Research Programme Manager

Research Programme Manager £46,000 - £54,000 (depending on experience) plus benefits

Reports to:

Head of Prevention & Early Detection Research Directorate: ​Research & Innovation

Contract:

​12-month Fixed Term Contract

Hours:

​Full time, 35 hours per week

Location:

​Stratford, London - Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office) ​There will also be occasional travel across the UK and internationally. Closing date: 11 January 2026 23:55 Visa sponsorship:
You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship. Recruitment process:
Competency based interview. Interview date:
Week commencing 26th January 2026. At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We're looking for a talented Research Programme Manager to drive forward strategic initiatives and funding support for Early Detection and Diagnosis research. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of this priority area for CRUK. In this role, you will lead the development and implementation of strategic funding opportunities, provide expert advice and guidance to researchers, and manage Cancer Research UK's Early Detection and Diagnosis research portfolio.

You'll also work closely with our funding committees and Scientific Executive Board, ensuring processes run smoothly and align with our strategic objectives. Building strong relationships with stakeholders will be key to your success as you help drive forward life-saving research. What will I be doing? Provide a strategic interface with the cancer research community across Early Detection & Diagnosis (EDD) Build and maintain strong external relationships with a network of CRUK scientists, clinicians and senior stakeholders in leading cancer research centres and elsewhere.

Assist with complex scientific queries relating to CRUK research strategy, scientific collaboration and funding. Gain a thorough understanding of the relevant research landscape, gathering insights from strategic analysis, and making recommendations to drive the development and delivery of CRUK's research strategy. Work with external academics and clinicians, promoting opportunities that may help develop and shape their research plans, introducing new connections where appropriate and spreading awareness of the range of opportunities offered by CRUK, influencing activity towards CRUK's strategic objectives.

Identify opportunities for increased collaboration across or outside the current network, including with other organisations, to accelerate progress;
Devise and deliver networking meetings, conferences and other activities applicable to the team as required, representing CRUK externally with appropriate credibility. For major CRUK-funded projects and infrastructural investments, keep abreast of their scientific developments and major outputs, providing advice and actively facilitating issue resolution where progress is slower than anticipated. Act as the CRUK representative on Steering Committees as required to report on developments and ensure funded award programmes achieve key deliverables.

What are we looking for? Strong science background, educated to degree level in a relevant subject (preferably with a postgraduate qualification or equivalent work experience) Significant research or research-related experience, for example in an academic, NHS, industrial research and/or research funding/management or publishing setting, Demonstrable understanding of the research landscape, its challenges and opportunities. Experience and/or in-depth knowledge of biomedical or life sciences research, preferably in cancer or a relevant or related area.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills. A commitment to accuracy and attention to detail, with demonstrable analytical and problem-solving skills and an ability to manage ambiguity. Proven ability to form strong, positive collaborative relationships at all levels of seniority both internally & externally.

Experience of planning, managing and delivering strategic and policy projects; ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks and to support others…