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].
Trials Methodologist/Senior Trials Methodologist
The Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR-CTSU) is expanding its statistical and methodology team. We want to hear from you if you: Enjoy the challenge of researching, developing, and implementing efficient trial methodology that would make a difference in patients’ lives. Seek variety in your work and opportunities to apply your statistical knowledge across multiple therapeutic areas in oncology. Thrive on being part of a multi-disciplinary research team with like-minded statisticians. Applications are now open for a Trials Methodologist/Senior Trials Methodologist position to join our team of over 20 statisticians. The post offers an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-motivated statistician to work in a dynamic and supportive academic environment at a leading cancer clinical trials unit. Key Requirements The successful applicant will be an experienced and highly motivated statistician interested in researching new statistical methods to improve efficiency in clinical trials and eager to apply their statistical knowledge across various therapeutic areas in oncology. The successful applicant will have a post-graduate qualification in statistics. They should demonstrate a solid understanding of clinical trials and experience in applying statistical methods to real-world data. Familiarity with Bayesian statistics is highly desirable. Effective oral and written communication skills, as well as enthusiasm for collaborating with others from diverse disciplines, are essential. Department/Directorate Information ICR-CTSU manages an exciting portfolio of national and international phase II and III clinical trials and an expanding number of early phase I/II cancer trials. You will contribute in shaping the development of methodological innovations and implementing efficient methods in new and ongoing trials, with a specific focus in early phase and adaptive trials. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team on trials methodology research and on the statistical development, oversight, and analysis of a number of clinical trials within ICR-CTSU’s portfolio and early phase portfolio in collaboration with external organisation and the Drug Development Unit. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. This is an office based role. Requests for hybrid working (splitting time between our Sutton site and home) may be considered following successful completion of key training and if the role allows. Flexible working options may be considered. For informal discussion about the Trial Methodologist/Senior Trial Methodologist post, please contact Professor Christina Yap and Dr Jan Rekowski, email: [email protected] and [email protected]. For general queries about the recruitment process, please contact ICR-CTSU, 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].
Business Development Intern
About the Role We are seeking a Business Development Intern to join our Business and Innovation Office and contribute to gain experience of working in a technology transfer and knowledge exchange office. The successful candidate will gain knowledge of drafting and negotiation of contracts, knowledge of Intellectual Property protection and exploitation, the ability to distil key scientific concepts and communicate these ideas to others, knowledge of key industry areas, ability to analyse market potential and interpersonal skills Key Responsibilities The internship will help you develop skills and experience working in contracts, technology transfer and knowledge exchange, at the interface of academic and industry You will be introduced to many aspects of the work of the Business and Innovation Office (BIO) and will have the opportunity to work with different functions within the office You will gain; a knowledge of drafting and negotiation of contracts, knowledge of Intellectual Property protection and exploitation, the ability to distil key scientific concepts and communicate these ideas to others, knowledge of key industry areas, ability to analyse market potential and interpersonal skills We will provide formal training including the chance to attend Knowledge Exchange UK or UCL training. You will be expected to work on a range of agreements including material transfer, confidentiality, and data transfer agreement. There will be the opportunity to shadow BIO managers on more complex projects. About You We are looking for a proactive, detail-oriented, organised, fast learner, team player individual with excellent IT skills and organisation skills. A degree in a subject relevant to the ICR or BIO is required High levels of literacy and numeracy Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Excellent organisation skills with a demonstrated ability to muti-task, and mange workloads. Excellent IT skills, with the ability to implement, maintain computerised and web-based admin systems and data sources effectively. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension Department/Directorate Information Business and Innovation Office The Business and Innovation Office acts as the technology and knowledge transfer hub for The Institute of Cancer Research, providing the experience and expertise to put in place a wide range of agreements between our scientists and industry. You will be joining one of the most successful teams of its type in the UK. We are a busy team working on a wide variety of projects with many different academic and commercial partners. 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 Yvette Newbatt via email [email protected]
Test Manager
About the Role We are seeking an experienced Test Manager to join the ICR and the Stratus Programme and contribute to supporting the organisation to adopt simple, standard and modern processes in our everyday operations. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing the test strategy, development of all testing products, support and matrix management of test teams, including external suppliers. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement test strategies, plans, and procedures specifically for the implementation of the ICR Stratus ERP programme using applications such as Oracle Fusion, as well as third party applications to ensure full end to end testing. Lead and manage the ICR and third party testing plan and resources ensuring effective collaboration and communication. Oversee all aspects of quality assurance for Oracle applications, integrations and migrations to create end to end processes, based on ICR use cases including establishing metrics, applying industry best practices, and developing new tools and processes. Coordinate and manage testing activities across multiple projects and teams. Ensure that all test activities are executed in a timely manner and meet the required quality standards. About You We are looking for an individual with proven experience as an Oracle Test Manager or in a similar role with strong experience test management tools. Examples: Proven experience as an Oracle Test Manager or in a similar role. Experience with Oracle test automation and test management tools. Strong knowledge of Oracle software testing methodologies, tools, and processes. Certifications in Oracle software (e.g., Oracle Certified Professional). Experience with Agile and DevOps methodologies in an Oracle environment. Experienced in leading, coordinating and managing an Oracle Fusion ERP test workstream Ability to manage the testing of multiple Oracle modules and priorities in a fast-paced environment. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. 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 Sonal Patel via [email protected].