At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative children's cancer research and build impactful partnerships.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leader in fighting cancer with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous benefits package, career development, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment that values wellbeing and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young patients' lives through innovative research.
- Qualifications: Strategic leadership experience in complex research portfolios and partnership building.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Directorate: Research & Innovation
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London
Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Closing date: Sunday 5th July 2026
Visa sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this vacancy.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We're looking for an exceptional and ambitious strategic leader to shape the future of children and young people's cancer research. This is a high-profile role leading a priority portfolio at scale - driving forward bold, transformative plans to transform outcomes, with a focus on better, kinder treatments. You'll build powerful partnerships, influence globally, and bring together science, funding and collaboration to accelerate progress for young patients.
What will I be doing?
- Lead the development and delivery of a bold, long-term strategy for Children & Young People (CYP) cancer research, positioning it as a major organisational priority
- Build and secure high‑value partnerships and funding, growing income to support our ambitions
- Shape and oversee a complex research portfolio spanning discovery through to clinical impact
- Act as a senior external ambassador, building influential relationships with global funders, researchers, clinicians and partners
- Drive a step‑change in strategic collaboration, including consortia-building and new partnership models in paediatric research
- Lead, inspire and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering a high‑performing and collaborative culture
What are we looking for?
- A highly strategic leader with experience delivering large-scale, complex research or innovation portfolios
- Strong track record of building and securing major partnerships, funding, or philanthropic investment that have delivered impact
- Deep credibility in the research landscape (ideally oncology, paediatrics, or translational science)
- Proven ability to operate externally at senior level, influencing and building global relationships
- Experience creating and delivering ambitious strategies from the ground up
- A collaborative, inclusive leadership style with the ability to inspire teams and stakeholders
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do. 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.
Associate Director (Children's & Young People Cancer Research) employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we are dedicated to beating cancer and offer an exceptional work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. As an Associate Director in our Stratford office, you will lead transformative initiatives in children's and young people's cancer research while enjoying a flexible work culture that promotes work-life balance. With generous benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth, you'll be part of a collaborative team committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of young patients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director (Children's & Young People Cancer Research)
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Cancer Research UK. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Cancer Research UK!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director (Children's & Young People Cancer Research)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Cancer Research UK that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Cancer Research UK.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Cancer Research UK does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Cancer Research UK. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Cancer Research UK's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Cancer Research UK. This shows your passion for the industry!
