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.
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.
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.
Student Profile
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.
Employee Story
Head of Research Support (corporate role) Dr Becky Cook Dr Becky Cook is Head of Research Support at The Institute of Cancer Research. She oversees our large strategic grant applications and is supporting the ICR's next submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF), which is the definitive government evaluation of the quality and impact of research at UK universities.
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.
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.
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:
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])
Senior Digital Learning Lead
We are seeking an experienced digital learning specialist to join the ICR in a 12-month fixed-term role focused on shaping the future of online education in cancer science and oncology. Reporting to the Academic Registrar, the Senior Digital Learning Lead will work closely with academic and professional services colleagues to explore new approaches to online professional learning in oncology and cancer science. The role will focus on designing and evaluating models for high-quality online courses that build on the ICR’s international reputation for postgraduate education and research. The ICR delivers highly specialised postgraduate education with outstanding outcomes for students, and this role will play a key part in exploring how that expertise can be shared more widely through carefully designed online learning. A central early priority will be to develop a clear framework for the design and delivery of premium online professional courses, including pedagogical models, course structures and scalable approaches to production. Alongside this core project, the role will provide senior specialist advice on digital pedagogy and the effective use of the ICR’s virtual learning environment (Canvas), reviewing current practice and ensuring that the platform continues to support teaching and assessment effectively as sector expectations and technologies evolve. The post-holder will also work with colleagues to explore the implications of emerging technologies such as generative AI for teaching, learning and assessment in a postgraduate research environment. The role would suit an experienced digital learning professional who enjoys shaping new ideas and translating them into practical approaches. Working closely with senior colleagues in a small and collaborative institution, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence institutional thinking and design new models for digital education in a highly specialised research environment. We are looking for: an experienced higher education professional with a strong understanding of digital pedagogy and online learning design; someone with experience of working with academic staff to design or improve digitally enabled learning; a candidate who is comfortable influencing and advising colleagues at senior academic levels; an individual with excellent judgement about what constitutes high-quality online learning and how this can be delivered efficiently; someone who is curious about emerging developments in digital education, including the use of generative AI in teaching and assessment. This role offers a rare opportunity to design and shape a new area of work within a research-intensive postgraduate institution. While the post is initially offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis, there may be opportunities to extend the role depending on the development of this work and the availability of funding. For full details, please see the job description attached. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Stuart Bell on [email protected]. Shortlisted candidates will be offered a choice of interview times in Sutton on Thursday 11 June or in Chelsea on Friday 12 June.
Higher Scientific Officer - Cell-based Pharmacology
Join the ICR Centre for Protein Degradation and help shape the future of cancer treatment. We’re looking for a driven and talented drug discovery scientist to develop and run cell-based screening assays for discovery and pharmacological characterisation of molecular glue degraders and PROTACs. What you’ll do Design and execute advanced cell-based drug screening assays Generate high-quality pharmacological data to guide drug discovery Manage molecular glue compound libraries Collaborate across biology, medicinal chemistry, and oncology teams What we’re looking for Strong experience in high throughput cell-based assays and pharmacological compound profiling A proactive, collaborative mindset Passion for translational cancer research Why join us? Work with expert scientists in a collaborative drug discovery team, helping to develop innovative medicines with real potential to improve patients’ lives. Be part of the science that makes a difference. Apply now. Department/Directorate Information Click on the links to learn more about the team - Induced Proximity Therapeutics Group & Centre for Protein Degradation. We encourage all applicants to access the attached job pack for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Dr Agnieszka Konopacka [email protected]
Trainee Animal Technician
Under the guidance of Peter John-Baptiste, we are seeking to recruit a Trainee Auxiliary/Animal Technician to contribute efficient cleaning and portering services to support the BSU. The post holder will help maintain prescribed hygiene standards, ensure safe and efficient use of materials and chemicals, and contribute to the care and welfare of research animals at ICR. The successful candidate will play a key role in providing routine husbandry to the animals within the BSU, checking of cages and animals for signs of husbandry and welfare requirements and participate in facility cleaning, cage-washing and preparation of cages. About you The successful candidate must have: An interest in animal welfare Good level of education including an interest in Science Willingness to learn new techniques/approaches Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team Department/Directorate Information The Biological Services Unit (BSU) provides essential support to the ICR scientific community at both Chelsea and Sutton campuses. The team’s primary responsibility is the care and welfare of animals held at ICR under The Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986. More information on the Biological Services Unit 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 Peter John-Baptiste via Email at [email protected]