AI Technical Lead

Overview

Award-winning and bold innovation. Modern Tech-Stack. Impacting the future.

Technical Lead - Artificial Intelligence
£70,000 - £77,000 plus benefits

Reports to: Head of Engineering
Grade: P3 (MP)
Directorate: Chief Operating Office
Contract: 2 year fixed-term contract
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London, high flexibility.

We know great work doesn’t happen 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 UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Closing date: 31 May 2026, 23:55. Note we are shortlisting on an ongoing basis – please do not delay applying for the role.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the application questions and work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.

If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact  as soon as possible.

Recruitment process: 3 stage interview process consisting of a screening call, role-based competency interview and technical task.

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.

Technical Lead – Artificial Intelligence

At Cancer Research UK, we’re harnessing 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 technical expertise to purposeful work, while enjoying the autonomy to work largely remotely and shape solutions that genuinely matter.

As a Technical Lead, you’ll play a critical role in turning ambitious AI opportunities into high‑quality, scalable technology solutions. You’ll work across the full lifecycle – from early‑stage ideas and proof of concepts through to production‑ready systems that are embedded into the organisation.

You’ll be accountable for technical quality and delivery, working in a highly matrixed environment alongside internal product teams and trusted external partners. Technology‑agnostic and adaptable, you’ll help shape problem statements, align solution designs to our AI vision, and guide teams through complex technical decisions.

This is a hands‑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
• Validate high‑level designs and support smooth transitions from design into delivery
• Produce low‑level designs, technical work plans, and documentation in line with delivery standards
• Proactively surface technical risks, issues, and dependencies to…