AI Project Manager

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

We are looking for an adaptable and collaborative AI Project Manager to join us at the Francis Crick Institute. This is a unique opportunity to support the fast-growing and wide-ranging portfolio of AI initiatives in one of the world’s leading biomedical research organisations. The role will initially focus on delivering infrastructure and software engineering projects led by the ITO, ensuring researchers have access to robust, cutting-edge computational capabilities that can support the future growth of AI-driven science.

As the Institute’s AI landscape continues to evolve, the role will increasingly sit alongside scientists developing new AI initiatives in silico using project management approaches to help turn promising prototypes into scalable platforms that can be adopted more widely. In parallel, the role will also support the development of AI capability within the existing enterprise IT estate, enabling productivity and operational impact through targeted AI-enabled enhancements.

This role operates in an emerging, non-linear space rather than a defined AI programme. The breadth of AI activity spans pure scientific research through to pragmatic applications within core systems, and no single individual is expected to understand the full technical spectrum. Instead, this role provides the closest thing to a central delivery perspective, bringing visibility, structure and coherence where a project delivery approach adds value.

The successful candidate will bring strong IT or digital project delivery experience and be comfortable applying those skills in an environment with limited structure and a high degree of uncertainty. You will need to be adaptable and responsive, able to work pragmatically with scientists, engineers and stakeholders, and capable of learning “just enough” about complex AI or computational concepts to collaborate effectively with subject matter experts. A continuous improvement mindset is essential, as is the ability to transform fast-moving, exploratory work into clear plans, structured delivery and reportable outcomes for senior leadership.

This role offers something difficult to find in industry. It offers the chance to work at the intersection of AI, science and infrastructure, supporting highly impactful biomedical research while helping shape how AI delivery is approached within a world-leading research institute. For candidates considering a move from industry to science, it offers broader ownership, meaningful impact beyond commercial KPIs, rare exposure to AI before it becomes productised, and the stability, purpose and career credibility that comes from contributing to nationally and globally significant research.

What you will be doing

• Managing the implementation and delivery of projects that support the Crick's AI enablement programme of works, from initiative through development to implementation and transition to a fully operational platform.
• Building relationships with key stakeholders across science and operations who are leading in AI innovation and development in their domain.
• Providing project planning, progress monitoring, resource and risk management across multiple projects running concurrently.
• Tracking an emerging roadmap of ITO initiatives, coupled with other AI developments happening around the Crick in science and operations domains.
• Ongoing role in broader support of the adoption and optimisation of AI tools after implementation is complete.
• Working closely with the AI training and communications lead, to ensure AI project deliverables are socialised and adopted post-implementation.

About you

• Demonstrable experience working as an IT or technical project manager, product manager or equivalent.
• Demonstrable experience of AI technology implementation.
• Strong understanding of digital technology domains.
• Experience of building strong stakeholder relationships with senior leadership, external users and internal technology subject matter experts and service users.
• Experience in all stages of the project lifecycle, from defining project scope, objectives and deliverables through planning, testing and go live, early life support to business-as-usual service operation.
• Strong understanding of the software development environment and working with software engineering teams.
• Experience deploying AI in a scientific, research or healthcare environment (Desirable).

About Working at the Crick

Our values: Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture. We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we’ll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: karen.au@crick.ac.uk.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK.
• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• Health & Well-being: 24/7 GP consultation services. Occupational health services and mental health support programs. Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.