Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Programme Manager (Maternity Cover)
at My Name 5 Doddie Foundation
🏢 About My Name 5 Doddie Foundation
The My Name 5 Doddie Foundation is a UK charity dedicated to funding research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND), inspired by Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir's personal battle with the condition. What makes this foundation unique is its athlete-driven origin, practical approach to accelerating treatments, and specific focus on grant schemes like Catalyst Awards that bridge early-stage research to clinical applications. Someone might want to work here to contribute directly to meaningful MND research in a collaborative, mission-driven environment with tangible impact.
About This Role
This Research Programme Manager role involves managing the Foundation's key grant funding schemes (Catalyst Awards and Advancing Treatments Awards) from application through to delivery, including overseeing peer review, committee functions, and monitoring active projects. It's impactful because you'll directly shape which MND research gets funded, ensure projects deliver results, and communicate progress to supporters—accelerating potential treatments for a devastating disease during a critical maternity cover period.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing progress reports from MND researchers on active grants, coordinating with the peer review panel for an upcoming Catalyst Award round via Flexi-Grant, and preparing a summary of project impacts for the Foundation's communications team. You could also be approving grant payments, troubleshooting software issues, and joining remote meetings with award holders to discuss milestones—all while managing multiple timelines across different funding schemes.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who My Name 5 Doddie Foundation Is Looking For
- Holds a PhD or equivalent experience in a neuroscience, biomedical, or relevant life science field with direct relevance to MND research mechanisms
- Has hands-on experience managing research grant schemes end-to-end, ideally with specific proficiency using Flexi-Grant software
- Demonstrates proven ability to manage multiple scientific projects simultaneously while maintaining relationships with researchers and stakeholders
- Can translate complex MND research findings into compelling communications for non-scientific audiences, showing both scientific literacy and outreach skills
📝 Tips for Applying to My Name 5 Doddie Foundation
Explicitly mention any experience with Flexi-Grant or similar grant management systems (e.g., SurveyMonkey Apply, Grantium) in your CV—this is a stated requirement
Highlight specific examples where you've managed peer review processes or research committees, as this is core to the Catalyst/Advancing Treatments Awards
Tailor your application to show understanding of MND research landscape—mention relevant science areas like neurobiology, genetics, or biomarker discovery
Include a brief example of how you've communicated complex research to lay audiences, as dissemination is a key responsibility
Address the part-time, remote, and maternity cover nature directly—show flexibility and ability to quickly onboard and maintain continuity
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience managing research grant schemes, especially detailing your role in application rounds, peer review, and committee oversight', "Specific examples of project management in a research context, emphasizing how you've monitored progress and managed relationships with award holders", 'Ability to communicate scientific impact—provide a concise example of translating research outcomes for supporters or the public', "Why you're drawn to the Foundation's mission and MND research specifically, showing knowledge of their focus areas or grant programs"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Foundation's website for their specific research strategy, current funded projects, and recent news about Catalyst or Advancing Treatments Awards
- → Understand Doddie Weir's story and the Foundation's origins—this cultural context is important for their communications and mission
- → Look into their key grant schemes (Catalyst Awards, Advancing Treatments Awards) to grasp their objectives and typical funded research areas
- → Explore their annual reports or impact statements to see how they measure and communicate research progress
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without mentioning MND, neuroscience, or the Foundation's specific grant programs
- Overlooking the part-time and maternity cover aspects—failing to address how you'd manage a time-limited, part-time role effectively
- Focusing only on scientific expertise without demonstrating grant management, project oversight, or communications experience
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to My Name 5 Doddie Foundation!