JOB DESCRIPTION

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

1. MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To monitor ongoing developments in the field of Parkinson’s research in order to identify

potential gaps

To work with members who propose research topics to determine their viability

To collaborate with other directorates in the preparation of research-associated

publications
2. POSITION IN ORGANISATION
Reports to Director of Research & Development
Responsible for N/A
Main Relationships Liaises with all Research & Development staff, other staff and
managers based at Head Office
Externally - interact closely with members and researchers in the
area of Parkinson’s research
Direct contacts Member and researchers in the area of Parkinson’s research
3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DIRECTORATE
The Research & Development Directorate is responsible for:

• the implementation of the organisation’s Research Strategy 2010-2014

• monitoring the main issues that require research and funding which form the basis of the
Research Strategy

• the operation of the grant-making process

• the identification of new researchers and provide mentorship when they need help in
developing applications for funding

communication of the organisation’s Research and Development in collaboration with the

other relevant Directorates
4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DIRECTORATE
A. Monitor current research in the Parkinson’s field
B. Work with members to critically evaluate and develop potential themes for research
projects
C. Evaluate the annual and final reports of the organisation’s funded research

Job Title, Month and Year

D. Assess and advise on publications from the Information Resources team
E. Liaison with researchers
5. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Monitor current research in the Parkinson’s field
• Monitor publications in relevant journals through a subscription to “Science Direct”,
other electronic databases and specialised journals accessed by the charity

• Highlight key themes that may be appropriate for communications (press releases on
our website)

• Attend, where appropriate, research meetings where new research results are
presented

• Organise themed research meetings for the charity’s funded researchers

B. Work with members to critically evaluate and develop potential themes for research
projects
• Work with lay members of the charity to agree a mechanism by which suggestions for
research can be submitted

• Critically evaluate these proposals through literature searches and the preparation of short
reviews, where appropriate, providing detailed feedback to members

Work with the proposers, where appropriate, to develop research themes to a level where
they can be submitted to the charity’s Research Strategy Group
C. Evaluate the annual and final reports of the organisation’s funded research
• Read and assess annual and final reports of the organisation’s funded research as they
are received

• Identify any major shortfalls in the annual reports and discuss remedial action with the
Director of Research and the researcher

• Liaise with the researchers to determine the implications of their research and how it
can be developed and/or implemented

• Identify research studies that may be appropriate for communications

• Work with other directorates (e.g. Communications, Fundraising) to provide detailed

research reports
D. Assess and advise on publications from the Information Resources team
• Read information sheets and publications produced by the Information Resources
team for scientific accuracy

• Identify potential areas in which new information sheets may be necessary and
 can be based on emerging research areas
E. Liaison with researchers
• Act as a key point of contact with Parkinson’s researchers

• Represent the organisation at research programme steering groups

6. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide specialist research support for members of the directorate

• Serve as an advisor to other directorates on research-specific topics

• Represent the organisation at external research events and meetings

• Work closely with the organisation’s brain bank to promote it among the research
community

7. DIMENSIONS AND LIMITS OF AUTHORITY

Disciplinary Action: None
Budgetary Limits: To be agreed
Authorises expenditure within a budget to a limit of: To be agreed
Signs contracts and contractual matters on behalf of Parkinson’s UK: No

This job description does not form part of your contract of employment. The duties laid down in
this job description may change from time to time following a review and in consultation between
post holder and line manager / Director.

Updated Date: April 2010

Signed by post holder: Date:

Agreed Correct and

signed by Line Manager: Date:

Agreed Correct and

Signed by Director: Date:
 PERSON SPECIFICATION
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Essential Desirable
Experience Proven experience in a specific 
research environment
Experience of communicating 
research to lay and specialist
audiences
Experience of working as part of a 
small team of professionals,
contributing mutual support and
encouragement
Experience of customer care and 
working with volunteers
Skills and Ability to prioritise tasks on a daily 
Abilities basis to meet deadlines
Ability to deal with a variety of 
stakeholders including lay
members of the organisation
An understanding of Parkinson’s 
or other similar neurological
conditions
Able to critically evaluate scientific 
literature
Ability to verbally communicate 
clearly and assertively with a wide
range of people
Administrative efficiency, and 
commitment to tracking progress
against objectives
Setting and monitoring of budgets 
and financial forecasts
Ability to read and critically assess 
original research
Knowledge Knowledge of the UK research
funding process
Knowledge of computers in 
particular Microsoft Office
software and internet based
 publication databases (e.g.
PubMed)
Education/ Degree in neuroscience or 
Training equivalent with a detailed
knowledge of neurodegenerative
diseases
Postgraduate experience or 
equivalent in a research
environment
Other Commitment to working within the 
Requirements principles of equal opportunities.
Empathy with the aims, goals and 
values of the charity, and a
commitment to support delivery to
meet these.
Based at London office but willing 
to travel to attend relevant
conferences with occasional
Understanding of the charity 
sector