University of Cambridge
Director, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute
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The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute
The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute is one of the world's leading centres for cancer discovery research. The Institute is one of Cancer Research UK's (CRUK) core-funded Institutes, the largest constituent of the CRUK Cambridge Centre and a department of the University of Cambridge. It is home to approximately 450 staff and students and receives around £25 million in annual core funding from CRUK.
About the Role
The University of Cambridge, in partnership with CRUK, seeks a new Director of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute. The successful candidate will also serve as a Senior Group Leader, maintaining an internationally leading research programme supported by world-class facilities, scientific infrastructure and long-term investment.
Key Responsibilities
The Institute is dedicated to improving patient lives through discovery science. Its research seeks to transform understanding of every stage of the tumour lifecycle, generating the biological insights that underpin future advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, it benefits from close connections with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the CRUK Cambridge Centre, AstraZeneca, alongside a range of other academic, healthcare and industry partners. Together, these relationships create a uniquely potent environment in which to accelerate the translation of discovery science into patient benefit. Researchers also benefit from access to eleven state-of-the-art core facilities, substantial long-term investment and a funding model designed to support ambitious, high-impact science.
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The new Director will provide inspirational scientific leadership to the Institute and will be responsible for its ongoing strategic development, ensuring that its research programmes remain at the forefront of cancer science globally. Working closely with CRUK, the University of Cambridge and the Institute Executive Committee, the Director will shape the scientific direction of the Institute, guide major research investments and oversee the development of new scientific capabilities. They will ensure the Institute continues to maximise opportunities presented by emerging technologies, including advances in data science and artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, the Director will have a large degree of autonomy in establishing the scientific direction and priorities of the Institute, presenting a unique opportunity for an exceptional leader to shape and drive one of the world's foremost cancer research organisations. As one of the most senior and visible scientific leaders within CRUK, they will contribute to the development of national and international cancer research strategy, act as an ambassador for the Institute and CRUK, and help ensure that the Institute continues to make a leading contribution to cancer research globally.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be an exceptional researcher in their own right and will have an outstanding international scientific reputation in cancer research or a closely related field. They will possess a vision for the institute, and leadership required to enact this vision, building upon the Institute's achievements to date and directing its next phase of development. The Director will embody the ambition and values of both the Institute and CRUK and will lead one of the world's premier cancer research institutes into the future.
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Application Process
Enquiries can be made, in confidence, to Natalie Derry or Jamie Cumming-Wesley at WittKieffer. Completed applications should be submitted electronically to rsmith@wittkieffer.com
Applications should consist of a CV accompanied by a covering letter addressing the criteria in the person specification and motivation for applying.
The deadline for receipt of applications is noon on 19 October 2026
The final interviews will take place January 2027.
For further information, please visit: https://wittkieffer.com/positions/a1wun0000022oohmau
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role on the online application form.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Please quote reference SW50928 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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