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
HR Business Partner
Summary of Role We currently have an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated and experienced HR Business Partner to join our HR Operations team. You will build strong partnerships with client departments, acting as a strategic advisor to align HR initiatives with broader business goals. In addition to leading on strategic HR matters, you will manage an HR Adviser and administrative support to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, consistent HR service across both the Professional Services and Scientific Research Divisions. Your role will involve working closely with operational teams across the ICR to provide a proactive, professional, and customer-focused generalist HR service throughout the employee lifecycle, in accordance with HR policies, procedures, and agreed service standards. Key requirements: Fully qualified Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), ideally at Chartered Member (MCIPD) level Demonstrated experience in handling a wide range of employee relations issues, including disciplinary and grievance procedures, absence and performance management, TUPE, redundancy, and redeployment Proficiency in using the Agresso Integrated HR/Payroll system, with the flexibility to adapt to Oracle as part of upcoming system changes (desirable) Comprehensive and current understanding of UK employment legislation and HR best practice Department/Directorate Information We know that talented, brilliant, passionate people lie at the heart of the ICR. The Human Resources Directorate provides both strategic and operational advice and support across the ICR to attract and acquire, develop, retain and empower our people to achieve their full potential. This is an exciting and transformative time for the HR Directorate as we begin to implement a new People Strategy and an ERP system to better support the ICR in achieving its mission of making the discoveries that defeat cancer.
Cloud & Infrastructure Manager
The Digital Services Directorate ensures that ICR staff have the necessary technology and specialist IT support, particularly for research. The Cloud & Infrastructure Manager will oversee the cloud and on-premises infrastructure, ensuring high availability, scalability, and security for applications and data. Implement a cloud and infrastructure strategy aligned with business goals. Manage hybrid cloud environments (combining on-premises infrastructure with cloud services). Manage and optimise cloud resources for cost and performance Manage IT infrastructure (servers, storage, networking). Manage relationships with cloud vendors and service providers. Lead and mentor a team of infrastructure engineers. Develop and implement processes for infrastructure management. Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders. Budget management for cloud and infrastructure services Capacity planning and forecasting future needs. Automation of infrastructure tasks
Health Economist
Under the guidance of Cancer Technology Catalyst team lead Dr Patrick Kierkegaard, we are seeking to recruit a Health Economist to pioneer evaluations at the CRUK Convergence Science Centre. Based in South Kensington, London, with travel to partner sites (The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, ICR Sutton, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust). The successful candidate will lead early-stage health economic modelling and health technology assessment (HTA) for cutting-edge oncology innovations, including precision drugs, diagnostics, treatments, clinical guidelines, and digital health technologies (DHTs). Department/Directorate Information The Cancer Research UK Convergence Science Centre (CSC) is a partnership between Imperial College London and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) with funding from Cancer Research UK. Convergence research is driven by a societal need and utilises a deep integration across disciplines. Professor Axel Behrens is the Scientific Director of the CRUK Convergence Science Centre. This position of Health Economist is integrated within our Cancer Technology Catalyst team (CTC). The CTC is an initiative designed to expedite the journey of promising cancer technologies from concept to clinical impact. Led by a diverse team of experts, the CTC is committed to unlocking the full potential of innovative solutions and addressing the challenges inherent in bringing them to patients. By harnessing a collaborative Team Science approach, the CTC works closely with Principal Investigators and their teams to develop comprehensive evidence packages that not only inform robust value propositions for cancer technologies, but also strategically position them for successful clinical integration. About you Please see the attached job description for essential skills and qualifications for this role, and further information. 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 Patrick Kierkegaard via [email protected].
Trial Statistician / Senior Trial Statistician
The Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR-CTSU) is recruiting to its statistical team. We want to hear from you if you: • Like the challenge of analysing clinical trial datasets and want to become part of a statistical team that is dedicated to translating cutting-edge science into quality clinical trials that can transform cancer care • Want variety in your work and opportunities to apply and broaden your statistical knowledge across a number of therapeutic areas in oncology • Like to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team with like-minded statisticians, clinical investigators, translational analysts, bioinformaticians, and trial managers. Applications are now open for a Trial Statistician/Senior Trial Statistician position to join our team of over 20 Statisticians. This post offers an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-motivated Statistician to work in a dynamic and supportive academic environment at one of the leading UK cancer trials units. Key Requirements The successful applicant will have a post-graduate qualification in statistics or an allied field (or a first degree in statistics along with practical experience in medical statistics). Additionally, they should demonstrate a solid understanding of clinical trials and experience in applying statistical methods to real-world data. Effective oral and written communication skills and enthusiasm for collaborating with researchers from different 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 work as part of a multi-disciplinary team on the statistical development, oversight and analysis of a number of clinical trials within ICR-CTSU’s portfolio and the ICR/Royal Marsden Drug Development Unit’s early phase trials portfolio as well as on associated trials methodology research and translational biomarker research studies. 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 the probation period/key training and if the role allows. Flexible working options may be considered. For informal discussion about the Trial Statistician/Senior Trial Statistician post, please contact Lucy Kilburn (Principal Statistician), email: [email protected] For general queries about the recruitment process, please contact ICR-CTSU, email: [email protected].
