Scientist mixing solutions in lab

Study and Careers

As the UK’s leading academic research centre, The Institute of Cancer Research offers a fantastic work and study environment, great opportunities for development and the chance to make a real difference for cancer patients. We aim to train, recruit and develop the best – with positions for outstanding scientists and clinicians, and the most talented professional or administrative staff.

Studying at the ICR

Our competitive programmes and specialised courses are designed for the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians.

Scientists in lab - Four scientists working in a lab

PhD projects and opportunities

We offer 20 fully funded PhD studentships each year. Our main round opens in October, but we also advertise projects throughout the year. 

 

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Opportunities for clinicians

At The Institute of Cancer Research, London, we offer clinicians a variety of opportunities – from a taught master's course in Oncology, to fellowships providing protected time for research, and higher research degrees.

MSc in Oncology

The Taught Course in Oncology is a day-release modular programme designed for medically qualified candidates who intend to pursue a professional career in some aspect of clinical or medical oncology, either as a clinical academic or a clinician.

Why study with us?

By providing world-class expertise and support to students at The Institute of Cancer Research, we hope to advance cancer research and clinical practice not only within our organisation, but throughout the field.

Varun Ramaswamy is a third-year PhD student at the ICR. He is working on a collaborative project between the Division of Cancer Therapeutics and the Division of Structural Biology that aims to solve the 3D structure of a protein called HSET using cryo-electron microscopy and complementary biophysical techniques.

What is your educational/work background?

I did my undergraduate degree in Genetic Engineering at SRM University, India. In 2016, I moved to London to do an MRes in Molecular Biophysics at King’s College London.

Why did you want to study at the ICR?

During my master’s degree, I had the opportunity to work with researchers at the ICR and collect some electron microscopy data. I was really fascinated by the technique and the facility at the ICR and kept in touch with the team about any future research opportunities.

Talk us through your typical day

You can find me running around between the Structural Biology laboratories on the fifth floor where I perform biophysical experiments and the Electron Microscopy suite in the basement. I also spend time in the office processing my images to create a 3D molecular structure of my protein of interest.

What big projects are you working on?

HSET is known to help cancer cells evade death. But this protein is completely redundant in healthy cells, making it an important anti-cancer drug target. What’s even more exciting is this protein can literally “hop” within the cell! As a structural biologist, I find that really intriguing to explore.

What’s the best thing about working at the ICR?

A healthy, supportive and professional working environment that allows me to perceive the impact of my research in the big picture of an anti-cancer drug discovery pipeline.

How do you take part in life at the ICR outside your studies?

I am lucky to be working across both the Sutton and the Chelsea sites, so I always have people to hang out with during lunch or after work in a park/pub. Also, the student committee comes up with great ideas for socials to ensure we stay in touch with each other.

What opportunities has studying at the ICR given you?

ICR has given me several opportunities to communicate my science in different ways- to scientific and non-scientific audiences, internal and external talks, oral presentations or written chats.  These challenging experiences have allowed me to grow as a scientific communicator and build a network with professionals in the UK.

What’s your favourite part of life at the ICR?

Meeting and working with people who are as passionate and excited about discussing science as I am.

What do you do to unwind?

I mostly just make music or read comic books. There are some days where I do nothing except browsing through YouTube videos. Before lockdown, I used to play squash in the Sutton site and I hope to do so again soon.

Varun Ramaswamy is a third-year PhD student at the ICR. He is working on a collaborative project between the Division of Cancer Therapeutics and the Division of Structural Biology that aims to solve the 3D structure of a protein called HSET using cryo-electron microscopy and complementary biophysical techniques.

What is your educational/work background?

I did my undergraduate degree in Genetic Engineering at SRM University, India. In 2016, I moved to London to do an MRes in Molecular Biophysics at King’s College London.

Why did you want to study at the ICR?

During my master’s degree, I had the opportunity to work with researchers at the ICR and collect some electron microscopy data. I was really fascinated by the technique and the facility at the ICR and kept in touch with the team about any future research opportunities.

Talk us through your typical day

You can find me running around between the Structural Biology laboratories on the fifth floor where I perform biophysical experiments and the Electron Microscopy suite in the basement. I also spend time in the office processing my images to create a 3D molecular structure of my protein of interest.

What big projects are you working on?

HSET is known to help cancer cells evade death. But this protein is completely redundant in healthy cells, making it an important anti-cancer drug target. What’s even more exciting is this protein can literally “hop” within the cell! As a structural biologist, I find that really intriguing to explore.

What’s the best thing about working at the ICR?

A healthy, supportive and professional working environment that allows me to perceive the impact of my research in the big picture of an anti-cancer drug discovery pipeline.

How do you take part in life at the ICR outside your studies?

I am lucky to be working across both the Sutton and the Chelsea sites, so I always have people to hang out with during lunch or after work in a park/pub. Also, the student committee comes up with great ideas for socials to ensure we stay in touch with each other.

What opportunities has studying at the ICR given you?

