Senior Research Funding Manager (Maternity Cover)

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

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.

You will play a senior role in overseeing WCRF International’s funded research portfolio, monitoring active grants, supporting research impact activity, and managing the Research Funding Officer (Impact). A key focus of the role will be leading scientific input into communications, monitoring and assessing the impact of funded research and managing newly awarded grants.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong scientific understanding of nutrition, physical activity and cancer research, sound scientific judgement, as well as experience in research management or research funding, including a good understanding of post-award processes, monitoring and impact. The role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience of science communications.

You should be confident providing senior oversight and line management within a small, collaborative team and be highly organised, adaptable and comfortable maintaining continuity during a fixed-term maternity cover.

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 (e: hr@wcrf.org) or HR, WCRF International, 140 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9FW by the closing date. You must have current right to work in the UK.

A full job description and person specification for this role are available in the job pack which can be viewed and downloaded at https://www.wcrf.org/about-us/work-for-us/our-vacancies/

Please note: Your cover letter should highlight how your skills and experience will benefit WCRF International and equip you for the role.  Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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