Key Details
About the role
Are you a career Executive Assistant who thrives in a busy environment, delivers with precision, and builds trusted relationships at the highest level? Do you take pride in keeping things running smoothly, managing complex priorities, and being a vital member of a collaborative and mission-driven team?
This is an exciting opportunity to support Professor Samra Turajlic as she steps into the role of Director of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. As Executive Assistant to the Director, you’ll be at the heart of a world-leading scientific institution—helping shape its next chapter.
You will lead on the delivery and operational management of the Director’s office, working proactively and flexibly in response to shifting demands and priorities. You will liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders – from scientists to funders and public figures. With outstanding organisation and judgment, you’ll coordinate a busy national and international schedule, manage high-level engagements, and project manage key initiatives with discretion and precision.
This is a demanding and rewarding role in an inclusive environment, home to a community of over 350 scientists, clinicians, students, and professional staff—united in their commitment to scientific excellence and accelerating progress for human health.
About you
You’ll have extensive experience supporting senior executives in complex organisations, along with exceptional communication skills, and the ability to anticipate needs and act with clarity and drive. You should be educated to degree level (or have equivalent relevant experience in a similar, fast-paced EA/PA role) along with:
- Excellent IT skills and proficient in the use of Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams).
- Experience of successful delivery of internal projects and/or a multi-partner project.
- Outstanding organisational and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to think strategically, anticipate challenges, and offer proactive solutions.
- Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal with experience of drafting clear and concise briefings, reports and other types of communication for a wide range of audiences including senior management, along with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues at all levels within the institute.
- Experience of working within an academic, clinical or scientific environment is desirable but not essential. What matters most is your resilience, professionalism, and ability to support a leader operating at the pinnacle of global science.
More information
How to apply
To apply for this position please complete the online application via ‘Apply Now’ button to visit our secure job application site. Please ensure you detail the names of two referees and ensure you submit your CV* and Cover Letter before the closing date specified.
*In the ‘Publication and CV’ section, please upload only your CV and indicate your highest qualification.
Please note this vacancy will close for applications at 11:59pm on the closing date specified.
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Benefits
Find out how contributions to the Institute are recognised with a generous benefits package
Wellbeing
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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Read about our commitment to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly
Personal Development
To enable you to excel in your role and continue to develop, we offer a variety of training and support opportunities
Our Research
Our research spans the whole spectrum of cancer research from cell biology through to translational and clinical studies
Research Groups
Our research groups study many fundamental questions of cancer biology and treatment
Our Facilities
The Institute has outstanding core facilities that offer cutting edge instruments and tailored services from expert staff
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Why choose Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute?
The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, an Institute of The University of Manchester, is a world-leading centre for excellence in cancer research. The Institute is core funded by Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org),
the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world.
We are partnered with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Europe, which is located adjacent to the CRUK MI Manchester Institute in South Manchester. These factors combine to provide an exceptional environment in which to pursue basic, translational and clinical research programmes.
Careers that have a lasting impact on cancer research and patient care
We are always on the lookout for talented and motivated people to join us. Whether your background is in biological or chemical sciences, mathematics or finance, computer science or logistics, use the links below to see roles across the Institute in our core facilities, operations teams, research groups, and studentships within our exceptional graduate programme.
