Research Grants Manager

Delivering initiatives.  Supporting researchers. Multiplying opportunities.  

Research Grants Manager

£37,000  -  £41,000 plus benefits

Reports to: Senior Research Grants Manager

Directorate: Research & Innovation

Contract : Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

Closing date:

This 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 [email protected] or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.

Recruitment process: Competency based interview

Interview date: W/C 7th July 2025 – Microsoft Teams

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.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.           

Cancer Research UK are looking for a Research Grant Manager to join our research funding team.  In this role you will work independently to deliver the application and committee process for a defined portfolio of grant applications and awards

Our Research Funding Team is pivotal to ensuring that Cancer Research UK continues to fund and support a wealth of innovative, world-class cancer research that will contribute towards our vision of beating cancer.

As a Research Grants Manager, you will provide external researchers and host institution administrators with advice, guidance and support on Cancer Research UK’s funding schemes, research policies, and grants management approach.

You’ll have a strong understanding of the UK biomedical research environment and be comfortable working to deadlines and managing multiple tasks.  In return, this opportunity will give you the opportunity be at the cutting edge of scientific research and the chance to work closely with the research community. You’ll also be surrounded by people as dedicated to beating cancer as you.

What will I be doing?

• Managing a portfolio of Cancer Research UK’s applications and awards.

• Supporting the operations of one of our Research Funding Committees and its Expert Review Panels by handling queries, advising on and promoting specific funding schemes, preparing panel reports, meeting papers and meeting minutes, and providing written post-Committee feedback.

• Managing the peer review process, through the identification of appropriate referees and Expert Review Panel members.

• Reviewing the finances for each award and carrying out post-Committee meeting outcomes.

• Developing and maintaining strong and professional relationships with a network of CRUK researchers and host institution administrators; supporting grantees and applicants to manage their applications and awards. 

What are you looking for?

• Strong science background, with post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject.

• A solid understanding of the UK biomedical research environment, potentially through working in or with universities/hospital trusts/biomedical charities.

• Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong planning and organisational skills, ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks, showing adaptability to meet targets and deadlines.

• Accuracy and excellent attention to detail, with demonstrable analytical and problem-solving skills.

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.

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 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 fairly and objectively.

For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].  

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

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.