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- Tasks: Lead and innovate in advanced scientific facilities for cancer research.
- Company: World-leading Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Influential role, strategic impact, and collaboration with top scientists.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cancer research and drive transformative scientific services.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in life sciences and substantial leadership in scientific operations.
- Other info: Exceptional environment for cutting-edge research and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 ÂŁ 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
Why choose Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute?
The CRUK Manchester Institute is a world‑leading centre for excellence in cancer research. The Institute is core funded by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world. In spring 2023, the Institute moved into the new Paterson Building, a £150 million flagship purpose‑built biomedical research centre directly attached to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, in South Manchester. We are partnered with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, 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. The Institute has access to outstanding laboratory facilities and exceptional core services, including next generation sequencing, microarrays, confocal microscopy, bioinformatics, histology and mass‑spectrometry.
How to apply?
To apply for this position please visit our website. Please ensure you detail the names of three referees and ensure you submit your application before 18:00 hours on 17 May 2026 (UK British Summer Time). For any informal enquiries about this post, please contact Samra Turajlić: email: samra.turajlic@cruk.manchester.ac.uk.
Director of Scientific Core Facilities and Services in Manchester employer: CRUK Manchester Institute
Contact Detail:
CRUK 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 your connections in the scientific community, attend relevant conferences, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their core facilities and recent projects. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've transformed services or managed complex operations. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to drive change and inspire teams.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our mission at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Scientific Core Facilities and Services in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your substantial experience in managing complex scientific operations. We want to see how you've led multi-disciplinary teams and handled large-scale projects, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Bold Vision: We’re looking for someone with a bold vision for scientific facilities. Share your ideas on how you can accelerate discovery and translation in cancer research. This is your chance to stand out!
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to tailor your application to our specific needs. Mention your understanding of modern biomedical research and how your skills align with the role. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Don’t Forget the Referees: Remember to include the names of three referees in your application. This helps us get a better picture of your past work and achievements, so choose wisely!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRUK 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 about their core facilities and how they contribute to translational research.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your experience in leading complex scientific operations. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed large teams, budgets, and capital investments in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive transformation.
✨Have a Vision
Think about how you would position the Institute as a global leader in scientific infrastructure. Be prepared to articulate a bold vision for the future of scientific services and how you plan to implement it, highlighting your strategic thinking and practical execution.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Practice how you would communicate and engage with senior scientists, institutional leaders, and external partners. Show that you can balance strategic discussions with practical solutions, and be ready to discuss how you've built successful partnerships in the past.