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
Senior Technician - in vivo biology
About you The ICR is one of the world's leading cancer research institutes, aiming to defeat cancer. As a Senior Laboratory Technician you will contribute directly to this mission by supporting vital in vivo research. We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual, committed to high-quality work. Key requirements include: Education and Knowledge BSc in Life Sciences or IAT Level 3 (Essential) Home Office Personal Licence (PILA, B, C) or equivalent (Essential) Understanding of tumour biology and pre-clinical models (Desirable) Skills Skilled in dissection, surgery, dosing of agents and sampling techniques (Essential) Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills (Essential) Ability to work independently and in a team with other scientists and BSU staff (Essential) Computer proficiency and willingness to pursue professional development (Essential) Experience Proven experience in in vivo oncology and PDX models (Essential) Strong foundation in animal (rodent) husbandry and behaviour (Essential) Experience in stereotaxic surgery, imaging techniques and sample preparation (Desirable) 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 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 Bishani Wickrama via email on: [email protected].
Business Development Manager
About the Role We are seeking a Business Development Manager to join The Institute of Cancer Research’s (ICR’s) Business and Innovation Office and contribute to to support a portfolio of academics by protecting and commercialising their research, supporting them in securing translational funding and to highlight to them the benefits of working with industry. The successful candidate will play a key role in strategic project evaluation, stakeholder engagement, IP protection, commercial deal-making (collaborations and licensing), and translational funding support. Key Responsibilities Identify and assess commercially viable research Protect IP and manage confidentiality agreements Draft and negotiate licensing and collaboration contracts Support translational funding applications Drive spinout opportunity management About You We are looking for a proactive, detail-oriented team player. PhD, MBA or equivalent in a relevant field Experience in business development or technology transfer Direct experience of negotiating and closing deals with external partners Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills What We Offer • Supportive, collaborative environment • Career development opportunities • Competitive salary and pension Department/Directorate Information The Business and Innovation Office drives commercialisation and strategic partnerships to maximise patient benefit. For more details, please refer to the job pack. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Dr. Amritha Nair via Email on [email protected]
Postdoctoral Training Fellow - Thoracic Oncology & Immunotherapy Group
Under the guidance of Dr Astero Klampatsa, we are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Training Fellow to lead a research project targeting the mesothelioma solid tumour microenvironment with CAR-T cell therapy. The successful candidate will join the Thoracic Oncology & Immunotherapy Group, led by Dr Klampatsa, which works on development of CAR-T cell strategies for thoracic malignancies, as well as immunology-based projects in mesothelioma. Key responsibilities of the successful candidate include: a) to design and engineer novel CAR constructs using viral and non-viral gene delivery methods, b) undertake the preclinical testing of the developed CAR-T cell therapies in vitro and in vivo in mesothelioma mouse models via an array of functional assays, flow cytometry, PCR, qPCR, and Western blotting, c) lead the analysis of experimental data and interpretation of results, d) assume some lab management duties. About you The successful candidate must have: Educational Background: A Ph.D. in Immunology, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field is required. Candidates who are nearing completion of their PhD may apply, but confirmation on awarded PhD is required within 6 months of employment. Technical Expertise: Proficiency in primary T cell isolation, culture, and genetic modification. Prior experience with viral transgene delivery. Strong foundation in molecular biology techniques. Hands-on experience with multicolour flow cytometry. Demonstrated experience with in vitro functional assays. Prior experience with in vivo models. Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proven track record of troubleshooting experiments. Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely. Preferred Qualifications Postdoctoral or industry experience in a CAR-T cell therapy or immuno-oncology/immunology setting. Knowledge of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Proficiency in bioinformatics tools for data analysis. Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). 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 Cancer Therapeutics brings together a wide variety of disciplines, including cell and molecular biology, pharmacology, tumour modelling, computational and structural biology, and medicinal chemistry, in order to select promising drug targets, design effective prototype drugs and biomarkers, and develop strategies to counter drug resistance. Find more information here: https://www.icr.ac.uk/research-and-discoveries/icr-divisions/cancer-therapeutics 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 Astero Klampatsa via Email: [email protected]
Higher Scientific Officer - Experimental & Translational Theranostic
Under the guidance of Dr Kathy Chan, we are seeking to recruit a talented and motivated Higher Scientific Officer to join the Experimental and Translational Theranostic group at the Centre for Cancer Imaging, Sutton. The research focuses on the development of next-generation ‘radiotheranostics’ – whole-body radionuclide-based imaging and therapeutic tools for cancer detection and treatment, and explore biological effects of radionuclide therapy to identify druggable targets and help develop novel therapeutic strategies to fight cancer. This position will provide excellent opportunities to interact within a multidisciplinary environment of staff within imaging, radiotherapy, drug development and molecular pathology, and explore new avenues of research. About you The successful candidate must have a PhD in cancer biology, molecular biology, radiochemistry, medicinal chemistry or a related discipline. A background in in vitro and in vivo radiobiology is essential. Experience in immuno-oncology is desirable. Department/Directorate Information The candidate will work in the Experimental and Translational Theranostic Group within the ICR Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, which provides an integrated environment for multi-modality pre-clinical imaging, co-locating 7T and 1T MRI systems, a PET/SPECT/CT system, multispectral optoacoustic and ultrasound imaging platforms, bioluminescence imaging systems and micro-CT. 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 Kathy Chan via Email on [email protected].
