Postdocs
As a postdoc at the ICR, you’ll be working at the forefront of cancer research, in an environment that’s collaborative, international and inclusive.
We aim to attract the best scientific minds, wherever in the world they come from. With postdocs from all over the UK and the world, you'll be joining a welcoming community that prioritises training the next generation of world-leading researchers. You’ll also benefit from our strong links with our partner hospital, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, as well as our links with companies through industrial partnerships.
Benefits and culture
We offer a competitive salary, rigorous training, many opportunities for professional development, and an open and inclusive working culture. Our PostDoc Association, faculty and learning and development team work closely to support postdocs.
We also offer generous annual leave and family-friendly policies that support parents, including stop the clock, which supports maternity leave during research.
Reimbursing your visa and other costs
Successful applicants will be able to claim the cost of their visa and of the immigration health surcharge (IHS) for themselves and for their dependants once they have joined. This is a taxable benefit. Applicants often find the UK visa application process to be less onerous than for some other countries, such as the United States.
We provide extensive training and development opportunities that will help prepare for your future career inside or outside academia.
Throughout your postdoc fellowship, you’ll be offered training and support to help you to develop your skills in key areas such as high-impact publishing, managing research projects, leadership and career planning.
Getting started
We run training sessions for new postdocs, as well as a postdoc buddy system to help you to settle into your new role. We normally pair you with someone from a different discipline, to broaden your network. We can also try to match you with someone who speaks your native language.
Training and support
As signatories of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, we are committed to providing our postdocs with at least 10 days each year for their personal and career development. We offer a wide range of activities that you can tailor to your career stage, research interests and career ambitions. These include:
- On-the-job training – such as shadowing funding panels, grant writing, peer review, supervising and mentoring others, lab visits, committee membership and project-related placements.
- Informal opportunities – such as building professional networks, engaging with the ICR Postdoc Committee, participating in conference organising committees, mentoring (as mentor or mentee), and 1:1 career support with consultants employed by the ICR.
- Formal training and professional development courses – on topics ranging from supervisor training, writing and publishing, and statistics, to project management and entrepreneurship.
The Pathway to Independence – a competitive programme that we run in collaboration with the Wellcome Sanger Institute and CRUK, is also an option for postdocs who are aiming to become academic team leaders.
We also provide training on science communication and outreach to support your participation in our public engagement programme.
You'll be joining a diverse and talented community of postdocs who come to work here from all over the UK and the world.
We’ve around 150 postdocs working at the ICR from across dozens of countries around the world at any one time. Several groups can help you to settle in, build a social network and get involved with life at the ICR.
PostDoc Association
Our Postdoc Association (PDA) brings together postdocs across the ICR for professional and social events, which include away days and conferences. It provides a community for postdocs to feel connected and supported.
Join our networks
From our LGBT+ Network and our forum on race and ethnicity to sports clubs and seminars, you’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded researchers and build your network.
Our active Postdoc and Alumni LinkedIn group is also a great way to connect with others and get answers to common questions – from what it’s like to rent in London to how to set up a UK bank account.
Former ICR postdocs are also welcome to subscribe to Network, our alumni e-newsletter, so they can continue to feel part of our community even after moving on in their careers.
There are lots of reasons why early career researchers come to do a postdoc at the ICR. We spoke to some of our past and present postdocs to find out why they chose the ICR.
