Working life and benefits

As a world-leading cancer research organisation, The Institute of Cancer Research is a dynamic and exciting place to work. We provide exceptional opportunities for the best scientists, clinicians, and professional and administrative staff, as well as excellent academic and recreational facilities at our two London sites, in Chelsea and Sutton.

World-leading research institute

The ICR is the leading academic research centre in the UK. Effective industry collaboration and innovation in new medicines and technologies are at the heart of our approach to drive benefits for patients.

The ICR is ranked:

  • second for research quality, impact and environment*
  • first for biological sciences*
  • third for research impact*
  • first worldwide for the number of our publications cited in patents**
  • fourth worldwide for the citation rate of scientific research published across all fields**
  • fourth worldwide for top-cited research publications**
  • in the top five higher education institutions worldwide for academic influence and commercial impact** 

The majority of our employees work in research, but there are also important roles in scientific facilities, academic services, IT, fundraising, communication, human resources, and within our business and innovation office, which negotiates between ICR scientists and industry.

See more about working with us

We aim to make the discoveries that defeat cancer by attracting, retaining and developing the best minds with excellent benefits and working environments.

Just some of our current vacancies

Research Group Leader, ICR Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU)

  • Sutton
  • Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit
  • £66,092 - £86,908
  • Permanent

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])

Analytical Scientist in Data Science

  • Chelsea
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Salary range £39,805 - £50,862
  • Fixed term

The Molecular Oncology Laboratory, headed by Professor Nicholas Turner, focuses on identifying and understanding resistance to breast cancer treatments with the objective of designing novel approaches to treating cancer. In addition, we are developing novel precision medicine strategies for breast cancer using circulating free DNA and other non-invasive assays of breast tumour phenotypes, with the aim to use such assays to personalise breast cancer therapy. We are looking to appoint a Data Scientist/Bioinformatician with strong ML skills to work as part of our multidisciplinary team to deliver the next generation of biomarker-based clinical studies in breast cancer. The position will be line managed by Dr Ros Cutts, Senior Bioinformatician (Liquid Biopsy) at the ICR. The Molecular Oncology lab is increasingly producing more complex high dimensional datasets that require novel analytical approaches and we are looking to appoint someone with strong computational statistics/machine learning skills that can apply novel statistical approaches for data analysis. 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

Clinical Trials Programme Manager

  • Sutton
  • Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit
  • From £50,825 per annum
  • Fixed term

The Institute of Cancer Research is looking for an experienced trialist to join the Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) as a Clinical Trials Programme Manager at its Sutton site in Surrey. ICR-CTSU runs a diverse portfolio of national and international phase III multi-centre randomised controlled trials, and phase II targeted treatment trials, with a special emphasis in breast, urological, lung and head and neck cancer treatments. The post offers an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-motivated senior trial manager with extensive experience of setting up and running multi-centre trials to work in a dynamic and supportive academic environment. The successful candidate will join the ICR-CTSU Management Group and responsibilities will include: The strategic oversight of a defined programme of research within the ICR-CTSU portfolio; The development and initiation of new trials; Providing operational oversight of dedicated trials teams to ensure successful trial delivery. Key Requirements Applicants should hold a first degree or equivalent level qualification in life science or health related subject and have an in depth understanding of the UK Clinical Trials Regulations, principles of Good Clinical Practice, Data Protection, Research Governance and the Human Tissue Act. Experience/knowledge of laboratory quality systems and procedures is highly desirable. Excellent interpersonal skills are required, as is the ability to work to high standards across a variety of tasks with constant regard to scientific and regulatory requirements. A proven track record in the planning, coordination and conduct of clinical trials within the NHS or academia, a CRO or a pharmaceutical company is essential. Additional information 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. 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 via Email on [email protected].

Digital Marketing Officer

  • Chelsea
  • Development and Communications Directorate
  • £41,600 per annum
  • Permanent

About the Role We are seeking a Digital Marketing Officer to join our Development and Communications directorate and contribute to the ICR’s digital marketing needs – in particular, to support fundraising across all digital touchpoints. The successful candidate will play a key role in producing and editing digital fundraising content for the ICR’s website and donation platform; creating content for digital ads, including writing copy, working on video briefs, and collating appropriate imagery; our email marketing by writing compelling copy, building templates and working with data. Key Responsibilities Creating fundraising content for the ICR's website Developing effective digital supporter journeys Writing copy for email marketing Creating and optimising content for digital advertising About You We are looking for someone with experience in writing engaging copy for email marketing, social media and paid advertising, and have good knowledge of email marketing and digital platforms including Mailchimp, Google Search Ads, Ad Grants and Meta. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension Directorate Information The role of the Development and Communications directorate is to tell the ICR’s story and focus on income generation. The ICR is world-renowned for its outstanding cancer research – and it deserves communication to match. We believe that communicating effectively about the ICR's work can help us build on our successes – attracting donors and supporters, the best staff and students, commercial partners and collaborators. 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 Liz Brown, Senior Digital Marketing Manager, via email on [email protected].