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- Tasks: Lead and innovate world-class scientific core facilities for cutting-edge cancer research.
- Company: Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, a global leader in cancer research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and impactful work.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team at a £150 million biomedical research centre.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cancer research and make a real difference in patients' lives.
- Qualifications: PhD in life sciences and substantial experience in managing scientific operations.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute is seeking an exceptional scientific leader to shape and deliver the future of its world-class core facilities. This is a rare and influential opportunity to lead an integrated portfolio of advanced technology platforms that underpin cutting-edge cancer discovery and translational research, and to position the Institute as a global leader in scientific infrastructure and services.
Reporting directly to the Institute Director, you will provide strategic, scientific, and operational leadership across all core facilities, developing and implementing a bold, long-term vision for integrated, data-driven, and responsive scientific services. Your work will directly enable researchers to address the most challenging questions in cancer biology.
We are looking for a leader with substantial experience managing complex scientific operations at scale — whether in an academic, industry, or major research organisations. You will bring the credibility, authority, and ambition to drive transformation, whilst working collaboratively with faculty and maintaining the independence to innovate in service delivery, technology investment, and organisational design.
This role offers significant scope to influence institutional strategy, guide major capital investment decisions, secure and deploy strategic funding, develop external partnerships, and build a high-performing culture across the facilities.
About you
- PhD in a relevant life sciences discipline or equivalent senior experience in scientific operations
- Substantial experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary scientific facilities or research infrastructure
- Demonstrated success in managing large-scale operations, budgets, and capital investments
- Experience securing and managing strategic funding for infrastructure or major initiatives
- Experience developing and executing strategic plans and organisational change
- Strong understanding of the needs of modern biomedical or translational research
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
We are particularly interested in candidates who bring:
- A track record of delivering operational excellence in either academia, industry, or major research organisations
- Experience transforming services, infrastructure, or technology platforms
- A bold vision for how scientific facilities can accelerate discovery and translation
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution
- Credibility to engage effectively with senior scientists, institutional leaders, funders, and external partners
About the Scientific Core Facilities & Services
Please visit our website to view information about our Facilities: Facilities
Why choose the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute
The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute (www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk), an Institute of The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk), is a world-leading centre for excellence in cancer research. The Institute is core funded by Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org), the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world. In spring 2023, the Institute moved into a £150 million flagship purpose-built biomedical research centre directly attached to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (www.christie.nhs.uk), in Withington, South Manchester.
We are partnered with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (adjacent to The Paterson Building) one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Europe. These factors combine to provide an exceptional environment in which to pursue basic, translational and clinical research programmes.
Our aim is to understand the fundamental basis of cancer and apply that knowledge to developing new treatment strategies for cancer patients. Our advanced research programmes span a spectrum of cancer research, from the molecular and cellular basis of cancer through to drug discovery, translational research and clinical trials.
Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute is a Research Institute within The University of Manchester and is core funded by Cancer Research UK. The Institute has access to outstanding laboratory facilities and exceptional core services, including next generation sequencing, microarrays, confocal microscopy, bioinformatics, histology and mass-spectrometry.
Director of Scientific Core Facilities and Services in Manchester employer: Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute
Contact Detail:
Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Scientific Core Facilities and Services in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the role. This can give you a leg up and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the latest trends in cancer research and core facilities. We want to see that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about how these advancements can shape the future of scientific services.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully managed complex operations or led teams through change. We love to see candidates who can balance strategic vision with practical execution.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to groundbreaking cancer research.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Scientific Core Facilities and Services in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing complex scientific operations. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Director of Scientific Core Facilities and Services.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive transformation.
Be Bold and Visionary: We love candidates who think big! When writing your application, include your vision for how scientific facilities can accelerate cancer research. Show us your innovative ideas and strategic thinking.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the latest advancements in cancer research and the specific technologies used at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. Brush up on your knowledge of core facilities and how they support scientific operations, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing complex scientific operations. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams, managed budgets, and implemented strategic plans in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to drive transformation and foster a high-performing culture.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Institute's mission and recent developments, especially the new £150 million biomedical research centre. Think about how your vision aligns with theirs and be prepared to share your ideas on how to enhance their scientific services and infrastructure.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the challenges faced by the Institute. Inquire about their strategic goals, funding opportunities, and how they envision the future of their core facilities. This shows your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.