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
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]
Trials Methodologist/ Senior Trials Methodologist (Statistics)
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 (Statistics) 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 (Statistics) post, please contact Professor Christina Yap/ Dr Jan Rekowski, email: [email protected] and [email protected] For general queries about the recruitment process, please contact ICR-CTSU, email: [email protected]
Philanthropy Officer
About the Role We are seeking a motivated Philanthropy Officer to join our Development and Communications Directorate. In this role, you will help drive the ICR's fundraising efforts by securing philanthropic support from individual donors to fund pioneering research programmes and initiatives. The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR) has a proud track record of making the discoveries that defeat cancer. The Development Team is responsible for maximising support from major donors, individuals, trusts, corporates, charity partners and events. We raise in excess of £14m per annum and our fundraising strategy sets us on course to significantly grow this amount in the next few years. We are motivated by the awe-inspiring work of our scientists and clinicians, and confident in the knowledge that the quality of our research is unsurpassed. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will play a vital role in in the Philanthropy team, building relationships with high value donors and potential donors and leading on a strategic stewardship programme to advance cancer research funding and impact. Working closely with colleagues, you will: Manage a portfolio of philanthropy donors and potential donors to secure vital philanthropic support Lead on the design and implementation of a stewardship programme to strengthen engagement and ensure a consistent, high-quality experience Support colleagues in the delivery of tailored cultivation and stewardship plans. About You The ideal candidate will excel at building and developing external relationships and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will be educated to degree level or equivalent; demonstrate a solid understanding of philanthropy and fundraising from high-net-worth individuals; be confident and professional in approach; and have strong organisation and project management skills. You will be passionate about helping the ICR achieve its mission to make the discoveries that defeat cancer. 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 Donna Heenan on 0203 437 6399 or [email protected].