Head of Research in Greater London

Job description

Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. 

At Children with Cancer UK, our vision is a world where every child and young person survives cancer.

The Charity have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Research Role to oversee the operations and strategic development of research activities at the organisation.

You will work independently in this role to oversee the delivery of research funding calls, develop the charity’s Research Strategy, expand research programs and work with external senior members of the community.

The post holder should have a strong understanding of the UK biomedical research environment.

The Research Team is pivotal to ensuring that research funded by Children with Cancer UK is at the forefront of the children and young person’s cancer research area. You will have the opportunity to be at the cutting edge of cancer research in children and young people and work closely with members of the scientific community, surrounded by people working towards the same mission.

The post-holder will be responsible for line managing 2-3 members of the Research Team, providing them with support and identifying areas and opportunities for them to expand and develop their experience and skillset.

Responsibilities

●      Develop and deliver a new Research Strategy ensuring alignment to Children with Cancer UK’s overall strategy. 

●      Implement a patient and public involvement (PPI) strategy for assessment panels.

●      Oversee and be responsible for the delivery of research funding calls for research proposals submitted to the charity.

●      Oversee the monitoring of research funded by Children with Cancer UK.

●      Establish, lead and deliver complex projects, focusing on the development of new initiatives.

●      Build and maintain excellent relationships with Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) to help shape the future of the Research Team.

●      Build and maintain excellent relationships with partner organisations, charities and community with an active approach to developing new relationships. 

●      Lead and develop the Research Team where necessary, identifying new opportunities and ascertaining where new members are required.

●      Ensure that work packages in the team are delivered to a high standard and timely manner.

●      Be responsible for the Research Team budget. 

●      Work with the Finance Team to monitor the budget and ensure that all required financial compliances are in place.

●      Represent Children with Cancer UK at national and international meetings.

Skills and Experience

●      Extensive experience and a proven track record in developing and delivering research strategies, including the creation and management of research funding calls within a research-funding environment.

●      Experience in strategically building teams, demonstrating knowledge of Research team structure.

●      Extensive scientific background, knowledge of the cancer sciences and research landscape and educated to degree level in a relevant discipline.

●      Skilled in initiating, leading, and delivering complex, multi-faceted projects, particularly those involving new initiatives and operating in conditions of ambiguity.

●      Considerable experience in building and maintaining relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders; able to assess situations, act with diplomacy, influence effectively, and build consensus. 

●      Experience in managing substantial budgets (in excess of £2m).

●      Excellent communication skills, with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to interpret and present complex information, both in writing and verbally, in a way that meets audience needs and supports effective decision-making.

●      Numerate and analytical, with a proven aptitude for problem-solving through the development of innovative, robust, and practical solutions, implemented with precision.

Benefits of working at Children with Cancer UK

You will access to a broad range of career development opportunities, with opportunities to affect real change in the organisation. You will work closely with an inclusive and welcoming team. Our processes and policies enable you to improve your work-life balance. 

How to apply

To apply please email your CV and cover letter to hr@childrenwithcancer.org.uk and state the title of the role you are applying for in the subject line. 

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Greater London

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

04-09-2025

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English