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])
Digital Services Senior Project Manager
About the role We are seeking an experienced Digital Services Senior Project Manager to join the team responsible for developing and delivering IT projects at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), one of the world’s leading cancer research organisations with sites in London and Sutton. In this role, you will manage projects end‑to‑end through their full lifecycle, coordinating both internal and external resources. Your expertise in Agile and Waterfall methodologies, along with hands‑on experience in testing and implementation, will be essential. You will be joining a small, professional team of Project Managers and will play a key role in helping the organisation meet its growing change and technology needs. You will also have the opportunity to introduce new approaches and improve project delivery practices across the team. As a Digital Services Senior Project Manager, you will lead and oversee multiple concurrent projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to ICR’s quality standards. You will be accountable for planning, execution, stakeholder communication, risk management, and successful handover. Key Requirements We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate: Significant full lifecycle Project Management experience. A strong background delivering IT projects using structured methodologies. Proven leadership in both Agile and Waterfall environments, including experience leading internal teams and managing external suppliers. The ability to work collaboratively within a team and provide effective leadership. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders. A proactive approach to keeping projects on track and ensuring all relevant teams remain informed throughout delivery. Additional Information Due to the high volume of applications we typically receive, we may close this vacancy early once sufficient applications have been submitted. To avoid disappointment, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible. About the Digital Services Directorate The Digital Services Directorate ensures that everyone at the ICR has access to the technology and tools they need to work effectively. This includes providing specialist IT support to the ICR’s research community and delivering technology solutions that underpin world‑leading cancer research. We strongly encourage applicants to review the full job pack for detailed information about the role.
Audit & Risk Committee Non-Executive (Cyber Security)
Summary of Role The ICR is seeking an exceptional non-executive who is a Cyber Security Expert to join its Audit and Risk Committee which provides assurance to the Board of Trustees on the adequacy and effectiveness of the ICR’s: Risk management, control environment and governance External Financial Audit and internal audit Value for Money The management and quality assurance of data Key Requirements The Audit & Risk Committee are looking for a non-executive: To assure the Board of Trustees about the adequacy and effectiveness of the ICR’s governance, risk management and control environment, including financial, operational, cyber, digital and data-related risks. Promote a culture where cyber resilience is understood as part of the charity’s overall governance and risk management Oversight of management’s cyber maturity roadmap and investment in cyber resilience and digital controls. Oversight of cyber and digital risks arising from third-party suppliers, research partners, and NHS interfaces. Assurance over the protection of sensitive research data, patient-related data and intellectual property. Assurance over technology, cyber and data controls through internal audit reviews, independent assessments or external benchmarking where appropriate. Ensure the organisation regularly identifies, assesses, and prioritises cyber risks and has adequate policies, controls, and frameworks in place Ensure the organisation has an up‑to‑date incident response plan, business continuity plan, and disaster recovery arrangements Department/Directorate Information Audit & Risk Committee is sub-Committee of the ICR's Board of Trustees, which is the ICR's governing body. The Board is responsible for ensuring the ICR pursues its charitable objects, complies with its constitution and relevant legislation and regulations, applies its resources exclusively to its objects, and enacts cancer research of the highest international standard. Further information on our Board can be found here.
Scientific Writer
Under the guidance of Dr Fiona Dziegiel, we are seeking to recruit a Scientific Writer to produce clear, accurate and engaging scientific content to showcase the innovative research of the Centres for Protein Degradation and Cancer Drug Discovery to enhance external visibility. About you The successful candidate must have: PhD in life sciences, health sciences, or related field Excellent writing skills with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear and engaging content Experience writing manuscripts and social media content Excellent organisational skills, flexibility and the ability to manage changing priorities Ability to work independently and collaboratively The postholder will support the development, editing and management of scientific documents including manuscripts, reports, presentations and material for grant applications. They will coordinate data collection, maintain organised information systems, and manage online and social media content to strengthen the Centres’ visibility. Working closely with scientists, project managers, and the professional services teams, the Scientific Writer will ensure timely, effective communication of research activities and key developments, helping to advance the Centres’ missions to discover and develop innovative cancer therapeutics. Department Information The Centre for Protein Degradation The ICR established the Centre for Protein Degradation (CPD) in 2022 to accelerate targeted protein degradation-based drug discovery – an innovative approach utilising drug-induced degradation of harmful proteins via the cell’s endogenous protein disposal system. Our aim is to discover novel molecular glue degraders and PROTACs for the treatment of the most challenging cancers. Based at the ICR’s Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the CPD benefits from state-of-the-art drug discovery platforms – biology, medicinal and in silico chemistry, biophysics, structural biology, proteomics, bioinformatics, as well as strong cancer biology and clinical expertise within the wider ICR and the Royal Marsden Hospital. We also have established collaborations with biotechnology companies and the pharmaceutical industry. The Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery The Division of Cancer Therapeutics has an unrivalled track record at discovering novel cancer treatments for the personalised treatment of cancer. Within the Division, the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery (CCDD) is a multidisciplinary 'bench to bedside' centre, comprising 160 staff dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. We are one of the largest academic cancer drug discovery groups in the world and, together with our collaborators, have discovered 21 preclinical development candidates, 13 of which have been progressed to clinical evaluation, many with our partners in the ICR/Royal Marsden Drug Development Unit. Our drug abiraterone (Zytiga) has been approved in the US, Canada and Europe for late-stage prostate cancer. The CCDD’s mission is to develop personalised medicines by translating information from the cancer genome and cancer biology into drugs for patient benefit. We implement innovative drug discovery technologies, discover novel mechanism-based drugs, and develop these as rapidly as possible from the laboratory through to hypothesis-testing early clinical trials. We publish our work extensively and have a large network of collaborations with academia, biotechnology companies, and the pharmaceutical industry. Our teams are dedicated to the discovery of small molecule drug candidates, and to the development of high-quality chemical probes to enable new cancer biology research. The Division of Cancer Therapeutics is based in state-of-the art laboratories in the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery building, opened in 2020 on the ICR Sutton campus. 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 further information, please contact Dr Fiona Dziegiel ([email protected])