Careers at the ICR
We provide exceptional opportunities for the best scientists, clinicians, and professional and administrative staff, and excellent academic and recreational facilities at our two London sites, in Chelsea and Sutton.
As a world-leading research organisation, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, offers a fantastic working environment, great opportunities for career development and the chance to make a real difference for cancer patients. We aim to recruit and develop the best – with positions for outstanding scientists and clinicians, and the most talented professional or administrative staff.
Different types of positions at the ICR
Our aim is to attract the best people in cancer research. We offer an excellent working environment, competitive salaries and good staff benefits. There is a range of career paths at the ICR, in scientific research, research support, and professional and administrative positions.
We offer a variety of professional and administrative roles in areas such as facilities, fundraising, communication, IT, human resources, research services and education and library services.
Our professional services teams are tailored to meet the needs of a research organisation, and many of our employees in these teams have backgrounds in science, or experience of working with scientists and clinicians.
Our specialist finance team is experienced at dealing with research grants, and staff within our Business and Innovation Office have the expertise to negotiate complex collaborative agreements between the ICR and pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
We're recruiting the top figures in cancer research to work in a vibrant and confident culture that consistently produces world-changing research.
To become part of our career faculty, you will be an established senior researcher and have the proven leadership skills and international research credibility to direct major scientific programmes, and build and manage a motivated and high-performing scientific team.
Our culture emphasises the importance of collaborative working to address the big challenges in cancer research, and you will be expected to form part of the wider ICR team. You will also recruit and develop the research leaders of the future.
To join the ICR you’ll be a talented scientist looking for the next step after your initial postdoctoral studies. You’ll be ready to start leading a team independently under the mentorship of a leading senior scientist.
Personal fellowships, funded by a variety of medical research agencies and charities, are the usual route for new leaders to join us in areas in which we are traditionally very strong, such as cancer biology. Success as a fellow will put you on a fast-track route to gaining a long-term career at the ICR.
To join us you will have, or be in the process of gaining, a personal fellowship from one of the major national or international funding bodies, such as the Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, one of the Research Councils, the Royal Society or the National Institute for Health Research.
For PhD graduates looking for a postdoctoral role. We offer a competitive salary, rigorous training, many opportunities for professional development, and an open and inclusive working culture.
We offer clinicians a variety of working opportunities, from working as a postdoctoral researcher in one of our eight scientific divisions, to carrying out independent research as a clinician scientist or clinical research fellow, to heading a specialised research team. We also offer clinicians the opportunity to develop their specialty, through a variety of taught or research-based postgraduate degrees.
Collaboration between scientists and clinicians is essential for the translational nature of the cutting-edge research carried out at the ICR. It gets new treatments to patients more quickly, and allows our researchers to learn from experience in the clinic.
Moving to the UK
We attract staff from all over the world. Find all the information you need to move to the United Kingdom to work with us.
