Apprenticeships at ICR
At The Institute of Cancer Research, we currently have apprenticeship programmes in both our research teams as alternative entry routes into technical talent pipeline and within our professional services team such as Digital Services and Finance.
Our Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Programme
Our Laboratory Technician apprenticeship scheme is part of a national initiative to strengthen and promote career development for scientific research technicians – made possible by a £1m grant from Wellcome that was awarded to The Institute of Cancer Research in September 2023. The programme aims to address challenges in recruitment, development, and retention of technicians, increase diversity by promoting apprenticeships to underrepresented groups, and improve the recognition of the technician career path in academia. This programme, delivered in partnership with Tiro, has been recognized with the Education and Training Award at the UK Pharma Industry Awards.
Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
“We’re honoured our new apprenticeship programme, working with Tiro, has been given this award. Technicians make a significant and highly valued contribution to the ICR’s world-leading research to defeat cancer. We are fully committed to ensuring that their work is recognised, and that technicians are supported to achieve their full potential.
“This success has been made possible by the major grant from Wellcome that we secured last year – we were delighted to receive it so we could build a national initiative around technician development. The grant is already helping us to recruit and nurture brilliant people from diverse backgrounds and share what we learn with other research institutes and higher education institutions, so we can continue to build a positive research culture and benefit technicians at the ICR and beyond.”
Dr Aline Tabib-Salazar, Technician Career Pathways Programme Manager at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved in the first year of funding and it’s extremely encouraging that the apprenticeship programme we’ve developed with Tiro has been recognised with this prestigious award. But there’s much more to do – it will be a busy year as we look to build on the success we’ve had so far and crucially, help grow the programme into an established national initiative.”
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Scientific Apprenticeship Conference - Building a Sustainable Technical Pipeline: Apprenticeships in Research
Dissemination of learnings and sharing resources with the sector was a key point in our Wellcome award. To achieve this, we are hosting a scientific apprenticeship conference at Wellcome Collection, London on 15th May 2025.
Scientific Apprenticeship Conference Report
On 15 May, the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) hosted a sector-wide conference as part of its £1 million Wellcome Research Culture Award, bringing together 60 delegates from 34 organisations across academia, industry, and policy to explore the transformative role of scientific apprenticeships. The event highlighted how apprenticeships can address technical skill shortages, diversify the research workforce, enhance institutional reputation, and promote social mobility by creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. To build on this momentum, participants emphasised the need for clear post-apprenticeship pathways, standardised job roles, skills-focused recruitment, strong mentoring networks, and cross-sector collaboration to drive meaningful policy reform and embed apprenticeships into the fabric of research culture. To find out more, please see our full report.
Professional Services Apprenticeships
We also offer apprenticeships in our professional services teams, tailored to meet the needs of a research organisation. These roles provide valuable experience and training in various areas:
- Digital Services (IT): Our Digital Services Directorate ensures that everyone at ICR has access to the technology they need. Apprenticeships in this team involve working on the IT Helpdesk, dealing with a wide range of customer requests while studying for a Level 3 Information communications technician qualification. They provide comprehensive support, including hands-on technical training and personal development. Apprentices gain exposure to various aspects of digital services, enhancing their understanding of how different functions interconnect. They also receive guidance on problem-solving and career clarity through diverse team rotations. This broad experience helps them build a professional network and develop adaptability in the evolving digital industry. These roles are based in our Helpdesk teams at London Chelsea and Sutton.
- Finance: Our Finance Team, primarily based at Chelsea, employs apprentices in entry-level roles, supporting them to study for apprenticeship qualifications while working. This team is experienced in dealing with research grants and provides essential support to our research community.
Join Us
Details of current apprenticeship vacancies in these and other research-supporting roles are advertised on our website. We are committed to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for professional growth within our organization.
