MRC Research Board & Panel vacancies
The Medical Research Council (MRC) is the main, publicly-funded organisation in the UK, supporting high-quality research and training across the biomedical spectrum, from fundamental lab-based science to clinical trials, in all major disease areas.
Our Research Boards and Panels are comprised of a group of leading scientists that play a key role in delivering MRC objectives across the portfolio. The Research Boards hold their own research budgets and review and manage scientific activity within their specialist areas.
Applications are now being invited from scientists with the relevant experience and expertise to become members of MRC Boards and Panels from April 2013. We are seeking to fill 20 vacancies in our four Research Boards and 21 vacancies in five of our six Research Panels.
The deadline for applications is 4pm, 3 October 2012:
Applicants must have both permission and support from their Host Institution before applying:
- Selection criteria
- Candidate profile
- Person specification
- Principles for recruitment
- Commitment
- Remuneration
- Induction for successful candidates
- How to apply?
Selection criteria
Candidates for Board and Panel vacancies will be shortlisted using the following general criteria:
- Scientific fit for the vacancy
- Breadth of knowledge
- Appropriate level of experience
- Location we are seeking broad representation across the Research Organisations within the UK
- Gender and ethnicity balance
More specific qualities sought are detailed below.
Candidate profile
Board and Panel members should be international leaders in the areas of expertise corresponding to the vacancies and have a breadth of knowledge across related fields. As it is not possible for the membership of a board or panel to reflect all the relevant areas of expertise, members are expected to contribute to discussions in their own field and also to advise on other issues, sharing responsibility for decisions of the board or panel as a whole.
Person specification
The MRC is seeking applications from high calibre, committed senior scientists at Professorial level (or equivalent), based in a leading UK/European Research Institute/University or pharmaceutical/biotechnology/life sciences company. Applicants should have broad experience of cutting edge research related to one of the vacancies advertised, and must be able to commit an appropriate amount of time to serve on the Board/Panel.
Applicants will need to meet the following essential criteria:
- A first class record in conducting and leading internationally respected research
- A successful track record in applying for and obtaining major grant funding over a number of years (not essential for Industrial members)
- Specific experience of research related to the particular vacancy advertised
- A proven ability to exercise judgment across a broad spectrum of policy and research issues with a vision of the priorities and opportunities, not only within his/her areas of expertise, but also across the Research Board or Panel portfolio
- Significant experience of contributing to peer review processes
- An ability to work effectively within the public sector requirements for accountability and openness, and within financial constraints
- A team player with a commitment to the mission and broad objectives of the MRC
The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of the members of its Boards and Panels and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all (all individuals shall have equal opportunities for advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities). The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through equality, diversity, leadership and management.
The MRC particularly welcomes applications from currently under-represented groups; female and ethnic minority researchers and from researchers with disabilities.
Principles for recruitment
- Research Boards and Panels should include a breadth of representation, including membership from overseas and industry
- All Boards and Panels should be constituted to comment knowledgably on translational research applications and early phase trials
- The MRC is committed to broadening the diversity of Board and Panel membership, to steadily increase the number of women and to develop opportunities for mid-career researchers
- Membership must reflect MRC policies on equality and diversity
Commitment
The average amount of time spent by members on Board or Panel business is equivalent to about two days a month for all purposes, including meetings and reading papers. New Board and Panel members will initially be appointed for two years, membership will be extended for a further two years following review by the Board/Panel Chair.
Remuneration
An allowance is payable per day for attendance at Board/Panel meetings (the current rate is £160 per day). Travel (standard class) and subsistence expenses (including childcare costs) will be reimbursed.
Induction for successful candidates
As part of the preparation for their term in office, all new Board and Panel members are expected to attend an induction meeting on 24 January 2013 at the Medical Research Centre Head Office, London. This will be an opportunity for you to meet Professor Sir John Savill, MRC Chief Executive, as well as senior staff and programme managers. The induction meeting will enable us to provide guidance on your role, as well as an overview of the MRC, its functions and methods of operation where these relate to the work of the Research Boards and Panels.
In addition to the induction event, new Board and Panel members are expected to attend a meeting as an observer prior to starting on the Board or Panel. The dates of the relevant meetings at which you will be invited to observe are as follows:
Board |
Board Meeting |
Infections and Immunity |
21 22 February 2013 |
Molecular and Cellular Medicine |
6 7 February 2013 |
Neurosciences and Mental Health |
6 7 March 2013 |
Population and Systems Medicine |
25 26 February 2013 |
Panel |
Panel Meeting |
Clinical Training and Career Development Panel |
7 February 2013 |
Developmental Pathways Funding Scheme/Developmental Clinical Studies Panel (DPFS/DCS) |
30 31 January 2013 |
Non-Clinical Training and Career Development Panel |
15 February 2013 |
Regenerative Medicine Research Committee (RMRC) |
8 February 2013 |
Strategic Skills Fellowship Panel |
27 February 1 March 2013 |
How to apply?
To apply, please complete and submit the online web form. All applications must be submitted by 4pm, 3 October 2012.
Decisions on membership will be made by the end of December 2012.
If you have any queries, or you would like further information about the role, please email mrceventsandcommitteesteam@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk.