Researcher looking up at electron microscope, surrounded by several screens

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.

View our vacancies

Find out more about roles at the ICR

The ICR offers a variety of different research roles, positions in scientific support, and a variety of professional and administrative positions.

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.

Professional services roles

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.

Group leader roles

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.

Research scientist and scientific support roles

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.

Post docs roles

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.

Clinician roles

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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

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])

Clinical Research Fellow

  • Sutton
  • Clinical Studies
  • circa £55,329.00
  • Fixed term

Applications are invited for the post of Clinical Research Fellow in the Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapy Group (PCTTG) at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust to contribute to the discovery, development and delivery of the next generation of treatments, technologies and methodology into clinical care. This post is an excellent opportunity to be centrally involved in the management of patients with advanced prostate cancer enrolled in clinical trials of experimental anti-cancer drugs. In addition, the applicant will be encouraged to become involved in translational research that could lead to a PhD and will gain experience in translational and clinical research including the conduct of clinical trials and manuscript writing. To be considered applicants must meet the following essential criteria: Full registration with the General Medical Council, Acquisition of MRCP, and Clinical experience in managing cancer patients. Department/Directorate Information The PCTTG, under the leadership and guidance of Professor Johann de Bono and Dr Adam Sharp, has led on the development of many of the new drugs currently used for the management of advanced prostate cancer including abiraterone, cabazitaxel, enzalutamide, olaparib and Lutetium PSMA. The Unit is based at the Royal Marsden in the Oak Cancer Centre, a day-care area with outpatient facilities exclusively dedicated to the care and treatment of patients enrolled in clinical trials and is closely linked to our translational research laboratories at The Institute of Cancer Research. 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 Johann de Bono via email on [email protected]

Human Resources Adviser

  • Sutton
  • Human Resources
  • £41,600 per annum
  • Fixed term

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated and experienced HR Adviser to join our HR Operations team for 12 months. Providing dedicated partnering with client departments, you’ll work closely with line managers to provide proactive and pragmatic advice and guidance on all aspects of people management, taking ownership of a busy employee relations caseload. You will also be responsible for supervising the work of our HR Administrative Team to ensure our monthly payroll input is submitted accurately and on time. You will work closely with other HR teams, including Recruitment, Systems and Information, and Learning and Organisational Development to ensure the provision of an effective, end to end HR service to Scientific and Professional Services teams across the ICR. Key Requirements You will have previous HR advisory experience, as well as a sound experience of managing employee relations cases end-to-end. You’ll need to be highly computer-literate, and have excellent attention to detail, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills to deliver effectively within a fast-paced environment. You will also have first-rate customer service skills to build and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues across the organisation. Previous line management experience, and of managing small scale team restructures, including knowledge and understanding of TUPE processes would be a distinct advantage. Human Resources Directorate We know that talented, brilliant, passionate people lie at the heart of the ICR. That’s why we provide the policies, procedures, systems and people management infrastructure to recruit, retain, motivate and develop our people to achieve their full potential. We offer both operational and strategic support to teams across the ICR. We are organised across four main functions: HR Operations Learning and Organisational Development Pensions Reward, Information and Systems The ICR’s future success depends on recruiting the very best people with the very best skills and our HR strategy ensures that we have the organisational capacity and capability to deliver this. We encourage all applicants to access the job description pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the Sutton based role, please contact Karen Grieff via email on [email protected].

Data Manager: XNAT Image Repository

  • Sutton
  • Magnetic Resonance
  • Salary range: £36,860 - £38,800 per annum
  • Fixed term

Under the guidance of XNAT Team lead Simon Doran, we are seeking to recruit a Data Manager for the joint Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden XNAT Repository, which holds deidentified imaging and associated clinical data underpinning a huge variety of cancer research projects. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team, with rigorous standards and a large portfolio of state-of-the-art projects and clinical studies. They will play a key role in information governance, information security and data management; liaison with XNAT users and external site teams; training of XNAT users; public and patient involvement and engagement; and active collaboration with scientific teams to contribute to ongoing and future research projects. About you The successful candidate must have: an undergraduate degree (or higher) in computer science, physical sciences, mathematics, computational biology, medicine or a related field; knowledge of computing in a medical field; attention to detail and the ability to use computer software accurately, to maintain adherence to procedures and clinical/regulatory standards; the ability to forge trusted working relationships with peers, senior colleagues and "research customers"; and the ability to respond quickly to issues, taking ownership while ensuring that others engage effectively, acting as a good team player but with the ability to work independently. Ideally, you will also have: experience of engaging in scientific projects with the ability to understand and discuss them with researchers; experience of previous projects involving imaging data; previous exposure to the XNAT imaging platform; and demonstrated programming skills in one or more high-level programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++ and JavaScript) and Linux shell scripts. Department/Directorate Information The ICR's Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging (https://www.icr.ac.uk/research-and-discoveries/icr-divisions/radiotherapy-and-imaging) investigates new imaging methods to diagnose cancer, and ways in which advances in technology and molecular biology can improve radiation treatment. It uses imaging to evaluate the response to treatment in vivo, through techniques measuring aspects of tumour biology. Your colleagues in the MRI team will include world-leading clinical radiologists and specialists in imaging informatics, artificial intelligence, MRI physics and image analysis. We operate a state-of-the-art image repository based on the XNAT platform, working at the interface between the Institute and the Royal Marsden. This holds the curated reference copy of deidentified imaging and associated clinical data for more than 250 separate academic activities. 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 Excellent opportunities to gain experience 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].

Senior Trial Manager

  • Sutton
  • Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit
  • £46,265 - £54,544 per annum
  • Fixed term

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].

Senior Trusts Fundraising Manager

  • Sutton
  • Development and Communications Directorate
  • £56,650 per annum FTE
  • Fixed term

About the Role We are seeking a Senior Trusts Fundraising Manager to join our Trusts & Corporate Team and contribute to our income generation plans. The successful candidate will play a key role in maximising income from Trusts and Foundations to support our mission: to make the discoveries that defeat cancer. Key Responsibilities To maximise income from Trusts and Foundations by further developing the ICR’s relationships with existing medium and large Trust donors and by personally securing the support of new ones. You will be required to focus on raising grants broadly in the range of £10k to £500k To develop a donor pipeline aligned with Trusts and Foundations that have a strong synergy with the ICR’s mission and research priorities. The postholder will help shape engagement strategies and secure multi‑year partnerships that deepen the ICR’s institutional relationships About You We are looking for a candidate able to demonstrate a substantial track record of securing support from Trusts and Foundations (including six-figure+ sums) and sustaining a portfolio of partner/donor relationships in the not-for-profit environment. An individual who can develop relationships with individuals at the highest level, both externally and internally, and including with scientists, senior volunteers and trustees. And you must be able to write well, putting together compelling proposals with detailed plans and budgets. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension Department/Directorate Information 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. Within the Development and Comms directorate, the Trusts & Corporate team is responsible for all philanthropic organisational relationships for the ICR. 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 the Talent team via Email on [email protected]