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]
Research Group Leader, ICR Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU)
Role Summary The Group Leader will lead a component of ICR-CTSU’s portfolio of clinical trials research. The post holder will further develop and grow the portfolio in line with ICR-CTSU’s overall strategy and take responsibility for a number of ongoing trials as well as the development of new trials. We seek an experienced biostatistician with a strong research interest in clinical trials methodology and a passion for direct involvement in the oversight and leadership of academic clinical trials. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of ICR-CTSU to further enhance the Unit’s internationally recognised strength in clinical trial design, conduct and analysis. The post holder will be expected to make a substantial independent intellectual contribution to clinical trials projects and be proactive in leading and contributing to broad initiatives that enhance the overall effectiveness of ICR-CTSU. The appointee will contribute to the overall scientific life of the ICR including the newly established ICR/Royal Marsden Hospital’s Centre for Trials and Population Data Science, by providing mentorship to more junior colleagues and acting as an academic leader. We seek an individual who will work closely and collaboratively with other faculty/Group Leaders at ICR and with international/national key opinion leaders to extend the breadth and depth of ICR-CTSU’s biologically rich clinical trials portfolio. In partnership with clinical opinion leaders, s/he will generate research funds to conduct and deliver clinical trials research at the international forefront. Presentation at national and international conferences, production of top-quality research outputs and substantial professional contribution to wider clinical trial network bodies are expected. Enthusiasm for team-based science in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment is essential. The appointment will be based on track record and the ability and willingness to engage in team science. The successful appointee will have access to ICR’s successful PhD training programme and core facilities. Key Requirements Higher degree (MSc or PhD) in medical statistics/biostatistics or an allied field (e.g. public health, epidemiology, data science) with relevant work experience Significant experience as a clinical trials, medical or bio-statistician within the academic or commercial sector A desire to apply existing and novel statistical methods to the requirements of a diverse range of statistical problems A broad understanding of cancer research Ability to lead a Clinical Trials Unit based research group As part of your online application, you will be required to upload your full CV which will pre-populate your application form, you will also be asked to attach the following documents and failure to do so will mean your application cannot be considered on this occasion: Lists of major publications, achievements, research grants and distinctions. A PDF of a maximum of five key publications, or other research outputs (e.g. patents) that best demonstrate previous productivity or a single document giving hyperlinks to these outputs. You must also complete the personal statement section of the application form in the format of a cover letter including the names and contact details of three academic referees Department/Directorate Information: Division of Clinical Studies Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) The ICR-CTSU is a Cancer Research UK-funded, internationally recognised methodologist led clinical trials unit, providing cancer-focused clinical trial research expertise. We lead pioneering, efficient, high-quality, and impactful trials across the phases. Our expertise ranges from experimental medicine early phase studies exploring biological efficacy to trials which may deliver widespread change to routine practice, underpinned by applied methodology to drive forward clinical trial innovation. See our clinical trials Joining as a group leader, you will be given outstanding support to help you to continue to develop in your career. Along with a start-up package of funding, you will also have access to resources to establish your group, including support for recruiting key group members, such as PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. 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 Professor Emma Hall ([email protected])
Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London seeks to appoint a Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling to play a pivotal role in advancing our cutting-edge cancer research. The position is based at the newly established Centre for In Vivo Modelling (CIVM), part of the Division of Cancer Biology. We welcome applications at both the Career Development Faculty and Career Faculty levels. Key Requirements The successful candidate will generate and employ state-of-the-art genetic and humanised mouse models of cancer to tackle fundamental and translational questions in haemato-oncology and/or solid tumour oncology. In addition to leading a successful research group, they will expand the CIVM's research capabilities and foster productive collaborations with other groups and centres at the ICR, thus promoting in vivo modelling by integrating it into multidisciplinary projects and initiatives. Applicants must have an internationally recognised track record of leading research in in vivo modelling and advanced mouse genetics, demonstrated by high-quality publications and significant funding success. For more junior candidates, an outstanding track record in cancer research, coupled with a compelling research vision leveraging advanced genetic mouse models and clear potential to secure competitive external funding, is essential. As part of your online application you will be required to upload your full CV which will pre-populate your application form, you will also be asked to attach the following documents and failure to do so will mean your application cannot be considered on this occasion: Lists of major publications, achievements, research grants, distinctions. Research plan (five to six pages outlining your current research interests and research programme for the next 5 years) A PDF of a maximum of five key publications, or other research outputs (e.g. patents) that best demonstrate previous productivity You must also complete the personal statement section of the application form in the format of a covering letter including the names and contact details of three academic referees Department/Directorate Information: The ICR is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutions, with an outstanding track record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. In addition to being one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions for research quality and impact, the ICR is consistently ranked among the world’s most successful for industry collaboration. As a member institution of the University of London, we also provide postgraduate higher education of international distinction. One of the ICR’s key research strategies is to defeat cancer by viewing it as a dynamic ecosystem. We aim to solidify our expertise in state-of-the-art in vivo cancer models to probe these complex cancer ecosystems, discover their underlying biology, and identify new therapeutic targets. The postholder will significantly contribute to driving these strategic priorities. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. If you would like to informally discuss this position, please contact Professor Kamil R. Kranc ([email protected]), Director of the Centre for In Vivo Modelling, or Professor Chris Jones ([email protected]), Head of the Division of Cancer Biology at the ICR.