Oracle Senior Business Analyst
About the Role You will be joining the Stratus programme to provide Oracle business analysis support. As part of the team, you will be working with stakeholders across three workstreams (HR, Finance and Research) to assess, design and implement new operational processes in line with our design principles, specifically in end to end processes. You will work with and support an existing team of Senior BAs attending workshops to assess our ‘As-Is’ state and help to define the transition to new processes through adopting suppliers “out of the box” solutions. You will identify gaps between As-Is and To-Be processes, and challenge and support us to shape new ways of working across professional services to ensure they are customer centred, effective and efficient. The Oracle Senior BA will bring their experience of Oracle best practice process re-engineering and continue to develop the process library. Creating a legacy of continuous improvement iterating well-defined, owned and understood process supporting our cancer discovery, ensuring our researchers can concentrate on their mission to defeat cancer. About You We’re looking for a proactive and collaborative Senior Business Analyst with strong stakeholder engagement skills, a passion for process improvement, and experience in Oracle ERP transformation. You’ll be someone who thrives in complex environments, can confidently challenge the status quo, and is driven to help shape modern, efficient ways of working that support our mission to defeat cancer. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension 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 Sonal Patel on [email protected].
Scientific Officer - Myeloma Biology and Therapeutics
Under the guidance of Dr Chalotte Pawlyn, we are seeking to recruit a Scientific Officer to contribute to our work understanding mechanisms of resistance to therapies used to treat the bone marrow cancer myeloma. The successful candidate will play a key role in the isolation of myeloma cells from patient samples and downstream processing, experiments and storage. Additionally the SO will support a range of ongoing molecular and cell biology experiments using cell lines and primary samples within the team, including cell viability assays, flow cytometry, qPCR and Western blotting. There will be opportunities to gain experience in novel techniques and explore new avenues of research. About you The successful candidate must have: A degree in a biological science Proficiency in cell culture and a range of cell/molecular biology techniques Enthusiasm to work in an interdisciplinary environment towards the goal of developing improved cancer therapeutics Department/Directorate Information Myeloma Biology and Therapeutics Group Dr Charlotte Pawlyn's team Myeloma Biology and Therapeutics focuses on identifying and validating therapeutic targets for the treatment of immunomodulatory drug resistant and high-risk multiple myeloma. Myeloma is a bone marrow cancer and the second most common haematological malignancy. Immunomodulatory drugs are the “prototype” of targeted protein degradation approaches. Outcomes for patients have improved over the last few decades following the introduction of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents. However, patients almost all inevitably relapse and understanding the mechanisms of resistance to these commonly used agents is key to improving outcomes. The team sits within the Division of Cancer Therapeutics which has an unrivalled track record at discovering novel cancer treatments and biomarkers. Their work has made The Institute of Cancer Research the world’s most successful academic centre at discovering new cancer drugs. We also work closely with the Centre of Protein Degradation 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 Charlotte Pawlyn via Email on [email protected]
Application Developer
Summary of Role We would like to appoint an Application Developer to be responsible for the software development of a Greener Trials Toolkit. The Toolkit will be an online, open-access, digital carbon calculator for publicly funded trialists; an accumulating database of emission factors and footprinting results and a user interface providing advice on mitigation strategies for identified hotspots. The Application Developer will: Develop and implement back-end systems and APIs using C#/.NET. Design and maintain relational database systems (primarily MS-SQL). Assist in developing requirements for web application functionality to be delivered in later project phases Contribute to project and development meetings, project plans and presentations and be an integral part of the multi-disciplinary project team Contribute to wider ICR-CTSU IT programming tasks The post offers an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-motivated individual to work in a dynamic and supportive academic environment a leading UK CRC and Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit. Key Requirements Applicants should hold a first degree or equivalent level qualification in computer science, software engineering or equivalent, relevant professional experience and have an understanding of clinical trials and/or carbon footprinting. Strong programming skills, a good understanding of relational databases, the ability to write secure, maintainable and well-documented code are essential, along with analytical and problem solving skills and effective communication. 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 Application Developer 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].
HR Business Partner
Summary of Role We currently have an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated and experienced HR Business Partner to join our HR Operations team. You will build strong partnerships with client departments, acting as a strategic advisor to align HR initiatives with broader business goals. In addition to leading on strategic HR matters, you will manage an HR Adviser and administrative support to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, consistent HR service across both the Professional Services and Scientific Research Divisions. Your role will involve working closely with operational teams across the ICR to provide a proactive, professional, and customer-focused generalist HR service throughout the employee lifecycle, in accordance with HR policies, procedures, and agreed service standards. Key requirements: Fully qualified Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), ideally at Chartered Member (MCIPD) level Demonstrated experience in handling a wide range of employee relations issues, including disciplinary and grievance procedures, absence and performance management, TUPE, redundancy, and redeployment Proficiency in using the Agresso Integrated HR/Payroll system, with the flexibility to adapt to Oracle as part of upcoming system changes (desirable) Comprehensive and current understanding of UK employment legislation and HR best practice Department/Directorate Information We know that talented, brilliant, passionate people lie at the heart of the ICR. The Human Resources Directorate provides both strategic and operational advice and support across the ICR to attract and acquire, develop, retain and empower our people to achieve their full potential. This is an exciting and transformative time for the HR Directorate as we begin to implement a new People Strategy and an ERP system to better support the ICR in achieving its mission of making the discoveries that defeat cancer.