Centre Administrator (Maternity Cover)

Location:

This is a hybrid role based at the Roderic Hill Building in the South Kensington Campus

About the role:

Step into a pivotal role at the core of a major cross-institutional research initiative funded by Cancer Research UK. As Centre Administrator, you’ll support the Centre Manager by overseeing finances, coordinating operations across departments and institutions, and driving the smooth delivery of high-impact, cancer-focused research.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Finance Officer/Manager, Grants Officer/Manager, or Administrator to broaden their skills and take on a central role in the financial and day-to-day administration of a major, cross-faculty, and cross-institutional research centre.

What you would be doing:

You will play a vital role in delivering the CRUK Convergence Science Centre’s mission by working across the Institute of Cancer Research and Imperial College London. You’ll be the key link between finance, operations, and administration to ensure that activities are delivered efficiently and in line with funder expectations.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Finance Management: You will manage the Centre’s day-to-day finances, including monitoring budgets, raising and reconciling invoices, and approving expenses and requisitions in accordance with institutional policies. You will provide financial guidance to research teams, support grant reconciliation and closure, and help prepare reports for funders such as CRUK. You will also maintain strong links with finance teams across both institutions to streamline processes and improve oversight.
• General Management & Administration: You will liaise closely with research support teams to maintain effective operations and track research outcomes. You will ensure compliance with funding terms and support the development of administrative frameworks and protocols. Your role will also involve managing co-funding opportunities, and taking on general administrative tasks, such as travel booking to meeting logistics, while continuously identifying ways to improve efficiency and solve challenges proactively.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual with strong financial and research administration experience to join our collaborative team. You will thrive in a complex, cross-institutional environment and bring a solutions-focused mindset to a varied and rewarding role.

You should have:

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• Proven experience in financial management and research grant administration
• Experience working within academic or research institutions
• Strong knowledge of financial principles, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance
• Excellent communication skills
• High proficiency in financial software and reporting tools
• Ability to troubleshoot financial discrepancies and drive process improvements
• A collaborative approach

Desirable, but not essential:

• Education or background in legal, contract, or compliance management
• Experience with research administration systems (e.g., Worktribe)
• Understanding of UK research funding bodies (e.g., CRUK) and funding conditions
• Awareness of the challenges of interdisciplinary, cross-institutional research

What we can offer you:

• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits

Further Information

This is a full-time post, fixed-term contract for 11 months (maternity cover from 1^st Oct 25 – 31^st Aug 26)

The Cancer Research UK Convergence Science Centre is a partnership between Imperial College London and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) with funding from Cancer Research UK. 

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Arnaud Legrand (Centre Manager) a.legrand@imperial.ac.uk

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