Postdoctoral Training Fellow - Microenvironment
Under the guidance of Anna Wilkins and Magnus Dillon, we are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Training Fellow to contribute to a project on the microenvironmental effects of radiotherapy, assessing the microenvironmental effects of advanced radiation technologies in vivo and conducting analyses of radiotherapy-treated human tumour tissues. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing our knowledge of the effect of radiation (microbeam +/- FLASH) on fibroblast and myeloid populations in pancreatic and bladder cancer models. About you The successful candidate must have: - a home office licence and prior experience of in vivo mouse work - immunology experience, either using multiparameter flow cytometry, development and analysis of multiplex immunofluorescence or spatial transcriptomic data analysis Candidates who are nearing completion of their PhD may apply, but confirmation on awarded PhD is required within 6 months of employment. 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. For general information on Postdocs at The ICR, more information can be found here. Department/Directorate Information The Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging brings together research groups that work on how to use radiation therapy, guided by state-of-the-art imaging techniques, in the most effective way to cure cancer. Our work is based on the central idea that the best outcomes will be achieved by delivering curative radiation doses to tumours, while limiting radiation damage of neighbouring normal tissues. Our therapy often includes adding drug treatments alongside radiation therapy as a means of killing cancer cells more effectively and, at the same time, activating anti-tumour immune responses. Preclinical work includes research that combines radiation therapy with radiation sensitisers and biological response modifiers (for example innate immune activators, immune checkpoint inhibitors) to maximise anti-tumour efficacy and give protection against tumour recurrence. Multiple translational clinical studies seek to address these themes through our collaborators in the Royal Marsden. Overall, our mission is to cure more patients with fewer immediate and long-term side effects of treatment. Biological enhancement of radiotherapy and Stromal Radiobiology Groups The Biological Enhancement of Radiotherapy and Stromal Radiobiology Groups (led by Magnus Dillon and Anna Wilkins) aim to understand how the tumour microenvironment drives radiotherapy resistance. The groups focus on gastrointestinal and bladder cancers with an emphasis on integrating findings from preclinical models and patient samples. The immunostimulatory effect of radiation is often restrained by suppressive cells in the tumour microenvironment. These include certain populations of cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumour-associated neutrophils. Both fibroblast and macrophage activation and polarity can be affected by radiation, with dose-dependent effects. The effect of dose-rate is unknown, but delivering radiation at ultra-high dose-rates (FLASH) is believed to have reduced effects on normal tissues, including immune cells. Microbeam radiotherapy offers the opportunity to modulate different spatially-distributed populations by exposure to different radiation doses. Using these technologies may allow the delivery of radiation which (a) preserves and (b) stimulates anti-tumour immune cells, when compared to standard treatment. We work collaboratively within other groups in the Centre for Immunotherapy of Cancer and the Centre for Cancer Imaging 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. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Postdoctoral Training Fellow
Under the guidance of Prof. Simon Robinson, we are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Training Fellow to develop and apply pre-clinical MRI techniques to characterise the tumour microenvironment and its response to treatment in vivo. The successful candidate will play a key role in exploiting MRI for adaptive radiotherapy, performing MRI-embedded investigations of tumour response to radiotherapy/immunotherapy drug combinations. About you The successful candidate must have a PhD (or supervisor’s pre-approval) in Physical or Biomedical Science, and accomplished in the application of imaging techniques for the investigation of cancer. Experience in the development & application of MRI protocols, ideally in a pre-clinical setting, MRI image acquisition and associated software programming for data analysis would be advantageous. The ICR has a workforce agreement stating that Postdoctoral Training Fellows can only be employed for up to 7 years as a PTDF at the ICR ( this includes experience gained at PDTF level prior to joining the ICR). Department/Directorate Information The position will be based within the Centre for Cancer Imaging, part of the Division of Radiotherapy & Imaging at the Institute of Cancer Research. 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. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Prof. Robinson via email ([email protected]).
