Job at a glance
We are seeking a dynamic Research Project Manager to join the Data Connect team. Reporting directly to the Senior Research Project Manager (SRPM), you will act as a primary first point of contact for researchers approaching the service. In this pivotal role, you will work alongside the SRPM to co-ordinate a vibrant, multi-disciplinary team of data managers, data scientists, and data engineers. Using agile delivery practices, you will help embed flexible, iterative workflows and ensure service continuity across our expanding portfolio of over 50 active projects.
You will guide projects from initial scoping through to successful delivery while building strong relationships across the region, actively liaising with academic researchers and key NHS stakeholders-including the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (SY ICB) and local NHS Trusts-to facilitate governance, data access, and impact. Main duties and responsibilities The Research Project Manager is responsible for active project delivery across the service, including: Initial Engagement & Project Scoping: Act as the primary initial point of contact for researchers approaching Data Connect.
Work directly with Principal Investigators and research teams to define project workflows, scope, and realistic timelines, ensuring alignment with stakeholder expectations. Agile Planning & Team Co-ordination: Work alongside the SRPM to co-ordinate the multi-disciplinary team (data managers, data scientists, and data engineers) to break down defined research projects into manageable tasks and structured sprint plans.
Implement and facilitate agile delivery practices operating in 2-week sprint cycles-including daily stand-ups, backlog refinement, sprint planning, and retrospectives-to maintain momentum and efficiency. Maintain and optimise JIRA board workflows, ensuring accurate task management and project tracking. Portfolio Support & Resource Planning: Work closely with the SRPM to manage team capacity and resource allocation across a portfolio of over 50 active projects, ensuring operational continuity.
Communicate transparently regarding the work pipeline, highlighting risks, dependencies, and obstacles early to collaborate on solutions. Stakeholder Liaison & Data Governance: Liaise effectively with academic researchers, internal University leads, and key NHS stakeholders (such as the SY ICB and local NHS Trusts) to support project alignment and data governance. Collaborate with the Data Management team to oversee the governance, collection, storage, and analysis of research data, helping to resolve technical and administrative workstream obstacles.
Service Design & Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of service design by feeding back insights gathered from user interactions and project delivery. Identify and implement process improvements to streamline workflows and increase service efficiency across the team. Communication & Project Documentation: Facilitate clear and consistent information flow across the multi-disciplinary team, users, and external partners.
Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, progress reports, sprint notes, and key meeting actions. Other Duties: Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post and engage with activities to share skills, knowledge and experience more widely to improve how we work together to meet the strategic objective of the University as a whole.
Person Specification Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria Essential or desirable Stage(s) assessed