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]
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]
Human Resources Administrator
Are you an organised, proactive HR professional looking for a short-term opportunity to make a real impact? We’re seeking an HR Administrator to join our team for a 3-month contract, supporting key HR functions and helping us deliver a seamless employee experience. About the role We pride ourselves on our innovative approach, dedication to quality, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. As an HR Administrator, you will provide high quality and professional HR administrative services. The ideal candidate will be confident in providing support and guidance to managers and staff on HR administrative process. You will undertake a range of generalist HR related duties, including acting as a first point of call for general HR advice while proactively managing HR Inboxes alongside the other HR Administrators. If you have great interpersonal skills, flexibility to meet the challenges of a busy work environment, and a desire to continue to learn, then we would like to hear from you. Applications will be reviewed as they come in. We encourage all applicants to access the job description pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the Sutton based role, please contact Karen Grieff via email on [email protected].