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Prostate Cancer Research exists to honour the men and families who have been through things no family should have to go through, and to work for a future where no one needs to fear a prostate cancer diagnosis.
We are always working to provide resources to help, support and empower patients. Giving them the information they need to make better choices about their treatment, while working to identify and target specific unmet needs in the prostate cancer ecosystem, such as racial inequality and bone metastasis.
Our dedicated staff team is the key to our success, expanding the amount of research that we fund five times over in four years. PCR won the Change Project of the year award in 2023 and has been shortlisted for the following awards for our Real Talk campaign in 2025:
- Charity Times Award- PR Team of the Year
- Third Sector Award- Best Large Charity Film
- Third Sector Award- Communications Campaign of The Year
- Third Sector Awards- Large Corporate Partnership of the Year
At Prostate Cancer Research, we don’t just fund research. We help shape it. From launching cross-disease collaborative grant calls to developing first-of-their-kind initiatives that address gaps in the system, we work closely with researchers to drive meaningful progress.
This role offers the opportunity to combine scientific expertise with creativity and strategic thinking. As our research portfolio grows, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the department, while helping to shape its future direction.
Our remit includes delivering our own independent research projects and piloting community-led initiatives, alongside managing approximately £2 million in annual grant funding. You will also help strengthen links between discovery and translational research, support the development of new EDI initiatives, and build connections between academic research and our Prostate Progress data platform.
If you love science but think it could be done differently, if you would love a job where you can be both creative and analytical, we are the organisation for you.
You will work closely with a member of the Executive Team, allowing you to gain insight into organisational strategy and decision-making. You will also practise your own leadership and represent the department as part of our internal Heads of Group.
We have a strong commitment to flexible working and will work with you to agree a pattern that suits both you and the organisation.
Responsibility
- Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of our research portfolio of both grant-funded and in-house projects, including supporting and mentoring other team members
- Strengthen links between discovery and translational research through creating effective processes and partnerships
- Lead the day-to-day management of complex research projects
- Support the uptake of the Prostate Progress data platform within academic research
- Develop a Trust and Accountability Index to boost public trust in research, building on our recently launched Empowering Communities report
- Lead on the implementation of the charity’s next EDI strategy for researchers
- Deputise for the Director of Research where appropriate
- Act as an internal and external champion for discovery research
Skills and Competencies
Our ideal candidate would have the following:
- A strong belief in the value and potential of science (essential)
- A PhD in cancer or a relevant biomedical science discipline (essential)
- Experience working in an academic research laboratory within the past five years
- Experience managing research grants from application to closure, including financial and operational decision-making
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- An understanding of social science research methodologies
- Experience of EDI-focused initiatives or community engagement
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships, work flexibly, and manage expectations
- Confidence in leading new initiatives and driving innovation
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage researchers, patients and internal stakeholders
How To Apply
Please apply by submitting your CV and a short supporting statement (maximum 500 words). In the statement, focus on why you would like the role, and give a 2 – 3 examples of your achievements or things you have learned which directly map on to the requirements of this role. Your insights and previous experience may be drawn from both professional and voluntary contexts depending on which you feel better represents your authentic self and your suitability for the role.
There will be a two-stage interview process. The first interview will be online, and the second will be an in-person interview at our offices in London. We will provide interview questions in advance. Interviews will commence on the 11th of May.
For more information about our organisation and what we do, visit the Prostate Cancer Research website, The Prostate Progress webpage, and the PCR online patient resource, The Infopool
PCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Transforming Research. Transforming lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Head of Research
Full-time
Hybrid (at least 3 days per week on-site in Bloomsbury, London)
Permanent
£77,816 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Friday, 24 April 2026
About the role
The British Museum is looking for a visionary leader to shape the Museum's intellectual agenda and vision for research as Head of Research.
This is a rare opportunity to shape research strategy at an internationally renowned institution with the chance to influence research across the UK museum sector. With a strong track record of world-leading research, you will ensure the Museum has one of the world's most researched, accessible and visible collections. Working closely with the , and over 100 researchers and curators across all , you will lead the development and delivery of a compelling Research Strategy that enriches understanding of the Museum's collections, supports major projects, and fuels the next generation of researchers.
You will reimagine what it means to be a research-led international museum in the 21st century as the Museum embarks on in the past 150 years. To achieve this, you will build strong internal and external partnerships at the highest levels, champion research excellence, and secure significant external funding to advance the Museum's ambitions.
If you are looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to make a major contribution to the future of the Museum, we invite you to apply for this role.
Key areas of responsibility
- Ensure the Research Strategy drives a strong and dynamic programme of research that supports and develops the Museum's intellectual agenda.
- Catalyse high quality research across all areas of the Museum, ensuring all elements of the Museums work is informed by research, especially the , new galleries, and .
- Guide the development of major and funding bids, focusing on income-generating activities.
- Manage the Deputy Head of Research and other team members and support the development of early career researchers and young researchers embedding a strong research culture across the Museum.
- Represent the Museum internally and externally, cultivating strong stakeholder relationships and partnerships, increasing collaborative research partnerships.
- Contribute to the national and international research landscape through advocacy and strategic insight.
- Lead key relationships with external organisations for the development of the Museum's research at BM_ARC in Reading.
- Deliver internal and external research reviews and continuously elevating research quality.
- Lead the Museum Research Board and oversee relevant policies.
About you
We're looking for a strategic, inspiring leader with a clear and sensitive leadership style. You'll be able to motivate teams, forge successful partnerships, and champion research excellence. You will be comfortable operating at the highest level, balancing multiple priorities, and delivering work of long-term significance for the Museum and its audiences.
What you'll bring to the Museum:
- Strong reputation in a relevant research field with significant experience developing and implementing strategies within a research-focused environment.
- Proven leader in securing external funding, delivering funded high-profile projects and managing large budgets.
- Understanding of issues facing the museum or heritage sector.
- Strong managerial experience, including motivating teams and leading change.
- Ability to lead, influence and collaborate with stakeholders internally and externally, across academia, government and media.
- Evidence of a strong research and publications record.
Benefits
At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That's why we've designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found , but we've outlined some highlights below:
- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
- Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
- Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
- Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
- Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
- Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Support for carers through Employers for Carers.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation-linked defined benefit.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.
Additional details
At the British Museum, we are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process where every applicant has the opportunity to present their genuine strengths and experience in their own voice.
While we recognise that AI tools can be helpful when preparing applications, we expect all submissions to accurately reflect everyone's skills and background, and we may withdraw applications that appear to be generated entirely by AI.
During interviews, we want to hear directly from candidates and therefore do not permit the use of AI to generate or support answers, though assistive technologies used as reasonable adjustments are fully welcomed.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details
*We may be able to provide visa sponsorship for this role, subject to meeting eligibility requirements. You can find out more about these .*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
The Museum's aim is to hold a collection representative of world cultures and to ensure that the collection is housed in safety.
