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]
Data Scientist
Under the guidance of Professor Trevor Graham, we are seeking to recruit a Data Scientist to support Data Science research across the ICR. The successful candidate will particularly work on the analysis of spatial data including multiplex immunohistochemistry, H&Es and spatial transcriptomics. About you The successful candidate must have: A PhD in quantitative subject, or likely to be awarded PhD in the near future. Research experience equivalent to PhD level will be considered. Undergraduate degree, or Masters or equivalent in a quantitative subject. Skills in bioinformatics computing coding, in languages including R, Python and other scripting languages as is appropriate. Experience of using high performance computing (HPC) systems for scientific computing. Experience of computational biology research methodologies pertinent to the role. Department/Directorate Information The Data Science Committee is chaired by Professor Trevor Graham, providing academic leadership of data science at the ICR to maximise the impact of our cancer research, by applying innovative data science and computation tools (in addition to our traditional areas of strength) to tackle the important cancer questions and ensuring infrastructure is considered to enable this. 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 Trevor Graham [email protected].
Head of Biology, Cancer Drug Discovery (Group Leader)
The ICR is seeking an established research leader in cancer drug discovery biology with a track record in discovering innovative drugs to be the Head of Biology in the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery (CCDD). The appointee will provide scientific leadership for the CCDD biology discipline, champion scientific excellence and work closely with senior team leaders in the CCDD to provide a strategic vision for the research and drug discovery portfolio. Key Requirements The role requires excellence in cancer biology, coupled with significant experience across the target identification to candidate selection stages of drug discovery. We envisage that applicants will have either significant commercial experience of successful drug discovery or have a strong academic track record in cancer biology and small molecule drug discovery; or will have a combination of both backgrounds. As part of your online application you will be required to upload your full CV which will pre-populate your application form. Department/Directorate Information: 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 Abby Cook via Email on [email protected]
Director of Centre for Target Validation (CTV) (Group Leader)
The ICR is seeking an established research leader in cancer biology with a track record in target validation for drug discovery to be the Director of the Centre for Target Validation (CTV). The appointee will provide scientific and strategic leadership of the CTV, ensuring a pipeline of robust, clinically relevant targets for drug discovery programmes within the ICR’s Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery (CCDD). They will collaborate with scientists across the ICR to identify target validation projects with therapeutic potential that are suitable to benefit from the Centre’s dedicated resource and scientific expertise. They will lead, direct, and participate in multidisciplinary projects to define/refine therapeutic hypotheses, examine mechanisms of target modulation, and explore biomarkers and patient selection criteria. Working with the CTV Deputy Director, they will ensure that ICR expertise in drug target identification is effectively translated to drug discovery programmes at ICR and with external partners. Key Requirements The appointee will lead an independent research group contributing to the discovery of novel targets and/or innovative small molecule anticancer therapies, aligned with the strategy and goals of the CTV / CCDD. The role requires expertise in cancer biology and substantial experience in target identification & validation; experience of later drug discovery stages is valued. We envisage that applicants will have either significant commercial experience or have a strong academic track record in cancer biology for target validation; or will have a combination of both backgrounds. As part of your online application you will be required to upload your full CV which will pre-populate your application form. Department/Directorate Information: 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 Abby Cook Email on [email protected]
Group Leader - Biology
The ICR is seeking a cancer biology research leader to join us in our mission to discovery novel small molecule therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. The appointee will lead an independent cancer biology research group that contributes to the overall strategy and goals of the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery (CCDD); in particular, progression of innovative small molecule anticancer compounds to proof-of-concept clinical trials. Commitment to translational and drug discovery research is fundamental to this position. The appointee will lead and participate in multidisciplinary drug discovery projects to discover small molecule clinical candidates. Key Requirements The role requires application of molecular pharmacology and cancer biology approaches to 1) support hypothesis-driven target identification and validation; 2) design and implement functional and mechanistic assays to support discovery and progression of small molecule therapeutics; and 3) develop and test hypotheses regarding patient selection strategies and biomarkers. Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment is essential. We envisage that applicants will have either commercial experience of successful drug discovery or have a strong academic track record in cancer drug discovery; or will have a combination of both backgrounds. As part of your online application you will be required to upload your full CV which will pre-populate your application form. Department/Directorate Information: 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 Abby Cook via Email on [email protected]
Clinical Research Fellow
Applications are invited for the post of Clinical Research Fellow in the Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapy Group (PCTTG) at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust to contribute to the discovery, development and delivery of the next generation of treatments, technologies and methodology into clinical care. This post is an excellent opportunity to be centrally involved in the management of patients with advanced prostate cancer enrolled in clinical trials of experimental anti-cancer drugs. In addition, the applicant will be encouraged to become involved in translational research that could lead to a PhD and will gain experience in translational and clinical research including the conduct of clinical trials and manuscript writing. To be considered applicants must meet the following essential criteria: Full registration with the General Medical Council, Acquisition of MRCP, and Clinical experience in managing cancer patients. Department/Directorate Information The PCTTG, under the leadership and guidance of Professor Johann de Bono and Dr Adam Sharp, has led on the development of many of the new drugs currently used for the management of advanced prostate cancer including abiraterone, cabazitaxel, enzalutamide, olaparib and Lutetium PSMA. The Unit is based at the Royal Marsden in the Oak Cancer Centre, a day-care area with outpatient facilities exclusively dedicated to the care and treatment of patients enrolled in clinical trials and is closely linked to our translational research laboratories 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 Professor Johann de Bono 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.