Innovation and Research Policy Manager (Clinical)

Job title: Innovation and Research Policy Manager (Clinical)
Reporting to: Director of Research and Development Policy
Department: Innovation and Research Policy Team
Location: London office with hybrid working 

About the ABPI

The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and access medicines and vaccines to improve patient care. We represent companies of all sizes which invest in making and discovering medicines and vaccines to enhance and save the lives of millions of people around the world.

In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we work in partnership with governments and the NHS so that patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines. Every day, our members partner with healthcare professionals, academics and patient organisations to find new solutions to unmet health needs.

Working at the ABPI

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive, and we value the unique skills and perspectives you bring. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or disability.

The ABPI operates a hybrid working model, with the expectation that staff are in the office (London Bridge) approximately two to three days per week, or as required for in-person meetings.

Job purpose and background

Reporting to the Director of Research and Development (R&D) Policy, the Innovation and Research Policy Manager (Clinical) will support the development of and lead on policy advocacy and implementation of projects relating to enhancing pharmaceutical industry R&D in the UK. The post will focus on improving the international competitiveness of the UK environment for delivering pharmaceutical industry clinical research. In addition, the post holder will support a range of activities aligned with ABPI’s ambition to increase the UK’s attractiveness for research and development of new medicines and vaccines.

Responsibilities

The role holder will work closely with colleagues in the Innovation and Research Policy Team and our member companies to support the ABPI’s strategic objective to enhance the UK as a globally competitive environment for research and development. This role has a particular focus on advancing the delivery of our members’ clinical research portfolios in the UK, for the benefit of patients, the NHS and the economy. 
Primary responsibilities include:

• Supporting the development and delivery of ABPI’s policy work in the following areas:
  
  • Creating a supportive UK environment to conduct early to late phase clinical trials across all settings
  • Streamlining industry access to and engagement with the clinical research infrastructure and workforce across the four UK nations
  • Engaging with the Clinical Trials Investment Programme delivery partners to ensure these strategic assets deliver maximum impact for industry 
  • Generating evidence to demonstrate the international standing of the UK’s clinical trials offering and contribution to the health and wealth of the nation 
  • Developing collaborations with funders, academia, charities, research organisations, external stakeholders and national and international consortia 
• Working collaboratively with members of the Innovation and Research Policy team, contributing to and supporting innovation and research policy projects and activities across the portfolio, as required. 
• Leading on the organisation of policy meetings, workshops, and forums, and delivering publications from outputs, as required.
• Drafting written consultation responses, briefings, policy position papers and commissioning market research in areas of relevance.
• Providing ABPI secretariat support for relevant member groups, including the Board Sponsored Group and Project Teams.
• Working with the wider ABPI team (e.g. Regulatory and Patient Access, International & UK Competitiveness, Medical Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, Corporate and Government Affairs) on activities and projects relevant to the role. 
• Representing the ABPI and its member companies externally, including participation in relevant groups.
• Engaging with key stakeholders across Government departments, the NHS, research funders, research organisations, think tanks and other industry trade bodies.

Performance criteria

The post holder must be willing to travel to occasional external events and meetings in the UK to represent the ABPI and the views of our members.

All ABPI staff must adhere to the ABPI values and behaviours: collaboration, communication, innovation, integrity, and ownership.

Performance will be measured against annually set objectives established in line with ABPI objectives, linked to the Balanced Scorecard.

Experience and skill set

Candidates should demonstrate the following experience, skills and personal attributes:

• A life sciences or biomedical degree or equivalent work experience directly relevant to the remit of this role.
• Previous experience in a clinical research policy or strategy development role.
• An understanding of pharmaceutical industry research and development and the contribution that the industry makes to the UK and global life sciences sector.
• Demonstrable understanding of the UK clinical research landscape and relevant policy issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with proven ability to develop and maintain a network of stakeholders, and effectively engage with senior members of the pharmaceutical industry, government and external stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Capable of producing clearly written policy briefings, reports and responses to policy consultations, with previous experience of drafting comparable documents to a high standard.  
• Well-developed organisational skills. Adept at efficiently prioritising, managing a varied workload and producing high quality outputs to organisational deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and productively as part of a team.
• Must have a proactive and collaborative attitude, willing to develop new ideas, contribute to organisational projects and take responsibility for completing tasks to their successful conclusion.

To apply

For a full job description and salary and benefits information or to apply for this opportunity please send your CV with a covering letter to Stephanie Faint, sfaint@abpi.org.uk. 

Please note

ABPI reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.