At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative cancer research for children and young people, shaping impactful strategies.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leader in the fight against cancer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous benefits package, career development, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young patients' lives through innovative research leadership.
- 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) in London 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 professional growth. Located in Stratford, London, our office provides high flexibility with the option to work from home 1-2 days a week, fostering a collaborative culture where ambitious leaders can thrive. Join us to make a meaningful impact in children's and young people's cancer research while enjoying a generous benefits package and opportunities for personal development.
