Working life and benefits

As a world-leading cancer research organisation, The Institute of Cancer Research is a dynamic and exciting place to work. We provide exceptional opportunities for the best scientists, clinicians, and professional and administrative staff, as well as excellent academic and recreational facilities at our two London sites, in Chelsea and Sutton.

World-leading research institute

The ICR is the leading academic research centre in the UK. Effective industry collaboration and innovation in new medicines and technologies are at the heart of our approach to drive benefits for patients.

The ICR is ranked:

  • second for research quality, impact and environment*
  • first for biological sciences*
  • third for research impact*
  • first worldwide for the number of our publications cited in patents**
  • fourth worldwide for the citation rate of scientific research published across all fields**
  • fourth worldwide for top-cited research publications**
  • in the top five higher education institutions worldwide for academic influence and commercial impact** 

The majority of our employees work in research, but there are also important roles in scientific facilities, academic services, IT, fundraising, communication, human resources, and within our business and innovation office, which negotiates between ICR scientists and industry.

See more about working with us

We aim to make the discoveries that defeat cancer by attracting, retaining and developing the best minds with excellent benefits and working environments.

Just some of our current vacancies

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])

Digital Manager – Website Lead

  • Chelsea
  • Development and Communications Directorate
  • Permanent

About the Role We’re looking for a talented Digital Manager to take ownership of the ICR’s main website and lead its evolution. You will manage, optimise and grow our website following its major redevelopment on the latest version of the Sitefinity CMS. This is a pivotal, highly collaborative role at the heart of a busy directorate that tells the ICR’s story and leads our fundraising. Key Responsibilities As our Website Lead, you will: Oversee daily management, development and optimisation of the ICR’s main website — including content, SEO/AEO and technical improvements Work closely with internal partners to develop new pages, sections and features Lead a programme of ongoing content review and user training across the organisation Produce regular website analytics reports and deliver insight-driven recommendations Ensure consistent branding, accessibility and outstanding user experience Manage a Digital Communications Officer (job share, 1.2 FTE) and help recruit and line-manage a new Website Developer Plan and prioritise technical projects with our Digital Services (IT) team About You This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who combines technical understanding with creativity, editorial judgement and a passion for delivering exceptional digital experiences. You’ll bring: Strong experience managing and publishing content within a CMS (Sitefinity experience is a bonus) A solid understanding of HTML and confidence working with developers and IT colleagues Experience overseeing the day-to-day running of a large website Skills in analysing website performance using tools like GA4, Google Tag Manager or Matomo Excellent organisational ability and the skills to manage multiple concurrent projects Strong written and verbal communication skills Experience managing or mentoring others (highly desirable) A proactive, collaborative approach to working across teams Optional but advantageous: experience with Adobe Creative Cloud tools, editorial content review, and training non-technical users What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension About the Development and Communications directorate The Development and Communications directorate tells the ICR’s story and focuses on income generation. The ICR is world-renowned for its outstanding cancer research – and it deserves communication to match. We believe that communicating effectively about the ICR's work can help us build on our successes – attracting donors and supporters, the best staff and students, commercial partners and collaborators. 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 Eleanor Howard, Head of Strategic Marketing via email on [email protected].