Human Resources Adviser
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated and experienced HR Adviser to join our HR Operations team for 12 months. Providing dedicated partnering with client departments, you’ll work closely with line managers to provide proactive and pragmatic advice and guidance on all aspects of people management, taking ownership of a busy employee relations caseload. You will also be responsible for supervising the work of our HR Administrative Team to ensure our monthly payroll input is submitted accurately and on time. You will work closely with other HR teams, including Recruitment, Systems and Information, and Learning and Organisational Development to ensure the provision of an effective, end to end HR service to Scientific and Professional Services teams across the ICR. Key Requirements You will have previous HR advisory experience, as well as a sound experience of managing employee relations cases end-to-end. You’ll need to be highly computer-literate, and have excellent attention to detail, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills to deliver effectively within a fast-paced environment. You will also have first-rate customer service skills to build and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues across the organisation. Previous line management experience, and of managing small scale team restructures, including knowledge and understanding of TUPE processes would be a distinct advantage. Human Resources Directorate We know that talented, brilliant, passionate people lie at the heart of the ICR. That’s why we provide the policies, procedures, systems and people management infrastructure to recruit, retain, motivate and develop our people to achieve their full potential. We offer both operational and strategic support to teams across the ICR. We are organised across four main functions: HR Operations Learning and Organisational Development Pensions Reward, Information and Systems The ICR’s future success depends on recruiting the very best people with the very best skills and our HR strategy ensures that we have the organisational capacity and capability to deliver this. We encourage all applicants to access the job description pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the Sutton based role, please contact Karen Grieff via email on [email protected].
HR Payroll Specialist
About the Role We are seeking a Payroll Specialist to join our HR Team and contribute in providing high quality, proactive HR and Payroll support focused on ensuring a resilient, streamlined monthly end to end process for implementing HR changes and managing the Payroll service, in line with our policies and procedures and to agreed service levels. The role will also provide expertise, additional resilience and capacity across the HR and payroll function to support the HR department in the implementation of the Oracle Cloud solution, as well as directly feeding into the programme where required, participating in workshops and meetings and disseminating relevant information to HR colleagues. Key Responsibilities To take lead responsibility for the monthly payroll processing timetable from the HR perspective. To ensure all changes input into the system are actioned in time for the monthly payroll cut-off and that inputs have the correct impact on the employee's payslip in each case. To be a source of expert knowledge on the various elements that might apply to an employee's pay. To be a source of expert knowledge and guidance on all payroll taxes, including the tax implications of salary sacrifice arrangements and benefits in kind. To be involved in the annual pay review processing and implementation. About You We are looking for someone with demonstratable experience of working in an HR/Payroll function. And: Educated to degree level in a related field or equivalent relevant experience Part qualified membership status of the CIPD or equivalent knowledge and experience Excellent organisational and time-management skills Strong communication and interpersonal abilities What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Competitive salary and pension. 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 Karen Grieff via email @ [email protected].
Scientific Officer
Under the leadership of Prof. Kevin Harrington, we are seeking to recruit a Scientific Officer to contribute to radiotherapy / immunotherapy-focused research projects. The candidate will be part of the Targeted Therapy team at The Institute of Cancer Research, on Fulham Road, in London. Our team focuses on radiotherapy / immunotherapy combinations for cancer treatment. The successful candidate will play a key role in conducting experiments, analysing data and provide technical support for in vitro and ex vivo assays as well as analyses of in vivo samples. The technical work will focus on cell culture and maintenance and in vitro assays including various tumour cell assays and immunology read-out assays. The candidate will support research activities across multiple projects under the lead and supervision of senior members of the team. About you The successful candidate must have: MSc in Biological science (or equivalent) Experience in cell culture and molecular biology assays and cell based assays in vitro. Experience in flow cytometry is desirable. High attention to detail and keep daily accurate scientific records. Enjoy working independently and as part of a team. Department/Directorate Information The Candidate will work in the Targeted Therapy Team within the division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, headed by Professor Kevin Harrington. 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. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Dr. Malin Pedersen ([email protected]) or Dr. Emmanuel Patin ([email protected]).