Head of Research

Prostate Cancer Research exists to honour the men and families who have been through things no family should have to go through, and to work for a future where no one needs to fear a prostate cancer diagnosis. We are always working to provide resources to help, support and empower patients, giving them the information they need to make better choices about their treatment, while working to identify and target specific unmet needs in the prostate cancer ecosystem, such as racial inequality and bone metastasis.

Our dedicated staff team is the key to our success, expanding the amount of research that we fund five times over in four years. PCR won the Change Project of the Year award in 2023 and has been shortlisted for the following awards for our Real Talk campaign in 2025:

• Charity Times Award - PR Team of the Year
• Third Sector Award - Best Large Charity Film
• Third Sector Award - Communications Campaign of The Year
• Third Sector Awards - Large Corporate Partnership of the Year

At Prostate Cancer Research, we don’t just fund research. We help shape it. From launching cross-disease collaborative grant calls to developing first-of-their-kind initiatives that address gaps in the system, we work closely with researchers to drive meaningful progress. This role offers the opportunity to combine scientific expertise with creativity and strategic thinking. As our research portfolio grows, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the department, while helping to shape its future direction.

Our remit includes delivering our own independent research projects and piloting community-led initiatives, alongside managing approximately £2 million in annual grant funding. You will also help strengthen links between discovery and translational research, support the development of new EDI initiatives, and build connections between academic research and our Prostate Progress data platform. If you love science but think it could be done differently, if you would love a job where you can be both creative and analytical, we are the organisation for you.

You will work closely with a member of the Executive Team, allowing you to gain insight into organisational strategy and decision-making. You will also practise your own leadership and represent the department as part of our internal Heads of Group. We have a strong commitment to flexible working and will work with you to agree a pattern that suits both you and the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of our research portfolio of both grant-funded and in-house projects, including supporting and mentoring other team members.
• Strengthen links between discovery and translational research through creating effective processes and partnerships.
• Lead the day-to-day management of complex research projects.
• Support the uptake of the Prostate Progress data platform within academic research.
• Develop a Trust and Accountability Index to boost public trust in research, building on our recently launched Empowering Communities report.
• Lead on the implementation of the charity’s next EDI strategy for researchers.
• Deputise for the Director of Research where appropriate.
• Act as an internal and external champion for discovery research.

Skills and Competencies

• A strong belief in the value and potential of science (essential).
• A PhD in cancer or a relevant biomedical science discipline (essential).
• Experience working in an academic research laboratory within the past five years.
• Experience managing research grants from application to closure, including financial and operational decision-making.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• An understanding of social science research methodologies.
• Experience of EDI-focused initiatives or community engagement.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships, work flexibly, and manage expectations.
• Confidence in leading new initiatives and driving innovation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage researchers, patients and internal stakeholders.

How To Apply

Please apply by submitting your CV and a short supporting statement (maximum 500 words). In the statement, focus on why you would like the role, and give 2 – 3 examples of your achievements or things you have learned which directly map on to the requirements of this role. Your insights and previous experience may be drawn from both professional and voluntary contexts depending on which you feel better represents your authentic self and your suitability for the role.

There will be a two-stage interview process. The first interview will be online, and the second will be an in-person interview at our offices in London. We will provide interview questions in advance. Interviews will commence on the 11th of May.

PCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.