Business Manager & Executive Assistant
About the Role We are seeking a Business Manager & Executive Assistant to join the Division of Radiotherapy & Imaging, on a fixed-term position. The successful candidate will provide highly efficient, proactive and comprehensive executive assistant and management support to aid the Head of Division in achieving their strategic and business objectives, working efficiently and effectively to enhance and support the overall Division. Key responsibilities include: Diary & Correspondence Management Servicing Meetings Travel Arrangements Operational Management Financial Management People Management Communication & Stakeholder Management About You We are looking for a highly organised, proactive and detail-oriented team player who will be able to make an immediate impact. Key skills and experience include: Excellent organisational, time-management and problem-solving skills Strong verbal and written communication skills Proactive with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively Experience of working under pressure with strict deadlines What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment Opportunities for professional development and career progression Competitive salary and pension Department/Directorate Information The Division of Radiotherapy & Imaging includes the prestigious Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, and overlaps with the Joint Department of Physics, which spans The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. 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 Joanna Panayiotou via email on [email protected].
Higher Scientific Officer
Under the guidance of Dr Thomas Lund, we are seeking to recruit a Higher Scientific Officer to contribute to support with laboratory management and provide oversight of operations of the IPU labs, including Leica Bond 3 Automated Slide Stainers, Akoya PhenoImager HT (previously known as the Vectra Polaris) and Ventana Discovery Ultra. The role offers the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary group, including clinical, scientific, and computational staff whose combined remit is to offer advanced pathology solutions to clinical research. This is an exciting opening in a recently established group at the forefront of clinical and academic research located in the world-renown ICR & RMH. The successful candidate will play a key role in the establishment and maintenance of SOPs, whenever necessary, coordination of provision of reagents, quality control and quality assurance of scientific data from all projects. In addition, the HSO is expected to support all aspects of histopathology related to a range of research projects in our established, advanced translational research laboratory in the field of complex (IHC/RNA-ISH/mIF) tissue hybridisation technologies. The post holder will work alongside a team of Biomedical Scientists, three Research Scientists/HSOs and a Senior Scientific Officer (SSO). The right candidate is expected to perform a variety of tasks that may include but are not restricted to: a) Staining of pathology slides using manual and automated methodology; b) Scanning of pathology slides stained using a variety of methods; c) Maintaining a high level of QA/QC of image quality About you The successful candidate must have: PhD in Biological Sciences, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Pathology, or a similar discipline Up-to-date knowledge of the current literature in cancer immunology, cancer therapies and the tumour microenvironment would be desirable Good laboratory skills, with experience in working in a collaborative environment Experience in tissue handling and processing, histological techniques, IHC, mIF, ISH, microscopy and digital image capturing Experience of using and maintaining SOPs based on these techniques Experience with training other members of staff Hands-on experience with using the Leica Bond 3 and/or the Akoya PhenoImager HT would be desirable Department/Directorate Information Team: Integrated Pathology Unit Directorate: Cancer Biology https://www.icr.ac.uk/research-and-discoveries/royal-marsden-centres/joint-integrated-pathology-unit https://www.cancerbrc.org/integrated-pathology-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 Dr Marta Vergnano or Dr Thomas Lund via email on [email protected] or [email protected].
Senior Trial Manager
Summary of Role We would like to appoint a Senior Trial Manager to be responsible for: • Day to day management of the trial(s) through set-up, recruitment and reporting; • Liaising with stakeholders and participating centres to promote the trial(s) and ensure successful recruitment and delivery; • Co-ordination of data management and biological sample collection activities. The post offers an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-motivated individual with clinical trial management experience to work in a dynamic and supportive academic environment in a dedicated cancer clinical trials unit. The successful applicant will be responsible for the central coordination of multicentre cancer trials. Key Requirements Applicants should hold a first degree or equivalent level qualification in biological science, social science or other relevant subject (including nursing and health care disciplines) or equivalent, relevant work experience and have a good understanding of the principles of GCP, data protection and research governance. Experience in clinical trial management is essential. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. Department/Directorate Information The Institute of Cancer Research is looking for a Senior Trial Manager to join the Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) at its Sutton site in Surrey. ICR-CTSU runs a diverse portfolio of national and international phase III multicentre randomised controlled trials, and phase II trials of targeted treatments with a focus on breast, urological and head and neck cancer treatments. Informal enquiries can be made by emailing [email protected].
Oracle Fusion Security Architect
About the Role We are seeking an experience Oracle Fusion Security Architect to join the Stratus Programme in the Digital Services directorate who will be responsible for developing the Security strategy, ensuring that the ICR solutions are secure and well governed, approved based on enterprise and applications level at industry standards. This role will include security with Oracle Fusion applications and the integration to non-Oracle products, the role will ensure sustainable security set up across all aspects of the Stratus security. About You We are looking for an experienced security lead with the following skills: Develop and implement the Security strategies, plans, and procedures specifically for the implementation of the ICR Stratus programme using applications including Oracle Fusion, as well as third party applications to ensure full end to security scrutiny. Lead and manage the ICR and third-party testing plan and resources ensuring effective collaboration and communication to ensure Ensure all aspects of security are developed to align with best practise, including but not limited to applications, enterprise security. Oversee all aspects of security assurance for Oracle applications, integrations and migrations to create end to end processes, based on ICR use cases including establishing metrics, applying industry best practices, and developing new tools and processes. Coordinate and manage Security testing activities across multiple projects, products and teams. Ensure that all security activities are executed in a timely manner and meet the required quality standards. Identify, document, and track software breaches. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. 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].