Careers at the ICR
We provide exceptional opportunities for the best scientists, clinicians, and professional and administrative staff, and excellent academic and recreational facilities at our two London sites, in Chelsea and Sutton.
As a world-leading research organisation, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, offers 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 outstanding scientists and clinicians, and the most talented professional or administrative staff.
Different types of positions at the ICR
Our aim is to attract the best people in cancer research. We offer an excellent working environment, competitive salaries and good staff benefits. There is a range of career paths at the ICR, in scientific research, research support, and professional and administrative positions.
We offer a variety of professional and administrative roles in areas such as facilities, fundraising, communication, IT, human resources, research services and education and library services.
Our professional services teams are tailored to meet the needs of a research organisation, and many of our employees in these teams have backgrounds in science, or experience of working with scientists and clinicians.
Our specialist finance team is experienced at dealing with research grants, and staff within our Business and Innovation Office have the expertise to negotiate complex collaborative agreements between the ICR and pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
We're recruiting the top figures in cancer research to work in a vibrant and confident culture that consistently produces world-changing research.
To become part of our career faculty, you will be an established senior researcher and have the proven leadership skills and international research credibility to direct major scientific programmes, and build and manage a motivated and high-performing scientific team.
Our culture emphasises the importance of collaborative working to address the big challenges in cancer research, and you will be expected to form part of the wider ICR team. You will also recruit and develop the research leaders of the future.
To join the ICR you’ll be a talented scientist looking for the next step after your initial postdoctoral studies. You’ll be ready to start leading a team independently under the mentorship of a leading senior scientist.
Personal fellowships, funded by a variety of medical research agencies and charities, are the usual route for new leaders to join us in areas in which we are traditionally very strong, such as cancer biology. Success as a fellow will put you on a fast-track route to gaining a long-term career at the ICR.
To join us you will have, or be in the process of gaining, a personal fellowship from one of the major national or international funding bodies, such as the Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, one of the Research Councils, the Royal Society or the National Institute for Health Research.
For PhD graduates looking for a postdoctoral role. We offer a competitive salary, rigorous training, many opportunities for professional development, and an open and inclusive working culture.
We offer clinicians a variety of working opportunities, from working as a postdoctoral researcher in one of our eight scientific divisions, to carrying out independent research as a clinician scientist or clinical research fellow, to heading a specialised research team. We also offer clinicians the opportunity to develop their specialty, through a variety of taught or research-based postgraduate degrees.
Collaboration between scientists and clinicians is essential for the translational nature of the cutting-edge research carried out at the ICR. It gets new treatments to patients more quickly, and allows our researchers to learn from experience in the clinic.
Moving to the UK
We attract staff from all over the world. Find all the information you need to move to the United Kingdom to work with us.
Staff benefits
Find out more about the staff benefits we offer, including a competitive salary package, annual leave entitlements, and sports and social facilities.Some of our current vacancies
Head of Biology and Director, Centre for Target Validation (Group Leader)
Under the leadership of Dr Olivia Rossanese, we are seeking to appoint a Team Leader to join The Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery (CCDD) as The Head of Biology and Director of the Centre for Target Validation. Key Requirements The successful candidate must have in-depth knowledge and recent experience in an area of cancer biology relevant to oncology drug discovery. Leadership experience of drug discovery within, or in collaboration with, the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry as evidenced by publication and/or successful commercial projects. Along with completing the online application form, you will be asked to attach the following documents and failure to do so will mean your application cannot be considered on this occasion: · Full CV · Lists of major publications, achievements, research grants, distinctions. · 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: The Division of Cancer Therapeutic's mission is to develop personalised medicines by translating information from the cancer genome and cancer biology into drugs for patient benefit. We implement innovative drug discovery technologies, discover novel mechanism-based drugs, and develop these as rapidly as possible from the laboratory through to hypothesis-testing early clinical trials 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 Dr Olivia Rossanese, Email [email protected]
