Centre Administrator [Maternity Cover]

Step into a pivotal role at the core of a major cross-institutional research initiative funded by Cancer Research UK. As Centre Administrator, you’ll support the Centre Manager by overseeing finances, coordinating operations across departments and institutions, and driving the smooth delivery of high-impact, cancer-focused research. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled finance or operations professional ready to make a meaningful difference in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

As Centre Administrator, you will play a vital role in delivering the CRUK Convergence Science Centre’s mission by working across the Institute of Cancer Research and Imperial College London. You’ll be the key link between finance, operations, and administration to ensure that activities are delivered efficiently and in line with funder expectations.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Finance Management: You will manage the Centre’s day-to-day finances, including monitoring budgets, raising and reconciling invoices, and approving expenses and requisitions in accordance with institutional policies. You will provide financial guidance to research teams, support grant reconciliation and closure, and help prepare reports for funders such as CRUK. You will also maintain strong links with finance teams across both institutions to streamline processes and improve oversight.
• General Management & Administration: You will liaise closely with research support teams to maintain effective operations and track research outcomes. You will ensure compliance with funding terms and support the development of administrative frameworks and protocols. Your role will also involve managing co-funding opportunities, and taking on general administrative tasks, such as travel booking to meeting logistics, while continuously identifying ways to improve efficiency and solve challenges proactively.

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual with strong financial and research administration experience to join our collaborative team. You will thrive in a complex, cross-institutional environment and bring a solutions-focused mindset to a varied and rewarding role.

You should have:

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• Proven experience in financial management and research grant administration
• Experience working within academic or research institutions
• Strong knowledge of financial principles, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance
• Excellent communication skills for working with internal teams and external stakeholders
• High proficiency in financial software and reporting tools
• Ability to troubleshoot financial discrepancies and drive process improvements
• A collaborative approach with the confidence to work across teams and institutions

Desirable, but not essential:

• Education or background in legal, contract, or compliance management
• Experience with research administration systems (e.g., Worktribe)
• Understanding of UK research funding bodies (e.g., CRUK) and funding conditions
• Awareness of the challenges of interdisciplinary, cross-institutional research

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity. Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes). Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme. Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel. Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various resources to support your personal and professional development.

Please note that if you are NOT a passport holder of the country for the vacancy you might need a work permit.