Senior Research Funding Manager

World Cancer Research Fund International; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer prevention charity based in London is seeking a Senior Research Funding Manager for a 12-month maternity cover. This role involves overseeing the research portfolio and ensuring continuity in post-award activities. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in nutrition and cancer research, along with experience in research management. Excellent communication skills are essential for this role. Salary is between £44,000 and £46,000 per annum plus benefits, working in a hybrid model.

Qualifications

• Strong scientific understanding of nutrition, physical activity, and cancer research.
• Experience in research management, understanding post-award processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including science communications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee funded research portfolio and support research impact activity.
• Manage the Research Funding Officer and lead a collaborative team.
• Lead scientific input into communications and assess the impact of research.

Skills

Strong scientific understanding of nutrition, physical activity and cancer research

Experience in research management or research funding

Excellent communication skills

Line management experience

Job description

Fixed-term 12-month contract

London N1

Full time – 37.5 hours a week

We're a hybrid working employer, meaning you're required to come into the office at least 2 days per week currently Tuesday, and Wednesday or Thursday.

Closing date: 5pm, Monday 2nd February 2026

First Interviews: w/c 17th/18th February 2026

Second interviews: w/c 24th February 2026

Opportunity

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to advance the research agenda for cancer prevention and survival?

We are seeking a Senior Research Funding Manager (maternity cover) to ensure continuity across our post-award research funding activity during a 12-month cover period. This role is ideal for someone with strong scientific understanding and experience in research management who enjoys working collaboratively across science, policy and communications.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee WCRF International’s funded research portfolio, monitoring active grants and supporting research impact activity.
• Manage the Research Funding Officer (Impact) and provide senior oversight of the small, collaborative team.
• Lead scientific input into communications, monitoring and assessing the impact of funded research and manage newly awarded grants.

Ideal candidate

• Strong scientific understanding of nutrition, physical activity and cancer research.
• Experience in research management or research funding, including a good understanding of post-award processes, monitoring and impact.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience of science communications.
• Confidence providing senior oversight and line management within a small, collaborative team; highly organised, adaptable and comfortable maintaining continuity during a fixed-term maternity cover.

Department

You will join the Science and Policy Department, which leads WCRF International’s research funding, research interpretation and policy activity, translating evidence on diet, nutrition, physical activity and cancer into policy-relevant outputs and action.

Application details

If you are interested in this role and feel you possess the necessary requirements, please submit a current CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) via the ‘Apply’ button above or HR, WCRF International, 140 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9FW by the closing date. You must have current right to work in the UK. Your cover letter should highlight how your skills and experience will benefit WCRF International and equip you for the role.

£44,000 to £46,000 per annum plus benefits