Programme Coordinator (KQ Labs)

Salary for this Role:

From £29,300 per annum, subject to skills and experience

Job Title:

Reports to:

Closing Date:

Job Description:

Programme Coordinator – KQ Labs

Reporting to: KQ Labs Programme Manager

Contact term: This is a full-time fixed term (12 months) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment. Hybrid – minimum 3 days in the office per week.

Salary for this Role: From £29,300 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Application deadline: Thursday 5th March 2026

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy. 

About KQ Labs

KQ Labs is a major initiative supporting early-stage, data-driven health start-ups from across the UK. Backed by partners including the Wellcome Trust, Innovate UK, and Genomics England, the programme helps position London’s Knowledge Quarter as a global centre for health innovation. Now in its eighth year, KQ Labs provides funding, mentoring, expert workshops and investor connections to ten companies each year, building a thriving alumni network of over 70 start-ups. The initiative has also expanded to include TechBio Boost, supporting later-stage companies, and NG Studios, helping northern university spinouts, alongside the PULSE bootcamp for emerging life science entrepreneurs.

About the role

We’re seeking a highly organised and proactive Programme Coordinator to support the delivery and growth of KQ Labs.

This is a hands-on role at the heart of our accelerator programmes. You will ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the programmes, supporting curriculum delivery, events, legal and financial processes, portfolio reporting and stakeholder coordination.

Working closely with a collaborative and fast-paced team, you’ll help maintain operational excellence while contributing to venture sourcing and community engagement. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a central role in one of the UK’s leading health innovation accelerators.

See the full job description here.

What you will be doing

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting the smooth delivery of the KQ Labs accelerator and related programmes.
• Coordinating events, workshops and key programme milestones, including in-person support.
• Managing portfolio data and impact reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• Supporting venture sourcing, application coordination and onboarding of new cohorts.
• Contributing to marketing, outreach and community engagement activity.

About you

You will have:

(Minimum criteria *)

Essential:

• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands.*
• Experience managing data and producing clear, accurate reports.*
• Excellent communication skills and confidence working with diverse stakeholders.*
• The ability to manage multiple concurrent activities in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and strong time management.
• Professionalism, discretion and the ability to handle sensitive information.

Desirable:

• Exposure to start-ups, accelerators or entrepreneurial environments.
• Interest in health innovation or the life sciences sector.
• Experience supporting legal or financial administrative processes.
• An interest in marketing or community engagement.

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture! 

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: [email protected].

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive?  

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development: 

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays. 

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%. 

• Health & Well-being: 

• 24/7 GP consultation services. 

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs. 

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

• Back-up care for dependents. 

• Childcare support allowance. 

• Annual leave purchase options. 
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.