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])
Postdoctoral Training Fellow - Functional Proteomics
Under the guidance of Professor Jyoti Choudhary, we are seeking to appoint a motivated Postdoctoral Training Fellow to develop innovative quantitative proteomics workflows for the characterization of protein degradation and functions. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing or optimising new proteomics methods and undertaking end-to-end analysis of a variety of samples. About you The successful candidate must have: PhD in biochemistry or chemistry with sound knowledge of biological mass spectrometry Expertise in biochemical and protein purification techniques Expertise in computational analysis of omic data-ability to perform statistics, data integration and bioinformatics 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. Functional Proteomics Group The Functional Proteomics Group led by Professor Jyoti Choudhary explores the molecular phenotype of cancer studying protein-protein interactions, signalling, post-translational modifications and protein expression. 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 Jyoti Choudhary for further information by emailing [email protected].
Scientific Officer - Sarcoma Molecular Pathology
We are seeking a motivated Scientific Officer to join the Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Group under the leadership of Professor Janet Shipley. You will provide key technical support to ongoing research programmes focused on the molecular characterisation of sarcomas, contributing to projects that directly support the development of improved diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. Your work will involve screening, testing, and optimising antibodies that detect aberrant proteins in sarcomas. You will use these and commercially available antibodies in state‑of‑the‑art multiplexed immunofluorescent analyses of patient-derived sarcoma tissues and experimental models. The role will also include tissue organisation, tissue culture, and general laboratory management tasks essential to the smooth running of the research group. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a dynamic, collaborative team and contribute to impactful translational cancer research. About you The successful candidate must have: An undergraduate degree (or higher) in a biological or related discipline Strong attention to detail and ability to perform complex laboratory techniques with accuracy Competence in using laboratory software and adhering to laboratory procedures and regulatory standards Ability to build trusted working relationships with peers and senior researchers A team-focused approach, combined with the ability to work independently Ideally, you will also have: Experience contributing to scientific research projects and discussing results with researchers Previous experience using similar laboratory or molecular pathology techniques Enthusiasm and motivation to contribute scientifically to the group’s research objectives Department/Directorate Information The ICR's Division of Cancer Biology is comprehensively characterising the molecular features of cancer, and through strong links with other colleagues elsewhere in The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, aims to establish new molecular diagnostics and novel molecular therapeutic targets in cancer. The Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Group is primarily focused on high-risk rhabdomyosarcomas and desmoplastic small round cell tumours that and includes understanding aspects of genetic and epigenetic regulation of differentiation/cell transitioning and the DNA damage response that may be targeted and incorporated into the treatment of these and other sarcomas. 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 [email protected]
Scientific Officer in Epidemiology
Under the guidance of Professor Montserrat Garcia-Closas, Group Leader Integrative Cancer Epidemiology, Division of Genetics & Epidemiology, we are seeking to recruit a motivated and organised Scientific Officer to support a range of molecular epidemiology activities within the Generations Study and related projects. This post offers an excellent opportunity, ideally for a recent graduate, however this is not essential. This role offers a great first step into postgraduate study or a career in epidemiology, or population health, to gain broad, hands-on experience in epidemiological research within a multidisciplinary environment. The successful candidate will gain experience across multiple components including laboratory-based activities (e.g. coordination of biobanking and pathology collections), data-driven research and contributions to scientific communications. About you The successful candidate will work closely with epidemiologists and laboratory teams, contributing to high-impact research on cancer risk and prevention and must have: Undergraduate degree in biomedical or biological sciences, population sciences, or a related field General computer literacy (e.g. Word, Excel, databases) Interest in cancer epidemiology or population health research Some experience working with research or health-related data and familiarity with statistical or programming tools (e.g. R, Python) is also desirable. Department/Directorate Information The Integrative Epidemiology Team at The Institute of Cancer Research led by Professor Garcia-Closas is located at the ICR Sutton Campus. The team forms part of the Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research Unit (CEPRU), a joint initiative between the ICR and Imperial College London focused on advancing cancer epidemiology through interdisciplinary research and training. The team uses large-scale population data to investigate the causes of cancer, understand carcinogenic processes, and improve risk prediction for precision prevention. A central resource for the team is the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study, a national cohort of over 110,000 women in the UK followed since 2004. Research in the team combines epidemiology and biostatistics with emerging approaches in data science, including analyses of mammography and pathology images and integration of multi-modal data. 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 Professor Montserrat Garcia-Closas via [email protected]