Staff benefits
Find out more about the staff benefits we offer, including a competitive salary package, annual leave entitlements, and sports and social facilities.Some of our current vacancies
Postdoctoral Training Fellow
Under the leadership of Claudio Alfieri, we are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Training Fellow to join the Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Cycle Regulation Group at the Chester Beatty Laboratories, Fulham Road in London. This project aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of cell cycle regulation by macromolecular complexes involved in cell proliferation decisions, by combining genome engineering, proteomics and in situ structural biology. For general information on Post Doc's at The ICR can be found here. Key Requirements The successful candidate must have a PhD in cellular biochemistry and experience in Cryo-EM and CLEM is desirable. The ICR has a workforce agreement stating that Postdoctoral Training Fellows can only be employed for up to 7 years as PDTF at the ICR, providing total postdoctoral experience (including previous employment at this level elsewhere) does not exceed 7 years Department/Directorate Information: The candidate will work in the Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Cycle Regulation Group within the ICR Division of Structural Biology headed by Prof. Laurence Pearl and Prof. Sebastian Guettler. The division has state-of-the-art facilities for protein expression and biophysics/x-ray crystallography, in particular the Electron Microscopy Facility is equipped with a Glacios 200kV with Falcon 4i detector with Selectris energy filter and the ICR has access to Krios microscopes via eBIC and the LonCEM consortium. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Claudio Alfieri via Email on [email protected]
Higher Scientific Officer - Drug Discovery Biology, Centre for Protein Degradation
We are seeking to recruit a Higher Scientific Officer within the Induced Proximity Therapeutics (IPT) Team in the ICR Centre for Protein Degradation to support our molecular glue and PROTAC drug discovery projects and expand induced proximity technology. The IPT team focuses on three main areas of research: Cancer target validation Screening, profiling and molecular mechanism of action of molecular glue and PROTAC degraders Novel E3 ligase biology and ligand discovery The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team and play a key role in target validation, developing in vitro and cell-based assays, and pharmacological characterisation of novel molecular glue degraders and PROTACs, but may also contribute to other activities. About you The successful candidate: Will be a strong team player who is technically minded and passionate about science and cancer drug discovery Will hold a first degree, and preferably a PhD, in biological science or biochemistry Will have experience in cancer biology/target validation, genetic manipulation techniques, in vitro and cell-based assay development and pharmacological compound profiling Experience in targeted protein degradation will be a significant advantage. Department/Directorate Information This position will be based in the ICR's Centre for Protein Degradation, a part of the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery (CCDD) specialising in developing novel drug modalities that re-wire tumour cells' signalling by targeted degradation of key oncogenic drivers. Our experienced biologists work closely with medicinal chemists, biophysicists, computational scientists, oncology specialists and physicians on discovering new medicines - molecular glue degraders and PROTACs - using innovative screening platforms and characterising their mechanisms of action, as well as expanding the repertoire of novel degradable drug targets and E3 ligases (enzymes that mediate protein degradation). Our research provides a nucleus for the academics and pharmaceutical industry to explore therapeutic potential of targeted protein degradation from laboratory hypothesis-testing to early clinical trials, for the benefit of cancer patients. What we offer A dynamic and supportive research environment in one of the successful academic cancer drug discovery centres in the UK Access to state-of-the-art facilities and professional development Collaboration with leading drug discovery and oncology scientist Competitive salary and pension To learn more about this role, please download the attached job pack. For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Agnieszka Konopacka, Group Leader, Induced Proximity Therapeutics, Centre for Protein Degradation via email: [email protected].
Postdoctoral Training Fellow - Computational Single Cell Biology (Dr Stephen-John Sammut)
Under the leadership of Dr Stephen-John Sammut, we are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral researcher to apply existing and develop cutting-edge single-cell computational methods for modelling breast tumour evolution during chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Your work will contribute to the development of predictive frameworks that can be deployed in breast clinical trials to guide treatment decisions. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to drive innovation at the interface of computational biology and clinical research, shaping the future of precision oncology. For general information on Post Doc's at The ICR can be found here. The ICR has a workforce agreement stating that there is a maximum duration of employment of 7 years including pre-ICR PDTF experience. Key Requirements The successful candidate must have a PhD in a computational biology or other numerical subject, have extensive programming experience, and possess a basic knowledge of cancer biology. A background in the analysis and interpretation of molecular data is essential. If available, please include a link to your online, publicly-available source code repository in your application. Department/Directorate Information: The Cancer Dynamics Laboratory headed by Dr Stephen John Sammut, focuses on developing computational and experimental frameworks that model changes in breast cancer biology during treatment to develop personalised precision cancer therapies. The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at the ICR is the first centre in the UK entirely devoted to breast cancer research. Our goal is to advance research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. It is located in state-of-the-art laboratory space, with excellent core facilities and is funded through a long term renewable programme grant from Breast Cancer Now. The Centre is directed by Clinician Scientist Professor Andrew Tutt. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. What we offer A dynamic and supportive research environment Access to state-of-the-art facilities and professional development opportunities Collaboration with leading researchers in the field Competitive salary and pension We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role.
