Research Programme Manager x 2 (Data and AI )*Internally this role is known as Research Programme Manager (Research Data Strategy)£46,000 - £54,000 plusReports to: Head of Research Data StrategyDirectorate: Research & InnovationContract: Permanent and x 1 12-14 Fixed Term Contract or Secondment OpportunityHours: Full time 35 hours per week (we open to discussing flex working arrangement such as compressed hours)Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)Closing date: 12 September 2025 23:55This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply. Please contact or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.Recruitment process: Short screening call followed by competency based interview and taskInterview date: Screening calls 23/24 September, interviews 1 and OctoberAt Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.Cancer Research UK are looking to recruit two Data Science professionals to join us as Research Programme Managers within our Research and Partnerships team. We have one permanent opportunity and one fixed term contract to cover a secondment in the team.It’s an exciting time to come on board as we start the process of refreshing our . We believe that the use of large-scale data , using data science, including AI, will accelerate CRUK’s ambition to beat cancer sooner. Since launching our current strategy in 2022, our key achievements include£5m programme in data-driven research for children and young people’s cancers.Our data-driven cancer research conference attended by over 300 colleagues from across the research community.£2.5m cancer data science network with several newly appointed leads for communities of special interest in health systems data, spatial biology data, careers and training, diversity and involvement, infrastructure, data and samples re-use etc.The focus of our refresh is likely to look at four key areas: to improve the AI-readiness of our cancer data, drive the ethical use of AI in cancer research, develop our people to ensure capabilities in team science, data science and AI, and develop key strategic initiatives in AI/data-driven cancer research, with a focus on our priority areas such as children’s and young people’s cancer, cancers of unmet need and prevention science.This is a great opportunity that spans both strategic and operational responsibilities. The Research Programme Manager will lead on developing and managing the Research Data Strategy portfolio: a suite of activities that support the cancer research community taking a data-driven approach to their research, to drive forward the field of cancer data science and use of large-scale data. The role includes scientific strategy development, research community-building, research management, evaluation, and communications (major projects can be tailored to suit the post-holder’s skills and interests).This is a great opportunity for a Research Portfolio Manager, Science Portfolio Advisor or Research Programme Manager to utilise their Data Science/AI and project management skills within an environment that has patient benefit at heart. A key focus is how we can use AI ethically in this space, so we are keen to hear from candidates with a passion in this area.What will I be doing?Supporting the Head of Research Data Strategy in developing new activities to deliver the ambitions of the Research Data Strategy.Delivering the existing core portfolio of data initiatives (e.g. by providing leadership for the newly appointed leads of our various communities of special interest as part of the cancer data network), and support delivery of the wider data portfolio being led by colleagues in teams and directorates across the charity, e.g. research operations; policy and influencing; cancer intelligence; commercial, corporate and other strategic partnerships, including international; training and careers; communications; philanthropy etc.Ensuring patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) and equality and diversity is embedded in all aspects of the Research Data Strategy portfolio and considered as part of the decisions taken, alongside our Public Involvement Lead.Delivering an effective governance structure for the Research Data Strategy both internally (e.g. by providing secretariat and strategic direction for the Research Data Strategy Steering Committee) and externally (e.g. by providing secretariat and strategic direction for the ), including appropriate reporting metrics and review processes.Developing an understanding of CRUK’s data science portfolio and act as a point of knowledge and expertise in the data portfolio, as well as an advocate for data science being a key type of research that CRUK supports across our funding streams. The post holder may have the opportunity to train for a Data Science Apprenticeship to top up skills in this area.Building and maintaining effective engagement with organisations involved in cancer data science, and managing key relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.What are you looking for?Educated to at least degree level in a science or health-related discipline, or equivalent experience.Experience of working in a relevant academic, industrial and/or research funding/management setting for example other research charities, research or academic institutes.Sound understanding of the data-driven biomedical research (particularly AI) and funding landscape in the UKProven track record of leading on, managing, and delivering multiple complexes, multi-stakeholder projects successfully.Relevant experience of working with, coordinating and influencing senior researchers and other senior stakeholders.Experience of matrix management/coordination of teams of staff who are not your direct reports.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong, positive and collaborative relationship with a variety of stakeholders, with at times conflicting needs and manage challenging scenarios.Confident in developing clarity when confronted with complex and shifting circumstances.Knowledge of cancer research generally would be beneficial but isn’t essentialOur organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determinationCredible: Act with rigour and professionalismHuman: Act to have a positive impact on peopleTogether: Act inclusively and collaborativelyWe’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 .How do I apply?We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.For more information on this career opportunity please or contact us at .For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: , , , and .Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
