Head of Research Intelligence

4,000 professionals, 0 days wasted, 1 incredible purpose. Together we are beating cancer.

Head of Research Intelligence

Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 pa depending on experience

Reports to: Director of Research Operations & Communications

Department: Research & Innovation

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week (flexible-working requests will also be considered if it meets business needs)

Location: Stratford, London with high flexibility (we would expect you to be in the office 1-2 days per week)

Closing date: Sunday 16th March at 23.55. This vacancy may close earlier if a high number of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found, so please do not delay submitting your application to avoid any disappointment.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.

We have a new exciting opportunity for a Head of Research Intelligence to join the Research Operations team to lead on reporting, evaluation and impact assessment for Cancer Research UK’s (CRUK) research portfolio.

What will I be doing?

• Lead the evaluation of CRUK’s research portfolio, working in partnership with Research teams to provide insights into CRUK's research portfolio and funding effectiveness, supporting the development of new strategies and plans 

• Oversee the creation and dissemination of comprehensive management reports to support decision making and monitoring of CRUK’s research portfolio 

• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of technology solutions that support research funding processes, working with the Technology department to integrate new technologies and improve existing systems. 

• Lead on impact assessment and reporting of CRUK’s research portfolio, working with Science Engagement team to create detailed impact reports for both internal stakeholders and external audiences. 

• Build a multi-skilled team to provide analytical input into work with other key stakeholders in CRUK, working closely with the Science and Research Policy and Cancer Intelligence teams to provide insight into CRUK’s research portfolio and broader cancer research environment 

• Bring external insight into CRUK’s research evaluation and impact assessment, using external data sources and other insights to contextualise CRUK’s work within the global research landscape.  

• Build and maintain external relationships with other funders, academic groups and industry, monitoring trends, contributing to cross sector initiatives and keeping abreast of best practice in research evaluation and impact assessment. 

• Act as subject matter expert in the application of technology to research funding processes, monitoring developments in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and driving the adoption of new technologies

What skills are we looking for?

• A deep understanding of the UK biomedical research environment, through experience of working for a funding body, recipient of grant funding, and/or in a research environment  

• Experience of building, developing and managing teams 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to be able to develop and maintain excellent working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders 

• Extensive experience of data analysis, reporting and evaluation. 

• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex data 

• Proven track record of leading evaluation and impact assessments

• Strong understanding of technological solutions for research funding

• Strategic thinker with a data-driven approach

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do. 

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination   

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism    

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people   

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively 

We’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. 

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 careers web page. 

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 quickly, fairly, and objectively.

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

There’s a place for everyone at Cancer Research UK. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. 

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner. 

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. We don’t expect everyone to meet all of the criteria listed.

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 by emailing us at [email protected]. 

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.