Scientific Operations Project Manager
About the team The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at The Institute of Cancer Research, in the Division of Breast Cancer Research, is the first centre in the UK entirely devoted to breast cancer research. Our goal is to advance research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The Centre is located in state-of-the-art laboratory space in central London, is supported by excellent core facilities and is funded through a long term renewable programme grant from Breast Cancer Now. The Director of the Centre is clinician scientist Professor Andrew Tutt. Professor Chris Lord is the Deputy Director and is a cancer biologist. Our work is fully integrated in a programme that Professor Tutt directs with our colleagues in the Breast Cancer Now Unit at King’s College London (KCL Deputy Director Dr. Sheeba Irshad). We also work closely with partners across the ICR and with colleagues in the Royal Marsden Hospital and Guy’s Hospital. About the role Key to our success is the ability to fund the research in the Centre and the Division, either by competitive research grants, or via collaborations with those in the biotech. and pharmaceutical commercial sectors. Enabling, managing and maintaining key collaborations with other academic research groups, both external and within ICR is also key to our success. This role is therefore aimed at providing assistance to the Director, Deputy Directors and Principal Investigators by: Supporting our ongoing relationship with our main funder, Breast Cancer Now, by project managing the submission from the Centre of annual reports and our five year cross-programme grant renewal application Identifing new grant funding opportunities and supporting grant applications Identifying and project managing new commercial opportunities e.g. collaborations with pharma. and biotech. Working with the ICR’s Business and Innovation team to develop research agreements and commercial contracts that support collaborations with pharma. and biotech. Carrying out administrative tasks associated with the use of the selection and acquisition of equipment in collaboration with the Research Centre’s laboratory manager Carrying out administrative tasks associated with the use of scientific core facilities and CROs Carrying out supporting administration that is associated with interactions with scientific collaborators, including our colleagues within ICR, the ICR/Imperial College CRUK Convergence Science Centre, the Breast Cancer Now Research Unit at King’s College London and colleagues in the Royal Marsden Hospital and Guy’s Hospital Assisting with the composition and submission of research manuscripts from the Centre, including liaising with communications teams within ICR and Breast Cancer Now Managing our Patient Representatives programme Managing scientific content on external website pages and on internal wiki pages. Assisting with the implementation of our new laboratory lab management system. (SLIMs) Planning of scientific meetings and any scientific associated tasks that aid the delivery of research in the Centre & Division, including monthly Group Leaders meetings and retreats Key candidate requirements Hold a PhD in a life science subject Extensive knowledge of wet laboratory cancer research gained from working in a cancer research laboratory Knowledge of the academic/charitable industry funding system Knowledge of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology Proven scientific communication skills (written and verbal)
Higher Scientific Officer - Proteomics Core Facility
Under the guidance of Professor Jyoti Choudhary, we are seeking to recruit a Higher Scientific Officer to contribute to provide high quality proteomics analysis including isobaric labelling and DIA quantitation, chromatography fractionation and enrichment of post-translational modifications. The successful candidate will be able to design, develop and publish methods addressing current needs in proteomics, undertake end-to-end analysis of a variety of samples to characterise proteome features in a quantitative fashion. About you The successful candidate must have a PhD in a biological or chemical science, as well as the ability to design and implement proteomics experiments using state-of-the-art techniques and to perform statistical analysis, data integration and visualisation to a high level. Proteomics Core Facility The Proteomics Core Facility led by Professor Jyoti Choudhary, is among the most sophisticated in the UK, providing a highly-skilled specialist service cutting edge mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis as well as conducting research to develop innovative quantitative proteomics workflows for the characterization of multiple aspects of protein function and structural attributes. Find out more about the Proteomics Core Facility here: www.icr.ac.uk/research-and-discoveries/other-facilities-and-technology/proteomics-core-facility What we offer A dynamic and supportive research environment Access to state-of-the-art facilities and professional development opportunities Collaboration with leading researchers in the field Competitive salary and pension We encourage all applicants to download the job description pack for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Professor Jyoti Choudhary via email on [email protected].