Postdoctoral Training Fellow
Under the leadership of Claudio Alfieri, we are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Training Fellow to join the Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Cycle Regulation Group at the Chester Beatty Laboratories, Fulham Road in London. This project aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of cell cycle regulation by macromolecular complexes involved in cell proliferation decisions, by combining genome engineering, proteomics and in situ structural biology. For general information on Post Doc's at The ICR can be found here. Key Requirements The successful candidate must have a PhD in cellular biochemistry and experience in Cryo-EM and CLEM is desirable. 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 10 years Department/Directorate Information: The candidate will work in the Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Cycle Regulation Group within the ICR Division of Structural Biology headed by Prof. Laurence Pearl and Prof. Sebastian Guettler. The division has state-of-the-art facilities for protein expression and biophysics/x-ray crystallography, in particular the Electron Microscopy Facility is equipped with a Glacios 200kV with Falcon 4i detector with Selectris energy filter and the ICR has access to Krios microscopes via eBIC and the LonCEM consortium. 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 Claudio Alfieri via Email on [email protected]
Head of Procurement
As Head of Procurement, you will lead the provision of sustainable, best-practice arrangements for the procurement of goods and services, and the delivery of value for money in the pursuit of the ICR’s research mission. You will be responsible for leading the procurement service across the ICR, incorporating strategic category management, sustainable procurement practice, and operational procurement support. You will work with senior internal and external stakeholders to ensure best value is achieved whilst complying with legislative requirements. This will involve leading on the development and implementation of procurement policies and systems, and developing a business partnering approach to category management to embed best practice within areas of key expenditure. Key Requirements The successful candidate must have significant category management experience within a complex organisation with significant capital expenditure requirements. They will hold a professional procurement qualification (MCIPS or equivalent), and have excellent interpersonal skills, able to build strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and to negotiate and influence outcomes that promote the ICR's commercial interests. They will also have strong systems and data skills, able to take an analytical, data-driven approach to driving value in the ICR's supply chain. Department/Directorate Information The Procurement team supports the ICR in a wide range of products and services – from specialist lab equipment to laptops, stationery, support from design agencies and travel. We help all divisions and directorates with their buying needs. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. We welcome applications from individuals seeking a job share arrangement for this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Liam Blake ([email protected]).
Postdoctoral Training Fellow – X-Ray Crystallography
A postdoctoral position is available in Dr Rob van Montfort’s Hit Discovery and Structural Design Team within the CCDD. The Post-doc will be involved in the structure determination of protein-ligand complexes, primarily by X-ray crystallography but also potentially by cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM), as part of one of the CCDD’s drug discovery programmes. The postholder will be responsible for protein production and purification, protein crystallisation, structure determination by X-ray crystallography and subsequent structural analysis. The successful candidate will be an integral member of a multidisciplinary project team within the CCDD at the ICR Sutton site, and will interact closely with biologists, computational chemists, medicinal chemists, assay scientists and structural biologists.They will have access to state-of-the-art facilities for protein production and purification, as well as biophysical characterisation and crystallisation at the Sutton site. We also benefit from excellent access to Diamond Light Source synchrotron at the Harwell Science and Innovation campus, Didcot, UK, for X-ray data collection. Additionally, the successful candidate will also be part of the Division of Structural Biology, located in Chelsea, in which the structural biologists in Dr van Montfort’s team are also embedded, and will have access to its state-of-the art cryoEM facilities. These include an in-house Glacios and 30% direct access to a Titan KRIOS located at the Francis Crick Institute. Both microscopes