At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative cancer research for children and young people, shaping impactful strategies.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous benefits package, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the fight against cancer while collaborating with global experts.
- Qualifications: Strategic leadership experience in complex research portfolios and strong partnership-building skills.
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 28th June 2026
**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 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.
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.
About Us: We’re the world’s leading cancer charity, dedicated to saving and improving lives with our research. We work to reduce the impact of cancer on people’s day-to-day lives through our research, influence and information. We are beating cancer – step by step, day by day. Our work means that people with cancer live better lives through earlier diagnosis and kinder, more effective treatments. Find a purposeful career that will empower you to grow and collaborate with like-minded experts.
Associate Director (Children's & Young People's Cancer Research) employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration in the fight against cancer. Our Stratford office offers a flexible work environment, generous benefits, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while fostering a culture that values inclusivity and well-being. Join us to make a meaningful impact in children's and young people's cancer research, surrounded by passionate colleagues dedicated to transforming lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director (Children's & Young People's 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's 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!
