AI Technical Lead

Technical Lead - Artificial Intelligence

£70,000 - £77,000plus benefits

Reports to: Head of AI Implementation & Enablement

Grade: P3(MP)

Directorate :

Chief Operating Office

Contract :

Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London, high flexibility

We knowgreat workdoesn’thappen in just one place or one way. This role is designed to be highly flexible, with the opportunity to work largely remotely, alongside occasional time in our offices for collaboration when it adds the most value.

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UKis not able tooffer visa sponsorship.

Closing date: 18 September
2026, 23:55. Note we are shortlisting onan ongoing basis – please do not delay applying for the role.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

At Cancer Research UK, we are a community of professionals with purpose. Every day, we push boundaries to beat cancer—yet we know we must go.

At Cancer Research UK,we’reharnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to help beat cancer. From Generative and Agentic AI to machine learning, AI is becoming a transformative capability across our organisation – helping us work smarter, accelerate scientific discovery, and create more personalised and meaningful experiences for our supporters.

This is a chance to take on a highly flexible Technical Lead role where you can apply your deep technicalexpertiseto purposeful work, while enjoying the autonomy to work largely remotely and shape solutions that genuinely matter.

As a Technical Lead,you’llplay a critical role in turning ambitious AI opportunities intohigh‑quality, scalable technology solutions.

You’llwork across the full lifecycle – fromearly‑stageideas and proof of concepts through to production‑readysystems that are embedded into the organisation.

You’llbe accountable for technical quality and delivery, working in a highly matrixed environment alongside internal product teams and trusted external partners.

Technology‑agnosticand adaptable,you’llhelp shape problem statements, align solution designs to our AI vision, and guide teams through complex technical decisions.

This is ahands‑on leadership role that offers variety, influence, and the opportunity to help define how engineering practices evolve in the age of AI – all while supporting a mission that saves lives.

• Act as Technical Lead for key AI initiatives at different stages– from emerging ideas and proofs of concept through to solutions ready to scale and ope rationalise

• Assess technical complexity, feasibility, and effort, helping teams make informed delivery decisions

• Identify where foundational changes to platforms or infrastructure are needed to unlock AI capabilities

• Work with Product Managers and colleagues to assess when and how to partner with external suppliers

• Collaborate closely with Product and Project Managers, Architects, UX and Service Designers, and Business Analysts to understand user needs and iteratively design effective solutions

• Provide technical assurance and constructive challenge for external technology partners

• Validatehigh‑leveldesigns and support smooth transitions from design into delivery

• Producelow‑leveldesigns, technical work plans, and documentation in line with delivery standards

• Proactively surface technical risks, issues, and dependencies to initiative leads

• Contribute significantly to testing strategies and plans to ensure solutions are robust, secure, and reliable

We’relooking for someone who brings both strong technical leadership and a genuine interest in how AI can create real‑worldvalue.

You’llhave:

• Experience delivering Commercial Off‑the‑Shelf(COTS) and…