are equipped with Falcon III detectors and volta phase plates (VPP). In addition, we have excellent access to the electron bioimaging Centre (eBIC) at the Harwell Science and Innovation campus, Didcot, UK. About you The successful candidate must have must have a PhD (or equivalent) in a biological or physical science, with demonstrable experience in X-ray crystallography and protein biochemistry. Experience in cryo-EM specimen preparation and data processing would be an advantage, though not strictly mandatory. Experience in molecular biology, protein expression and purification, as well as biophysical characterisation of protein samples would also be highly desirable. The ICR has a workforce agreement stating that Postdoctoral Training Fellows can only be employed for up to 7 years as PDTF (including previous employment at this level elsewhere). For general information on Postdocs at The ICR, more information can be found here. Department/Directorate Information The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievements dating back more than 100 years. We provided the first convincing evidence that DNA damage is the basic cause of cancer, laying the foundation for the now universally accepted idea that cancer is a genetic disease. Today, the ICR leads the world at isolating cancer-related genes and discovering new targeted drugs for personalised cancer treatment. Together with our hospital partner The Royal Marsden, we are rated in the top four centres for cancer research and treatment worldwide. As well as being a world-class institute, we are a college of the University of London. We came top in the league table of university research quality compiled from the Research Excellence Framework in 2014 and second in 2021 (REF 2014 and 2021). The ICR is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best minds in the world to join us in our mission – to make the discoveries that defeat cancer. Department/Directorate Information: The Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery (CCDD), within the Division of Cancer Therapeutics, is a multidisciplinary 'bench to bedside' centre, comprising around 160 staff dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. The CCDD’s exciting goal is to discover high quality small molecule drug candidates and to progress these to clinical trial. All the scientific disciplines are in place to make this possible, including medicinal chemistry, biology, structural biology, assay scientists, drug metabolism and clinical specialists. This is an exciting and fast-moving research setup and offers the opportunity to work within a multi-disciplinary environment using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. 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 Dr van Montfort [email protected] or Dr Le Bihan [email protected]. Please DO NOT send your application to Dr Van Montfort or Dr Le Bihan, but apply via the e-recruitment system on our websitewww.icr.ac.uk/careers.
Postdoctoral Training Fellow: In Situ Structural Biology
Under the leadership of Professor Sebastian Guettler, we seek a Postdoctoral Training Fellow to join the Structural Biology of Cell Signalling Group at ICR's Chester Beatty Laboratories, Fulham Road in London. The new Team Member will investigate the structure of macromolecular assemblies in situ, using cryogenic fluorescence microscopy and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms of the ADP-ribosyltransferase tankyrase. The Team Member will be supported by ICR's Light and Electron Microscopy Facilities and benefit from recent investments into in situ structural biology at the ICR. General information on Postdocs at the ICR can be found here. Key requirements The successful candidate must have a PhD in a biological science or any other area relevant to the laboratory's research. Experience in cryo-EM is essential, and experience in in situ structural biology approaches is desirable. The ICR has a workforce agreement stating that Postdoctoral Training Fellows can only be employed for up to 6 years as a PTDF at the ICR (this includes experience gained at PDTF level prior to joining the ICR) Department/Directorate Information The candidate will work in the Structural Biology of Cell Signalling Group within the ICR Division of Structural Biology headed by Professor Laurence Pearl and Professor Sebastian Guettler. The Division features state-of-the-art structural biology infrastructure and a vibrant research community. Its Electron Microscopy Facility is equipped with a 200-keV Thermo Fisher Scientific Glacios TEM with a Falcon 4i detector. The ICR further has access to Krios microscopes via the Electron Bio-Imaging Centre (eBIC) at the Diamond Light Source and the London Consortium for Cryo-EM (LonCEM). Recent investments include equipment for in situ structural biology, particularly a Leica EM GP2 plunge freezer, an EM ICE high-pressure freezer, an Ultracut ultramicrotome with an FC7 cryo-chamber, a STELLARIS 5 cryo-confocal microscope, and a Thermo Fisher Scientific Selectris energy filter for ICRs Glacios TEM. FIB-SEM access is available through eBIC. An initiative to establish FIB-SEM at the ICR is underway. 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 Sebastian Guettler via email on [email protected].