ICR has given me several opportunities to communicate my science in different ways- to scientific and non-scientific audiences, internal and external talks, oral presentations or written chats.  These challenging experiences have allowed me to grow as a scientific communicator and build a network with professionals in the UK.

What’s your favourite part of life at the ICR?

Meeting and working with people who are as passionate and excited about discussing science as I am.

What do you do to unwind?

I mostly just make music or read comic books. There are some days where I do nothing except browsing through YouTube videos. Before lockdown, I used to play squash in the Sutton site and I hope to do so again soon.

Lab - View of a lab with scientists working

Support moving to the UK

Whether you're a student or a full time employee, you'll get a variety of social, welfare and accommodation benefits and advice, to help your move to the UK.
Three people sitting at a table in an office, engaged in discussion and collaboration.

Working life and benefits

As a world-leading cancer research organisation, we are a dynamic and exciting place to work - with various benefits and support if you’re moving to the UK.

More about roles at the ICR

Our discoveries are made possible by a mix of scientists at different levels, as well as the leadership and corporate roles that keep us running day to day.

Current openings 

We offer a fantastic working environment, great opportunities for career development and the chance to make a real difference for cancer patients. We aim to recruit and develop the best – with positions for postdocs, scientists and clinicians, and professional or administrative staff - see the latest below:

Cyber-Security Engineer

  • Sutton
  • Digital Services
  • £35,150 - £42,642
  • Permanent

We are seeking a highly motivated Cyber-Security Engineer to safeguard our critical data and infrastructure from cyber threats by implementing and maintaining robust security solutions. Key Responsibilities: - Security Assessments & Vulnerability Management: Identifying weaknesses in systems and networks through vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. - Implementing Security Solutions: Putting in place firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and other tools to actively block and monitor for threats. - Patch Management: Ensuring all systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches to fix known vulnerabilities. - Security Monitoring & Incident Response: Keeping watch for suspicious activity and responding to security incidents effectively. This involves analysing logs, investigating alerts, and containing breaches. - Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Helping develop plans to restore systems and get the business back up and running quickly in case of a cyber attack or other disaster. - Staying Up-to-Date on Threats: Keeping current with the latest cyber security threats and trends to ensure the company's defences are always effective. - Security Policy Development & Enforcement: Creating and enforcing security policies to ensure everyone in the organization is following best practices. - Security Automation: Using automation tools to streamline security tasks and improve efficiency. Why Join Us? - Be a crucial part of a dedicated team committed to excellence. - Enjoy a collaborative and supportive work environment. - Make a real impact by helping users overcome technical challenges. If you have a knack for solving problems and a desire to help others, apply today to become our next Cyber-Security Engineer. Department/Directorate Information The Digital Services Directorate ensures that everyone at the ICR has access to the technology they need to do their jobs effectively including providing specialist IT support to the ICR's research community. 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 Andrews via Email at [email protected]

Senior Technician - in vivo biology

  • Sutton
  • Research Services
  • Permanent

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

  • Sutton
  • Business & Innovation Office
  • £61,275 - £74,175
  • Permanent

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]

Trials Methodologist/ Senior Trials Methodologist (Statistics)

  • Sutton
  • Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit
  • Salary range: £38,891- £46,804 or £47,634- £52,324
  • Fixed term

The Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR-CTSU) is expanding its statistical and methodology team. We want to hear from you if you: Enjoy the challenge of researching, developing, and implementing efficient trial methodology that would make a difference in patients’ lives. Seek variety in your work and opportunities to apply your statistical knowledge across multiple therapeutic areas in oncology. Thrive on being part of a multi-disciplinary research team with like-minded statisticians. Applications are now open for a Trials Methodologist/Senior Trials Methodologist (Statistics) position to join our team of over 20 statisticians. The post offers an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-motivated statistician to work in a dynamic and supportive academic environment at a leading cancer clinical trials unit. Key Requirements The successful applicant will be an experienced and highly motivated statistician interested in researching new statistical methods to improve efficiency in clinical trials and eager to apply their statistical knowledge across various therapeutic areas in oncology. The successful applicant will have a post-graduate qualification in statistics. They should demonstrate a solid understanding of clinical trials and experience in applying statistical methods to real-world data. Familiarity with Bayesian statistics is highly desirable. Effective oral and written communication skills, as well as enthusiasm for collaborating with others from diverse disciplines, are essential. Department/Directorate Information ICR-CTSU manages an exciting portfolio of national and international phase II and III clinical trials and an expanding number of early phase I/II cancer trials. You will contribute in shaping the development of methodological innovations and implementing efficient methods in new and ongoing trials, with a specific focus in early phase and adaptive trials. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team on trials methodology research and on the statistical development, oversight, and analysis of a number of clinical trials within ICR-CTSU’s portfolio and early phase portfolio in collaboration with external organisation and the Drug Development Unit. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. 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. For informal discussion about the Trial Methodologist/Senior Trial Methodologist (Statistics) post, please contact Professor Christina Yap/ Dr Jan Rekowski, email: [email protected] and [email protected] For general queries about the recruitment process, please contact ICR-CTSU, email: [email protected]