Institute Manager (Internal UCL Applicants Only – 12-Month Secondment UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About Us

The UCL Institute of Prion Diseases is a world-leading research centre focused on prion diseases and broader neurodegenerative disorders, including growing work in Alzheimer’s disease. The Institute is highly multidisciplinary, integrating:

Structural & molecular biology

Genetics and disease models

Therapeutic development (small molecules and immunotherapies)

Clinical research

Supported by a £30 million joint investment from UCL and the MRC, the Institute operates in a dedicated research facility in central London. Under the leadership of Professor John Collinge FRS, the Institute comprises around 90 staff working across two sites, including academics, clinicians, technical specialists, and professional services teams.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Institute Manager to oversee and lead the operational management of this high-profile research centre. This is a pivotal leadership role reporting directly to the Institute Director and working in close collaboration with:

Faculty of Brain Sciences Operations Director

UCL central teams (Finance, HR, Estates, etc.)

You will ensure efficient delivery of core operational services, enabling the Institute’s academic and scientific work to thrive. You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day management of professional services, covering:

Finance and budgeting

HR and staffing

Health & Safety compliance

Laboratory operations and scientific support (e.g., Biological and Histology Services)

Facilities, space and building management

IT systems

Note: This role requires an acceptable DBS check and will be offered initially as a 12-month secondment for internal UCL candidates.

About You

You will be an accomplished Operations Manager or Institute Manager with a proven ability to lead complex service delivery in a research or academic environment. Key attributes include:

Strong leadership and organisational skills

Proven experience managing multi-functional teams (finance, HR, labs, facilities)

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

The ability to support high-impact academic research through efficient operations

A strategic approach with attention to compliance and service improvement

You will be passionate about service excellence and capable of driving high performance across a broad portfolio of operational areas.

How to Apply

Please submit a current CV and complete the online application via the UCL system. If you need a more accessible format or reasonable adjustments,

What We Offer

UCL provides a generous benefits package, including:

41 days holiday (27 annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)

Option to purchase 5 extra days leave

CARE pension scheme (career average revalued earnings)

On-site nursery and gym

Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave

Immigration and relocation support (where applicable)

Staff support services and discounted medical insurance

UCL Rewards and Benefits

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, UCL is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all. We especially welcome applications from groups underrepresented in senior roles at UCL, including:

Black, Asian and ethnic minority individuals

Disabled people

LGBTQI+ individuals

Women (for senior roles at Grades 9 and 10)

The Institute holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of its efforts to promote gender equality.