Research Technical Professionals and Scientific Support
At The Institute of Cancer Research, Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) and Scientific Support staff play a vital role in enabling world-class cancer research. They bring the specialist technical, scientific, analytical and operational expertise needed to drive high quality research every single day.
Although their functions span a wide range of roles, they share a common purpose: to apply expert technical skills that contribute to the delivery, quality and continuity of our research.
What types of roles are included?
Collectively, these professionals form the vital technical infrastructure that allows our research to progress safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Key roles include:
- Scientific Officers: Driving laboratory-based research
- Research Management & Operations: Managing research spaces and keeping our laboratories and facilities running smoothly
- Data & Computational Specialists: Statisticians, informaticians, and analytical specialists
- Biological Services Technicians: Supporting in vivo research
As a testament to our commitment to Research Technical Professionals, we have been awarded a £1M Wellcome Institutional Funding for Research Culture (IFRC) to strengthen technical career pathways.
Strengthening Career Pathways
At the ICR, we are deeply committed to our technical staff. We have launched three initiatives focused on developing and enhancing technical career pathways across key stages of the talent pipeline.
What we offer
The Technician Commitment
We are deeply committed to the professional growth and career progression of our technical staff. Reflecting this, the ICR is proud to be a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment (2017), a national initiative championing technical professionals.
Through this programme, we actively support our Research Technical Professionals and Scientific Support staff across four key pillars: Visibility, Recognition, Career Development and Sustainability.
Further details, including our action plans and submissions, can be found on our Responsibilities page.
The Scientific Officers Association (SOA)
Established in 2010, SOA is our dedicated professional community dedicated for staff in Scientific Officer grades. Working together with our Learning and Organisational Development team, the SOA champions RTPs career progression, skills growth and professional development – directly advancing our goals under the Technician Commitment.
Key areas of SOA activity include:
- Career development & Training programmes: Tailored development activities delivered in collaboration with Learning & Development
- Mentoring: Dedicated support for Scientific Officers applying for promotion
- Travel & Training Bursaries: Financial support to attend external cources, conferences and technical workshops
- Annual ICR Technical Conference: A flagship event organised by SOA members to provide training, networking, and a platform to share technical expertise
- Professional Registration: Funding to cover first year of membership to a professional body, plus professional registration fees
- Social Events: Crafting groups, coffee mornings and joint events with the PostDoc and Student committees to build a strong community
Together, these initiatives build the skills, confidence and career readiness of our Scientific Officers – driving the technical excellence that underpins all ICR research.
Research Institutes Technician Group (RITG)
The ICR is a founding member of the RITG, a collaborative network of 11 UK research institutes. This group is unique: bringing together research‑intensive institutes where technical roles are primarily embedded in research, rather than teaching.
Through regular monthly meetings and cross-institutional collaboration, the RITG delivers impactful initiatives that connect technical professionals across the sector. An example includes the Tech Insights webinar series, which provides a platform for RTPs to share career journeys, exchange ideas, and build valuable networks.
Our RITG Partners: Alongside the ICR, the network includes the Babraham Institute, Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, MRC Mary Lyon Centre, The Francis Crick Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory, Science and Technology Facilities Council UKRI, and the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
Techs Today
Techs Today is an in‑person event series connecting technical professionals across leading London Institutes: the ICR, University College London, The Francis Crick Institute, Imperial College London and King’s College London. Hosted on rotation across these partner sites, each event combines short, engaging talks with dedicated face-to-face networking.
It is a valuable local opportunity to:
- Expand Your Network: Connect with peers and build cross-institutional collaborations
- Share Expertise: Exchange ideas and learn from a diverse range of technical specialists
- Raise Your Visibility: Strengthen your professional profile within the wider technical community
Professional Registration Support
The ICR offers practical support for staff working towards Professional Registration.
Our support includes:
- Financial Backing: The SOA will fully fund your first year of membership to a professional body, as well as your professional registration fees
- Application Guidance: Our Learning & Organisational Development (L+OD) team offers dedicated support to help you refine and strengthen your application
- On-Demand Resource Bank: Access recordings and slides from our Unlocking Professional Registration series. Featuring expert guidance from the Royal Society of Chemistry, these materials are available anytime to help you confidently evidence key competencies and interpret professional standards
Employee stories
Dr Giulio Caravagna
Dr Federico Tidu
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Vacancies at the ICR
Group Leader - Cancer Health Data Sciences
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and The Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH) invite applications for a Group Leader in Cancer Health Data Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding researcher to establish an independent, internationally recognised research programme at the interface of cancer research, data science and artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will develop innovative approaches to analyse and integrate large-scale, multimodal health data to advance cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment stratification and therapeutic response. They will have access to an unrivalled clinical and research environment through the ICR–RMH partnership, including electronic health records, imaging, genomics and molecular profiling data generated through routine clinical care, clinical trials and epidemiological studies, as well as local and national health datasets. The appointment is intended to strengthen and complement existing expertise across clinical research, epidemiology, computational biology, imaging and genomics. We are seeking an ambitious and collaborative researcher with strong quantitative and computational skills, extensive experience in the analysis of complex health data, and a track record of delivering innovative research with translational impact. The post will be based within the Division of Cancer Genetics and Epidemiology at the ICR and will include an honorary appointment at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. In addition to leading an independent research programme, the successful candidate will contribute to the strategic development of cancer health data science across both institutions. This will include opportunities to engage with initiatives supported through the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), alongside other institutional, charitable and externally funded programmes. The appointee will be expected to develop a strong externally funded research portfolio aligned with their scientific vision and to build productive collaborations across the ICR, RMH and the wider national and international cancer research community. The successful candidate must have: PhD (or equivalent) in relevant quantitative discipline (including, but not limited to, data science, epidemiology, biostatistics, health informatics, computer Strong foundation in quantitative methods and applied analytics. Strong understanding of data governance, privacy, and ethical considerations in health data science and AI. Strong programming and analytical skills (e.g., Python, R, SQL, JavaScript) and familiarity with modern data-science workflows. 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: Please find out more about our Genetics and Epidemiology division here. 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 Richard Houlston [email protected] or Professor Montse Garcia-Closas via [email protected].
Postdoctoral Training Fellow - Cancer Stem Cell
Under the guidance of Professor Axel Behrens, we are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Training Fellow. We are looking for a highly motivated and creative molecular biologist with a strong background in breast cancer biology. The goal of the project is to use advanced genetic cancer mouse models and patient-derived human cancer organoids, to apply their cancer biology skills to elucidate mechanisms of breast cancer stem cell biology and metastasis formation, with the ultimate aim to develop novel therapeutics. About you The successful candidate must have: Considerable experience in cancer biology Considerable experience in working with human patient-derived cancer organoids Considerable experience in working with in vivo breast cancer models Considerable experience in CRISPR modification of human patient-derived cancer organoids 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. Department/Directorate Information This post will sit within the Cancer Stem Cell team, part of the Breast Cancer Research Division - further information can be found here. 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 Ian Evans at [email protected]