Senior Portfolio Manager - Animal Health

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Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

Senior Portfolio Manager - Animal Health

Salary: £43,116 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire
Grade: UKRI Band E
Closing Date: 23 June 24

Senior Portfolio Manager: Bioscience for an Integrated Understanding of Health

Main responsibilities:

• To develop and maintain a clear understanding of the national and international progress of science and policies with regards to Animal Health and One Health
• To contribute to the development and implementation of BBSRC's strategy and policy on Animal Health and One Health, including BBSRC's priorities and Delivery Plan, working with BBSRC's Strategy Advisory Panels and expert working groups
• To work with UKRI partners to deliver Tackling Infections strategic theme

Main Job Activities

Senior Portfolio Manager role is varied and broad, working flexibly to undertake a wide range of activities, the focus of which may vary to meet key priorities and foster/respond to new opportunities :

• contributing to the development and implementation of BBSRC's strategy and policy, including BBSRC priorities, the Delivery Plan and input to Spending Reviews
• contributing to the development and management of the BBSRC position on animal health
• developing and managing programmes of strategic research investment, working in partnership with other teams across the organisation
• proactive external representation to: (i) facilitate an increase in the research community's awareness of BBSRC strategic priorities, programmes and practices; and (ii) engage researchers in activities that will lead to development and delivery of BBSRC strategic priorities
• developing and maintaining a clear understanding of the national and international development of animal health science and/or policy within BBSRC remit, including undertaking analyses of data and other supporting evidence

• supporting the operation of BBSRC's Strategy Advisory Panels and expert working groups that provide advice to BBSRC on the development of strategy and policy
• representing BBSRC to external stakeholders. Acting as an ambassador for the organisation on BBSRC programmes and policies, providing advice to the research community and gathering information on issues relevant to BBSRC's remit. This includes establishing good relationships with the relevant academic and user communities, including the strategically funded institutes
• liaising with other Research Councils, Innovate UK, government departments, learned societies, and overseas organisations to develop common understanding, contribute to collaborative programmes and run joint activities
• coordinating input to reviews, inquiries and consultations in order to develop strategy thinking or respond to requests for information
• interfacing with the peer review committees on funding trends and other observations arising from the responsive mode portfolio
• working in partnership with others across BBSRC and other funders to develop and run (a) managed programmes of investment; and (b) workshops and other events
• contributing to internal and external communication activities, including providing expert briefing to BBSRC's Executive, government and other internal and external stakeholders, and maintaining information on the BBSRC website
• contributing to office projects to develop and implement change to business practices and systems
• providing assistance and support to the Science Strategy Leadership Team.

We particularly welcome interest from applicants who have both a breadth of understanding of bioscience and knowledge/experience or with bioscience-relevant experience that may extend into biomedical, environmental, physical, social or economic research, and/or with research user perspectives from industry or policy.

Should you wish to find out further information about this role please contact: sadhana.sharma@bbsrc.ukri.org

Person specification

Essential:

• Degree in a biological or related subject, and/or previous relevant experience (S)
• A demonstrable ability to work with and influence internal and external stakeholders at different organisational levels (S/I)
• Able to plan and prioritise own work area and the work of others. Contribute to wider team activities and priorities as required (S/I)
• Strong liaison, networking and negotiation skills. Ability to anticipate stakeholder reactions and deliver communication needs (S/I)
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, including the ability to present complex information concisely under tight deadlines (S/I)
• Understanding of the aims and objectives of BBSRC (I)
• Willingness to travel in UK and abroad, including occasional overnight (or longer) absences (I)

Desirable:

• Master's degree or PhD in a biological or related subject, and/or previous relevant professional experience (S)
• Knowledge of the UK Research Council system, research community and peer review process (S/I)
• Experience in research strategy or policy development (S/I)

S- assessed at shortlisting stage

I - assessed at interview stage

About The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

The BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. We are the UK's largest public funder of research of the non-medical biosciences. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.

Funded by Government, we support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. The research and the people that we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

For more information about BBSRC, our science and our impact, see: https://bbsrc.ukri.org/

For more information about BBSRC strategically funded institutes, see https://bbsrc.ukri.org/research/institutes/strategically-funded-institutes/

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce' .

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.