Statistical Assistant - Industry Placement
ICR’s Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) is offering a placement year training opportunity at its Sutton site in Surrey for an enthusiastic, adaptable, and quick learning individual, currently undertaking a life science undergraduate degree. This an exciting opportunity for students interested in a career within clinical trials to receive training within a clinical research setting. The successful applicant will work directly with the ICR-CTSU Clinical Trial & Data managers and Trial administrators to support the delivery of a diverse portfolio of phase II/III clinical trials, with a special emphasis in breast, urological and head and neck cancer treatments. You will receive full training in Good Clinical Practice and experience of working in accordance with UK clinical trials legislation. This will put you ahead of the competition when you graduate if you apply for a role in clinical trials either in academic research or in industry. You should be a life science student in your second year of study seeking a placement year opportunity in clinical trials. This post will be office based. When applying please provide a supporting statement; together with your CV and the names and addresses of two referees. Key Requirements The successful candidate must be studying for an undergraduate degree in life sciences. You should have a high level of computer literacy, a proven ability to use MS office packages and work accurately with attention to detail as well as good written and oral communication skills. You should be able to use electronic systems for recording and managing information and the ability to adhere to written procedures, work to agreed deadlines and work as part of a team. An interest in cancer research and the ability to work with confidential information is also essential. For full details of the requirements see the job description. Department/Directorate Information For information regarding the ICR-CTSU Team go to: https://www.icr.ac.uk/our-research/centres-and-collaborations/centres-at-the-icr/clinical-trials-and-statistics-unit 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 us via email at: [email protected]
Clinical Trial Assistant - Industry Placement
ICR’s Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) is offering a placement year training opportunity at its Sutton site in Surrey for an enthusiastic, adaptable, and quick learning individual, currently undertaking a life science undergraduate degree. This an exciting opportunity for students interested in a career within clinical trials to receive training within a clinical research setting. The successful applicant will work directly with the ICR-CTSU Clinical Trial & Data managers and Trial administrators to support the delivery of a diverse portfolio of phase II/III clinical trials, with a special emphasis in breast, urological and head and neck cancer treatments. You will receive full training in Good Clinical Practice and experience of working in accordance with UK clinical trials legislation. This will put you ahead of the competition when you graduate if you apply for a role in clinical trials either in academic research or in industry. You should be a life science student in your second year of study seeking a placement year opportunity in clinical trials. This post will be office based. When applying please provide a supporting statement; together with your CV and the names and addresses of two referees. Key Requirements The successful candidate must be studying for an undergraduate degree in life sciences. You should have a high level of computer literacy, a proven ability to use MS office packages and work accurately with attention to detail as well as good written and oral communication skills. You should be able to use electronic systems for recording and managing information and the ability to adhere to written procedures, work to agreed deadlines and work as part of a team. An interest in cancer research and the ability to work with confidential information is also essential. For full details of the requirements see the job description. Department/Directorate Information For information regarding the ICR-CTSU Team go to: https://www.icr.ac.uk/our-research/centres-and-collaborations/centres-at-the-icr/clinical-trials-and-statistics-unit 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 us via email at: [email protected]
Higher Scientific Officer - Protein production, purification and assay specialist
A Higher Scientific Officer (HSO) position is available in Dr Rob van Montfort’s Hit Discovery and Structural Design (HDSD) team within the CCDD, to support a collaboration with the ICR’s Centre for Protein Degradation (CPD) and University College London (UCL) aimed at developing novel small molecule-controlled molecular switches to modulate CAR-T cell activity based on induced protein degradation technology. We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with expertise in DNA construct design, cloning and mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, and with experience in biochemical and biophysical assays. The successful candidate will be responsible for the site-directed generation of multiple mutant variants of a protein of interest, followed by protein expression in E. coli and purification. Subsequently, the postholder will be responsible for the characterisation of the generated protein variants using biochemical and biophysical assays. The postholder will be an integral member of the HDSD team within the CCDD at the Sutton campus of the ICR, interacting closely with other protein production specialists, assay scientists and structural biologists. They will also be interacting closely with biologists specialised in CAR-T cells technology at UCL. About you The successful candidate must have at least a BSc in a biochemistry or related biological subject, and ideally an MSc or PhD. Experience and demonstrable skills in molecular biology, protein expression in E. coli and protein purification, as well as biochemical assays are essential. Demonstrable practical experience of biophysical techniques such as SPR and/or TSA would also be an advantage. Department/Directorate Information The Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery (CCDD), within the Division of Cancer Therapeutics, is a multidisciplinary 'bench to bedside' centre, comprising around 160 staff dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. The CCDD’s exciting goal is to discover high quality small molecule drug candidates and to progress these to clinical trial. All the scientific disciplines are in place to make this possible, including medicinal chemistry, biology, structural biology, assay scientists, drug metabolism and clinical specialists. This is an exciting and fast-moving research setup and offers the opportunity to work within a multi-disciplinary environment using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. 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] or [email protected]