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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate and manage priority projects in drug discovery to drive impactful outcomes.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer research while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and collaboration in scientific environments is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
ÂŁ42,500 - ÂŁ49,500 plus benefits
Reports to: Portfolio Lead (Therapeutic Innovation)
Directorate: Research & Innovation
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (High Flex, 1-2 days per week in office)
Closing date: Sunday 15th February 23:55pm
Recruitment process: Screening call followed by 2nd stage competency-based interview with presentation.
Interview dates: Screening calls W/C 16th Feb; Second stage W/C 23rd February / 2nd March
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We are seeking a highly organised and proactive individual to coordinate the activities, information and systems required to support the delivery of priority projects across the Drug Discovery portfolio within Therapeutic Innovation (TI). In this role, you will help ensure projects are efficiently managed, well‑tracked and aligned with wider portfolio objectives. Working collaboratively with scientific, operational and commercial colleagues, you will play a key part in driving clarity, consistency and effective decision‑making across the programme.
You will work closely with Project Leads and discipline leads to maintain accurate project plans and resource allocations, ensuring that project management platforms and team documentation remain up to date. A key part of the role will involve coordinating the generation, review and maintenance of project profiles, supporting project teams with timely, high‑quality information. You will also collaborate with the Commercial Operations Manager to track outsourced activities and provide visibility of associated timelines and contracting requirements. Where applicable, you will support colleagues in Commercial Partnerships by monitoring and communicating key partner terms, including funding, milestones, objectives and timelines. In addition, you will work with the Portfolio Lead to provide oversight and organisational support across the Portfolio Generation and Drug Discovery portfolio, contributing to the smooth progression of projects and the overall efficiency of the portfolio.
The post holder will be expected to travel regularly to TI and CRUK sites, averaging two days per week; however, there is flexibility to work remotely. Travel costs to sites other than the post holder’s primary location will be covered by Cancer Research Horizons.
What will you be doing?
- Ensure key project data including milestones, planned costs, objectives, key stakeholders and project statuses are kept current
- Work with Project and Discipline teams to ensure all project and resource data is captured in an accurate and timely manner
- Support Project Leads with monthly project meetings, including capturing and tracking actions and delivery timelines
- Work with the Portfolio Lead to optimise reporting and processes to support the progression and prioritisation of the TI portfolio
- Ensure cooperation and compliance across TI projects with portfolio/project guidance documents and templates
- Make and suggest improvements to templates and guidance documents where relevant, to maintain effective ways of working
- Work with the project team to review, capture and communicate current risks and issues
- Report on project scientific milestones, actuals and resource allocations
What are we looking for?
- Demonstratable experience in effective project management, with a track record of coordinating complex workstreams and delivering high‑quality outcomes.
- Proven experience partnering with scientists in a scientific or research‑led environment, enabling strong collaboration and informed decision‑making.
- Confident user of project and/or resource management software, with the ability to leverage tools to enhance planning, prioritisation, and delivery.
- Background in drug discovery, drug development, or cancer biology is highly advantageous, bringing valuable scientific context to your work.
- Exceptional ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, concise, and actionable insights tailored to varied audiences.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively across multiple channels and stakeholder groups.
- Highly organised with ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
- A proactive, solutions‑driven mindset, consistently anticipating challenges and seeking opportunities for improvement.
- Strong team player who can also work autonomously, taking ownership while contributing positively to team goals.
- A confident, relationship‑focused communicator, skilled at building trust and fostering effective collaborations.
Our organisation values:
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
- Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you.
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.
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 complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Project Manager - TI Operations employer: Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
Contact Detail:
Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - TI Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Cancer Research UK and their mission. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the competency-based interview by thinking of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your project management skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the company culture and even tips for the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at Cancer Research UK and contributing to our mission to beat cancer.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - TI Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your project management experience, especially in scientific or research-led environments. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to beat cancer!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how you've used them in real-world scenarios. Use specific examples that reflect your ability to manage complex workstreams and deliver high-quality outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your responses straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your insights are easy to understand and tailored to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application is reviewed fairly and objectively, keeping in line with our commitment to equality and diversity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with the Drug Discovery portfolio and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their objectives. This will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Master the Art of Communication
As a Project Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to engage with different audiences by tailoring your responses to their level of understanding.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed competing priorities in past roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your organisational skills and ability to deliver under tight deadlines.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
Since there's a presentation involved in the second stage of the interview, practice delivering it multiple times. Focus on clarity and conciseness, ensuring you convey key points effectively. Anticipate questions and prepare thoughtful responses to demonstrate your expertise and confidence.