Employee stories
Vacancies at the ICR
Research Group Leader, ICR Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU)
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 Role Summary The Group Leader will lead a component of ICR-CTSU’s portfolio of clinical trials research. The post holder will join an existing faculty and seek to further develop and grow the portfolio in line with ICR-CTSU’s overall strategy; taking responsibility for a number of ongoing trials as well as the development of new trials. There will be the opportunity to develop and grow a team including the potential for a Postdoctoral Training Fellow and/ or a Trial Manager. We seek an experienced statistician / 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 the 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, this individual 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 statistician or bio-statistician within the academic or commercial sector; a blend of both would be highly desirable 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 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 - Cancer Health Data Sciences
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and The Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH) invite applications for a Group Leader in Cancer Health Data Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding researcher to establish an independent, internationally recognised research programme at the interface of cancer research, data science and artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will develop innovative approaches to analyse and integrate large-scale, multimodal health data to advance cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment stratification and therapeutic response. They will have access to an unrivalled clinical and research environment through the ICR–RMH partnership, including electronic health records, imaging, genomics and molecular profiling data generated through routine clinical care, clinical trials and epidemiological studies, as well as local and national health datasets. The appointment is intended to strengthen and complement existing expertise across clinical research, epidemiology, computational biology, imaging and genomics. We are seeking an ambitious and collaborative researcher with strong quantitative and computational skills, extensive experience in the analysis of complex health data, and a track record of delivering innovative research with translational impact. The post will be based within the Division of Cancer Genetics and Epidemiology at the ICR and will include an honorary appointment at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. In addition to leading an independent research programme, the successful candidate will contribute to the strategic development of cancer health data science across both institutions. This will include opportunities to engage with initiatives supported through the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), alongside other institutional, charitable and externally funded programmes. The appointee will be expected to develop a strong externally funded research portfolio aligned with their scientific vision and to build productive collaborations across the ICR, RMH and the wider national and international cancer research community. The successful candidate must have: PhD (or equivalent) in relevant quantitative discipline (including, but not limited to, data science, epidemiology, biostatistics, health informatics, computer Strong foundation in quantitative methods and applied analytics. Strong understanding of data governance, privacy, and ethical considerations in health data science and AI. Strong programming and analytical skills (e.g., Python, R, SQL, JavaScript) and familiarity with modern data-science workflows. 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: Please find out more about our Genetics and Epidemiology division here. 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 Richard Houlston [email protected] or Professor Montse Garcia-Closas via [email protected].
Computational Chemist
The Centre for Protein Degradation (CPD), led by Professor Zoran Rankovic, is a recently established centre at the ICR dedicated to discovering and developing novel cancer treatments through targeted protein degradation. The Centre brings together expertise in medicinal chemistry, structural biology, cell biology and computational science to design PROTACs, molecular glue degraders, and novel E3 ubiquitin ligase chemical probes, with the aim of developing breakthrough treatments for the benefit of cancer patients. Under the guidance of Dr Andrea Scarpino, we are looking to appoint a Computational Chemist to join the CPD and play a key role in applying and developing innovative computational chemistry methods to accelerate the design and discovery of novel protein degraders. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with medicinal chemists, structural biologists and biologists within the Centre, contributing computational expertise across all stages of TPD drug discovery - from target evaluation and hit finding through to lead optimisation and candidate selection. About you The successful candidate must have a PhD in computational chemistry, cheminformatics or a related field, together with post-PhD experience applying computational chemistry methods for drug discovery. Familiarity with targeted protein degradation, including ternary complex and protein-protein interaction modelling, is highly 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 We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion on the role, please contact Dr Andrea Scarpino via email at [email protected]
Postdoctoral Training Fellow - Cancer Stem Cell
Under the guidance of Professor Axel Behrens, we are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Training Fellow. We are looking for a highly motivated and creative molecular biologist with a strong background in breast cancer biology. The goal of the project is to use advanced genetic cancer mouse models and patient-derived human cancer organoids, to apply their cancer biology skills to elucidate mechanisms of breast cancer stem cell biology and metastasis formation, with the ultimate aim to develop novel therapeutics. About you The successful candidate must have: Considerable experience in cancer biology Considerable experience in working with human patient-derived cancer organoids Considerable experience in working with in vivo breast cancer models Considerable experience in CRISPR modification of human patient-derived cancer organoids 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 This post will sit within the Cancer Stem Cell team, part of the Breast Cancer Research Division - further information can be found here. 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 Ian Evans at [email protected]