Higher Scientific Officer - Target Validation and Genome Stability Group
Under the guidance of Prof Joanna Loizou, we are seeking a Higher Scientific Officer to carry out lab-based cell biology research focused on potential therapeutic targets in breast cancer. The successful candidate will also contribute to assay development and biomarker discovery for targets that move to a drug discovery phase within the ICR’s Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery. About you The successful candidate must have: An MSc (or equivalent) in cell biology or aligned subject Skills in cell biology techniques used for target validation Expertise in a range of biology readouts used for screening and biomarker detection Department/Directorate Information The Target Validation and Genome Stability Group, led by Professor Joanna Loizou, focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in the DNA damage response to generate pre-clinical information that can lead to the identification of novel targets for drug discovery programmes. The teams sit within the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, within the Division of Breast Cancer Research at The Institute of Cancer Research which is the first centre in the UK entirely devoted to breast cancer research. Our goal is to advance research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. It is located in state-of-the-art laboratory space, with excellent core facilities and is funded through a long-term renewable programme grant from Breast Cancer Now. What we offer A dynamic and supportive research environment Access to state-of-the-art facilities and professional development opportunities Collaboration with leading researchers in the field Competitive salary and pension
Trial Manager (Maternity Cover)
Summary of Role We would like to appoint an experienced Trial Manager to be responsible for: • Day to day management of the trial(s) through set-up, recruitment and reporting; • Liaison with stakeholders and participating centres to promote the trial(s) and ensure successful recruitment and delivery; • Co-ordination of data management and biological sample collection activities. The post offers an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-motivated individual with clinical trial experience to work in a dynamic and supportive academic environment at one of the leading National Cancer Research Institute cancer trials units. The successful applicant will be responsible for the central coordination of multicentre cancer trials. Key Requirements Applicants should hold a first degree or equivalent level qualification in biological science, social science or other relevant subject (including nursing and health care disciplines) or equivalent, relevant work experience and have a good understanding of the principles of GCP, data protection and research governance. Experience of clinical trial coordination is essential. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. Department/Directorate Information The Institute of Cancer Research is looking for an experienced Trial Manager to join the Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) at its Sutton site in Surrey. ICR-CTSU runs a diverse portfolio of national and international phase III multicentre randomised controlled trials, and phase II trials of targeted treatments with a focus on breast, urological and head and neck cancer treatments Informal enquiries can be made by emailing [email protected].
Scientific Officer: Radiotherapy Physics Modelling
Under the guidance of Professor Uwe Oelfke, we are seeking to recruit a Scientific Officer to provide skilled laboratory assistance in pre-clinical projects in radiobiological and immunological research. The successful candidate will provide first line user training and support for our three x-ray radiation devices including performing the monthly quality assurance. They will also be expected to contribute to the design and delivery of on-going research projects. About you The successful candidate must have: A BSc. in Physics or Biomedical Sciences (or equivalent) MSc. in Physics and Engineering or Biomedical Sciences (desirable) A basic knowledge of Matlab, Python or C/C++ The ability to understand and discuss scientific projects Experience of working under pressure and adhering to established deadlines The ability to work independently whilst still being a good team player Excellent organisation skills with attention to detail Department/Directorate Information The Radiotherapy Physics Modelling Team, lead by Professor Uwe Oelfke, sits within the Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging. We are applying cutting edge Radiotherapy techniques in a multi-disciplinary setting to investigate the application of radiation in an in-vitro and in-vivo setting. The postholder will be based within the Centre for Cancer Imaging which houses 130 imaging researchers from a range of disciplines. What we offer A dynamic and supportive research environment Access to state-of-the-art facilities and professional development opportunities Collaboration with leading researchers in the field Competitive salary and pension We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. To arrange an informal discussion regarding the role, please email [email protected]