Operations

Operations teams

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  Academic Development

  Anna Kasket, Academic Development Partner

  The Academic Development Team is responsible for academic support and student experience in the Institute’s unique postgraduate degree courses.

  Working within the University’s academic framework, the Team provides advice and guidance on matters relating to course requirements, while also supporting a number of initiatives unique to the Institute such as the Postgraduate Training Programme, student Thesis Advisory Committees, the termly Student Forum and the Undergraduate Summer Research Programme for potential PhD students.

  Student programmes

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  Brand and Communications

  Branwen Brockley, Head of Brand and Communications

  The Brand and Communications team is responsible for all internal and external communications, including event management, for the Institute.

  They manage a wide range of activities, including liaising with press and communications teams, supporting policy visits, and overseeing digital communications.

  The team also leads patient and public engagement initiatives and schools outreach programmes.

  Contact us

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  Compliance and Biobanking

  Dr Osama Al-Assar, Human Tissue Governance Lead

  We work with all research teams and stakeholders at the Institute, Clinical School, and University to maintain human tissue governance in line with all regulations and ethical standards.

  The team is the gatekeeper for the entry and exit of human biological material from the Institute, providing centralised systems and logistical biobanking support to all researchers.

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  Core Facility Operations

  Emma Ryley, Head of Core Facility Operations

  The Core Facilities Operations Team is responsible for the Institute’s 10 scientific core facilities, ensuring they deliver both scientifically and operationally while continuing to make transformational contributions to our world-class research.

  The team ensures that all core facilities operate efficiently and effectively, collaboratively supporting the diverse research needs of the Institute and connecting with the wider research community.

  Additionally, the team holds the Home Office Establishment Licence, ensuring that all research involving animals remains compliant with UK legislation.

  Core Facilities

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  Director's Office

  Karen Woodey, Director of Operations

  The Director of Operations’ Office is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Institute’s operations, including Core Facilities, Property Services, Finance, and HR. The team handles long-term strategic planning for the Institute and provides essential support and infrastructure to the Director.

  Additionally, the office serves as the main point of contact for other departments within Cancer Research UK, the University of Cambridge, and various external organisations, ensuring smooth and effective collaboration across all entities.

  Leadership

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  Grants

  Lesley Young, Head of Grants and Finance

  The Grants team supports the Institute with expertise on all grant matters, from developing grant applications through to the active management of awards.

  We are happy to meet with individuals looking to apply for grant funding or negotiate funding agreements with industrial partners and can provide training at all levels for those involved with managing grant funding. We also hold the function normally performed by the University Research Office such as accepting awards, billing, and final expenditure statements.

  Our funding

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  Finance

  Lesley Young, Head of Grants and Finance

  The Institute’s finance team supports staff with all their financial requirements such as purchasing goods, setting up new suppliers, staff expense claims, donations, and management of operational budgets.

  We are also responsible for the financial running of the core facilities which includes setting up users on the core facility booking site, development of the unit price for charging, and monthly internal and external billing.

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  Human Resources

  Jasper Alexander and Monique Hodges, HR Managers

  The role of Human Resources at the Institute is to proactively partner with the science to encourage a culture of best practice and to foster an environment conducive to world class research.

  We offer support and guidance with all people and culture related matters including recruitment, getting started, personal development, pay, grading and benefits, and resolving problems at work.

  Careers

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  IT and Scientific Computing

  Nigel Berryman, Head of IT and Scientific Computing

  The team provides world-class scientific computing facilities for the Institute’s researchers. This includes personal computing equipment, Institute networking, database and information applications, and a high-performance compute cluster optimised for high throughput computation and machine learning.

  Scientific computing

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  Laboratory Managenent

  Dr Chris Lehane, Laboratory Manager

  The Laboratory Management Team ensures the smooth operation and maintenance of communal equipment and facilities, including cold rooms, equipment rooms, and tissue culture rooms. They manage Institute service contracts, the laboratory equipment database, and the asset register.

  As part of their responsibilities, the team runs the Glasswash and Media Service, providing high-quality, centralised glass washing and sterile supplies. They also produce a range of basic solutions that are replenished in the labs daily, with more complex solutions and media available upon request. Additionally, the team manages a consignment stock of cell culture reagents and oversees the recycling of plastic ware, ensuring efficient and sustainable laboratory operations.

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  Property Services

  Colin Weir, Head of Property Services

  Property Services is responsible for the maintenance and enhancement of the Institute’s built environment. The team oversees a wide range of service functions, including facilities management, security, and maintenance.

  Their responsibilities encompass all aspects of building and estates management, such as access control, cleaning, catering, energy and environmental control, fire safety, building repairs, postal services, room bookings, reception and security. The Property Services team ensures a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment that supports the Institute’s operations and research activities.

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  Research Administration

  Kate Davenport and Marion Karniely, Research Administration Managers

  Each research group is supported by a dedicated Research Administrator who assists with the day-to-day administrative function of the group and serves as an excellent point of contact for any non-scientific questions.

  Research Administrators undertake a variety of tasks ranging from managing diaries to event organisation. They handle personnel administration, support the recruitment process, assist with grant applications, arrange business travel and manage visitor access. Their support ensures the smooth and efficient operation of each research group.