Therapeutic Accelerator Programme Lead in London

Reports to: Associate Director Search & Evaluation

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week (flexible-working requests for compressed hours will also be considered if it meets business needs)

Location: Stratford, London with high flexibility (we would expect you to be in the office on average 1-2 days per week)

There will be UK based travel, largely in the South of England, and some international travel with this role.

Visa sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this vacancy. If this applies to you, please ensure that this is clearly marked on your application.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We’re looking for an experienced Programme Lead to oversee the Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Accelerator – the UK’s first and only oncology‑focused therapeutic accelerator. The programme supports early‑stage oncology ventures, helping founders progress from discovery through translation, venture formation and investment readiness. In this unique leadership role, you’ll shape programme strategy and curriculum, build and manage a high‑quality mentor and partner network, and provide hands‑on support to participating teams. Working closely with the Associate Director of Search & Evaluation, you’ll ensure the programme delivers an exceptional founder experience and drives high‑impact oncology innovation. We’re looking for someone with deep sector knowledge, excellent relationship‑building skills, and a passion for accelerating the next generation of oncology therapeutics while contributing to a world‑class innovation ecosystem.

About the team: This role sits within the Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) team. Cancer Research Horizons is the innovation engine of Cancer Research UK, translating cutting‑edge innovations into effective treatments and diagnostics for cancer patients. With exclusive rights to CRUK’s annual investment of over £300 million in world‑class cancer research, we’re a powerful partner in the fight to conquer cancer. We’re currently the second largest oncology out‑licensor globally, and to date we’ve played an instrumental role in forming over 90 startup companies, supported £3.45 billion raised, and have helped bring 14 new cancer drugs to market.

What will I be doing?

• Lead the short, medium and long‑term strategy, design and continuous improvement of the CRH Therapeutic Accelerator in alignment with organisational priorities.
• Develop and refine the programme curriculum and deliver the full end‑to‑end cohort experience, ensuring it is founder‑first, inclusive and outcomes‑focused.
• Manage day‑to‑day programme operations, including coordination of internal contributors, budget oversight and resource planning.
• Provide structured guidance and challenge to participating teams, supporting them to refine strategy, prioritise actions and build credible development, resourcing and fundraising plans.
• Identify capability gaps and connect teams with suitable mentors, experts, service providers or investors, monitoring progress and intervening where necessary.
• Build, manage and engage a high‑quality network of mentors, subject‑matter experts, investors and strategic partners for programme delivery and showcase events.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective ventures; lead outreach, assessment, interview panels and due diligence for selection.
• Cultivate relationships with funders, sponsors, academic and corporate partners across the innovation ecosystem, representing the accelerator externally and supporting senior‑level reporting and communications.
• Build and engage an alumni community to sustain post‑programme momentum and enhance long‑term accelerator impact.
• Define, measure and report programme KPIs and impact metrics, gathering feedback to drive continuous improvement and producing reports, case studies and communications that demonstrate value.

What skills are we looking for?

• Proven experience delivering accelerator, incubator, or innovation programmes, ideally within healthcare, life sciences, or oncology therapeutics.
• Strong understanding of early‑stage oncology therapeutic start‑up challenges, funding pathways, and the wider innovation ecosystem.
• Experience commercialising innovation and supporting early‑stage ventures through investment readiness, fundraising preparation, and strategic development.
• Skilled in stakeholder management, with the ability to build, maintain, and influence relationships across founders, investors, corporates, and academic or clinical partners.
• Excellent organisational and programme‑delivery capabilities, with a track record of planning and executing complex initiatives.
• Confident communicator with experience facilitating workshops, group sessions, and founder‑focused learning environments.
• Academic background in a scientific or healthcare discipline (PhD or equivalent), ideally oncology, therapeutics, or drug discovery.
• Experience in therapeutic innovation, drug discovery, or pre‑clinical translation, with understanding of IP, regulatory requirements, and translational pathways relevant to oncology.
• Coaching or mentoring experience with founders, scientific leaders, or start‑up teams.
• A strong network within investor, corporate, academic, or innovation communities relevant to oncology therapeutics.

What will I gain? We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high‑quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work‑life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.