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
Pensions Manager
About the Role We are seeking a Pensions Manager to join our Human Resources Directorate, where you will deliver a high-quality, professional and customer-focused pensions service across the employee lifecycle. This role has a significant impact on the organisation by ensuring the effective administration and governance of all pension schemes, supporting our staff and Trustees, and enabling the ICR to recruit, retain and develop exceptional people. You will be responsible for ensuring that pension contributions and data are processed accurately, that scheme rules and deadlines are met, and that colleagues receive clear and timely guidance on a wide range of pension matters. Key Responsibilities Oversee the administration of all ICR pension schemes, ensuring accurate and timely contributions, reporting and financial records, while working closely with payroll and internal teams to maintain correct system configuration and resolve issues. Provide expert guidance on complex pension matters, including retirement, redundancy, ill-health and death-in-service, and prepare complex calculations, manage sensitive casework and deliver training on scheme changes and legislation. Act as Scheme Secretary for the closed ICR Pension Scheme, supporting Trustees, managing governance processes, coordinating meetings, maintaining scheme documentation and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Lead and support the Pensions Officer and Pensions Contribution Officer through effective line management, promoting high performance, service improvement and professional development. About You We are seeking a proactive, detail-focused pensions professional with strong communication and stakeholder-management skills. You will have solid knowledge of pension law, experience with USS and/or NHS Pension Schemes, and a background working with both defined benefit and defined contribution arrangements. You will be confident managing complex pension cases, interpreting legislation and working effectively with scheme providers and advisers. You should be comfortable handling large data sets, using HR/Payroll systems and meeting tight deadlines, while building credibility through clear, authoritative guidance to staff, managers and Trustees. Strong interpersonal skills, accuracy, conflict-resolution ability and experience supervising others are essential. Professional qualifications such as PMI or CIPD membership, or a relevant degree, would be beneficial. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension Department/Directorate Information The Human Resources Directorate provides the policies, systems and infrastructure that support the ICR’s talented and diverse workforce. The directorate is made up of HR Operations, Learning and Organisational Development, Pensions, and Reward, Information and Systems. Together, these teams ensure the organisation has the workforce capacity and capability to achieve its mission: to make the discoveries that defeat cancer. 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 Mohammad Rehmman via email on [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.
Director of Estates and Facilities
The Role We are looking for an exceptional leader to join the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) as Director of Estates and Facilities. This is a pivotal role, responsible for shaping and delivering a world-class environment that empowers our staff and students to achieve their organisational and personal goals. Through visionary leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, you will ensure our services are not only effective but truly outstanding. Key Responsibilities Inspire and develop high-performing teams across Estates Services, Facilities Services and HSEQ ensuring the directorate’s objectives to support the ICR’s mission are achieved - enabling world‑class science through high‑performing infrastructure and services. Lead the creation and implementation of strategies, operating plans, and budgets across all functional areas, aligning with the ICR’s strategic priorities. Embed a culture of excellence and continuous improvement across all areas of service provision. About You A proven senior leader, capable of building effective teams and delivering integrated solutions to complex challenges. With strong influencing skills and the ability to communicate with impact, you will inspire confidence through your personal credibility. Experience operating at senior manager or director level in at least one of the functional areas covered by this role is essential. About the Directorate The Directorate brings together a wide range of professional services functions, including Building & Maintenance, Planning & Development, Site Management and Facilities, and Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ). Further Information We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information about this role.
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: Translate datasets and domain requirements into a data model, SQL schemas, and API-driven back-end services. Be responsible for end-to-end ownership of the technical implementation: building database structures, developing a .NET-based calculation engine, and ensuring the system can scale to additional datasets and external tools. Establish secure coding practices, documentation, and automated tests suitable for academic, research, and regulatory environments Work closely with sustainability researchers, and CTSU technical leads to produce a reliable, transparent, auditable tool that can be reused across studies and adopted by collaborators 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 and 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. Applicants should have a strong knowledge of modern back-end development using C# and .NET (Core or later), including API design and modular service architecture 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].