Clinical Data Manager

  • Sutton
  • Clinical Studies
  • Fixed term

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Clinical Data Manager to join the Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapy Group. This team conducts industry-sponsored early-phase clinical trials of novel anticancer therapies. As part of a world-class clinical trials unit, based within the Royal Marsden Hospital, we are committed to advancing cancer treatment through the development of innovative therapeutics that aim to improve patient care. About you The successful candidate must have a higher education qualification or degree in Biological Sciences (or equivalent), be highly organised and able to plan work around a busy clinical unit. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to interact effectively with internal multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders and collaborators. Department/Directorate Information The Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapy Group (PCTTG) is one of the most recognized groups and a world leader in running prostate cancer clinical trials. It specialises in developing new therapies to improve treatment for advanced prostate cancer patients; with a specific interest in biomarker-driven clinical trials. Since its opening in 2004, the PCTTG, led by Professor Johann de Bono, has driven innovative design and conduct of biomarker-led, hypothesis-testing clinical trials supported by highly informative laboratory studies, and has had a huge scientific and clinical impact. The team, alongside its partners and collaborators, has made critical contributions to elucidating the biology and clinical understanding of prostate cancer, and to transforming translational research and outcomes for this commonest of male malignancies. It has facilitated the development of many novel anti-cancer drugs which are now approved treatments for men with advanced prostate cancer, including abiraterone, enzalutamide, cabazitaxel, and olaparib. The PCTTG led and conducted clinical trials that demonstrated the efficacy and safety of abiraterone, resulting in the drug's regulatory approval around the world. Abiraterone has been administered to more than 400,000 men worldwide, with evidence indicating that it can improve life expectancy by at least a year while significantly improving quality of life. In addition, the PCTTG played a role in the successful development of enzalutamide and cabazitaxel, resulting in the drugs’ registration, which now form standard-of-care therapies for lethal prostate cancer. Finally, the PCTTG’s work on olaparib in DNA repair-defective prostate cancers, utilizing a novel investigator-initiated adaptive trial design, provided impetus for later-phase trials that have led to the recent approval of olaparib for use in DNA repair-defective lethal prostate cancer. 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 Appointment will be on a fixed term contract for one year in the first instance, with a salary range of £31,445 - £33,100 per annum inclusive based on skills and previous experience. This post also benefits from generous annual leave entitlement and a defined benefit pension scheme. 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 Emily Cross ([email protected]).

Senior Digital Marketing Manager

  • Chelsea
  • Development and Communications Directorate
  • Fixed term

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Senior Digital Marketing Manager to lead, as maternity cover, digital marketing activity across the directorate and help drive fundraising growth, brand awareness and supporter engagement. You will shape and deliver our digital marketing strategy, using insight, creativity and analytical rigour to ensure our website, donation platform, email marketing and digital campaigns support the ICR’s fundraising and brand objectives effectively. This is a key leadership role that manages two Digital Marketing Officers and oversees relationships with our external media agency. You will combine deep digital marketing expertise with excellent project management and a passion for impactful storytelling. Key Responsibilities Lead and deliver an annual programme of digital marketing and online supporter engagement to grow income and brand awareness. Act as the digital marketing expert for all fundraising teams, analysing data and proactively sharing insight. Manage paid media campaigns, email programmes, stewardship journeys and digital content planning. Agree and achieve KPIs for audience engagement, online giving and lead generation. Shape supporter journeys to maximise engagement, recruitment and fundraising participation. Manage the relationship with our digital media agency, from planning to evaluation. Optimise the ‘Support Us’ section of the website, leading SEO and AEO activity. Oversee and optimise our donation platform (goDonate), including testing and analytics. Manage a digital marketing budget of more than £300K. Provide digital marketing expertise across the ICR, including email and content support. Ensure strong brand consistency across all digital marketing and fundraising touchpoints. About You You will bring: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using SEO, Google Ads, Google Analytics and evaluation tools. Expertise across the full digital marketing mix. Excellent leadership skills, including line management. Ability to build strong relationships internally and externally. Understanding of digital tech including HTML basics, tracking pixels and marketing tags. Excellent written communication and strong design sense. Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Genuine enthusiasm for the ICR’s mission. Proven track record managing digital campaigns from conception to delivery. Experience managing agencies. Experience using data and insight to optimise campaigns and maximise income. Experience in content generation, website management, paid media and social platforms. Experience with online giving platforms. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension About the Development and Communications directorate The Development and Communications directorate tells the ICR’s story and focuses on income generation. The ICR is world-renowned for its outstanding cancer research – and it deserves communication to match. We believe that communicating effectively about the ICR's work can help us build on our successes – attracting donors and supporters, the best staff and students, commercial partners and collaborators. 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 Talent Team on [email protected]