure.

We have dedicated laboratories for genome sequencing, single-cell analysis, engineering biology, and large-scale automation; as well as one of the largest supercomputing facilities for life science research in Europe.

Our Advanced Training team also provides access to specialised scientific training to upskill the next generation of research and technical staff.

Our Culture
Our collegiate and innovative research environment comes with significant support, including a commitment to your professional development, research and administrative assistance, and opportunities to build collaborations with scientists and industry on the Norwich Research Park, across the UK, and internationally.

We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that treats every individual with dignity and respect. By taking an active approach to fostering inclusivity, diversity, equality and accessibility, we empower our community to achieve more.

The Institute is also home to talented technical and operational staff, whose invaluable contributions enable our science to have the maximum impact. We aim to recognise, reward, and develop all staff and students so that every individual feels able to achieve their best with us.

We work hard to nurture an engaged and positive workplace, centred on core values that include openness, technical excellence, and collaboration. We attract staff from around the world who contribute to - and benefit from - an environment that enables them to deliver world-class science alongside a supportive and social community.

For more information about working at the Earlham Institute, please click here.

Further Information:

• Our Vision and Mission
• Our Strategy
• Our Culture
• Life at Earlham Institute

Department

Research Faculty Office

Group Details

The team are responsible for the complete life-cycle of all the Institute research grants, in particular large or consortium grants. We raise and maintain the quality of the grant submissions through internal review and horizon scan for funding opportunities. We also support the development and implementation of EI's science strategy. We oversee the recruitment of faculty and support career development, including our studentships and fellowship programmes. We lead on the delivery of the Institute research seminar series both internal and external and have responsibility for, or have a significant role, in all research policies.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Programme Manager

Applications are invited for a highly motivated Research Programme Manager to join the Research Faculty Office at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

About the Earlham Institute:

The Earlham Institute is a world-leading research institute focused on understanding the scale and complexity of living systems. We bring together expertise across life sciences, engineering, computational science, and biotechnology to decode biological systems and help protect life on Earth.

The role:

This is a dynamic and diverse role, offering an excellent opportunity for someone looking to transition into project management within a cutting-edge research environment.

Your primary responsibility will be to provide additional programme management capacity to effectively manage our multi-million-pound strategic research programme in Decoding Biodiversity. This initiative’s goal is to generate global impact from the outputs of national and international genome sequencing initiatives. You will work closely with the programme lead, current Programme Manager and collaborate with managers of our other strategic programmes.

More information on the programme can be found here.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality project management support across the Institute’s research strategy.
• Coordinate the delivery of the Decoding Biodiversity programme, including running quarterly work package meetings.
• Manage the programme’s consumables and impact budgets.
• Prepare progress reports for the Senior Management Team and Board, and support the Researchfish submission.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful programme outcomes.

The ideal candidate:

You will hold a PhD in a relevant scientific field and have a strong track record in scientific writing. Experience managing complex research projects and familiarity with project management tools are highly desirable. You’ll be an excellent communicator, resilient, adaptable, and a collaborative team player.

Additional information:

This is a part-time post for a contract of 15 months or until 31 March 2028, whichever is soonest dependant on start date. We welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time and/or flexible working arrangements.

Interviews are expected to take place in December 2026.

Salary on appointment will be within the range £39,000 to 42,150 per annum, pro rata, depending on qualifications and experience.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

The closing date for applications will be 20th November 2026.