Research Grants Manager

Research Grants Manager (X2) 

£37,000 - £41,000 plus benefits (or Pro Rata equivalent)   

Reports to: Senior Research Grants Manager 
Directorate: ​Research & Innovation​  
Contract: X2 12-Month Fixed Term Contracts  
(1 x full time and 1 x 0.6 FTE. Please indicate which you are applying for)  

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: 25 Nov 2025 23:55pm

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.  

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: Competency based interview  
Interview date:  Approximately week commencing 8 December  

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.  

Cancer Research UK are looking for two Research Grant Managers to join our Research Operations 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 Operations 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.  This position will be working to support applicants to the Research Careers Committee and the active awards of existing fellows.   

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.   

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.  

• Using the Grant Management System, Flexi-grant, to process applications and awards. 

• 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.   

•  Working in matrix with the Research and Partnerships department to advise on and deliver our funding offer. 

What are we looking for?  

• Strong science background, with post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject. Or proven professional experience within in a research environment.   

• 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.  

• Skilled use of Microsoft packages, including Word, Excel and Teams. 

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.