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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.

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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.

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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.
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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:

Research Group Leader, ICR Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU)

  • Sutton
  • Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit
  • £66,092 - £86,908
  • Permanent

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

  • Chelsea
  • Functional Proteomics Group
  • 45,600 per annum
  • Fixed term

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

  • Sutton
  • Salary Range: £31,445 - £33,100 per annum
  • Fixed term

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

  • Sutton
  • Integrative Cancer Epidemiology
  • Salary range £31,445 - £37,415 per annum
  • Fixed term

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]