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
Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London seeks to appoint a Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling to play a pivotal role in advancing our cutting-edge cancer research. The position is based at the newly established Centre for In Vivo Modelling (CIVM), part of the Division of Cancer Biology. We welcome applications at both the Career Development Faculty and Career Faculty levels. Key Requirements The successful candidate will generate and employ state-of-the-art genetic and humanised mouse models of cancer to tackle fundamental and translational questions in haemato-oncology and/or solid tumour oncology. In addition to leading a successful research group, they will expand the CIVM's research capabilities and foster productive collaborations with other groups and centres at the ICR, thus promoting in vivo modelling by integrating it into multidisciplinary projects and initiatives. Applicants must have an internationally recognised track record of leading research in in vivo modelling and advanced mouse genetics, demonstrated by high-quality publications and significant funding success. For more junior candidates, an outstanding track record in cancer research, coupled with a compelling research vision leveraging advanced genetic mouse models and clear potential to secure competitive external funding, is essential. 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, distinctions. Research plan (five to six pages outlining your current research interests and research programme for the next 5 years) 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: Cancer Biology Division Information The ICR is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutions, with an outstanding track record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. In addition to being one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions for research quality and impact, the ICR is consistently ranked among the world’s most successful for industry collaboration. As a member institution of the University of London, we also provide postgraduate higher education of international distinction. One of the ICR’s key research strategies is to defeat cancer by viewing it as a dynamic ecosystem. We aim to solidify our expertise in state-of-the-art in vivo cancer models to probe these complex cancer ecosystems, discover their underlying biology, and identify new therapeutic targets. The postholder will significantly contribute to driving these strategic priorities. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. If you would like to informally discuss this position, please contact Professor Kamil R. Kranc ([email protected]), Director of the Centre for In Vivo Modelling, or Professor Chris Jones ([email protected]), Head of the Division of Cancer Biology at the ICR.
Research Group Leader, ICR Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU)
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])
Group Leader in Cancer Stem Cell Biology
Key Requirements 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, distinctions. Research plan (five to six pages outlining your current research interests and research programme for the next 5 years) 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: Cancer Biology Information The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London seeks to appoint a Group Leader in Cancer Stem Cell Biology to play a pivotal role in advancing our cutting-edge cancer research. The position will be based in newly-refurbished laboratory and office space at our Sutton campus within the Division of Cancer Biology. We welcome applications at both the Career Development Faculty and Career Faculty levels. The ICR is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutions, with an outstanding track record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. In addition to being one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions for research quality and impact, the ICR is consistently ranked among the world’s most successful for industry collaboration. As a member institution of the University of London, we also provide postgraduate higher education of international distinction. One of the ICR’s key research strategies is to defeat cancer by viewing it as a dynamic ecosystem. We aim to solidify our expertise in the biology of cancer stem cellsaq. The postholder will significantly contribute to understanding the underlying biology of cancer stem cells and how this may be exploited to address key questions in tumour relapse, disease progression and metastasis. The successful candidate will have a compelling research programme focused on cancer stem cell biology in an area which complements existing disease-specific expertise at the ICR / Royal Marsden NHS trust. Possible areas of research include (but are not restricted to) basic mechanisms of self-renewal and pluripotency, regulation of cancer stem cell fate / differentiation, how they remodel the tumour microenvironment into a supportive niche, targeting treatment resistance of cancer stem cells, and the role of CSCs in driving the metastatic cascade. Applicants must have an internationally recognised track record of leading research in cancer stem cell biology, demonstrated by high-quality publications and significant funding success. For more junior candidates, an outstanding postdoctoral track record in cancer research, coupled with a compelling research vision in a strategic area of cancer stem cell biology and clear potential to secure competitive external funding, is essential. If you would like to informally discuss this position, please contact Professor Chris Jones ([email protected]), Head of the Division of Cancer Biology at the ICR.
Human Resources Adviser
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated and experienced HR Adviser to join our HR Operations team for 6 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].
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].
Higher Scientific Officer - Assay Development and Compound Profiling
Under the guidance of Dr Caroline Ewens, we are seeking a highly motivated scientist keen to apply small molecule screening science expertise to help progress our cancer drug discovery projects from assay development and hit finding to candidate selection. The successful candidate will develop and run plate-based biochemical and/or cellular screening assays to support the identification and characterisation of small-molecule inhibitors against novel cancer targets using a variety of detection technologies. The successful candidate will be embedded in the Hit Discovery and Structural Design Team but work with multidisciplinary teams. About you Key requirements for the role are significant and broad all-round laboratory experience monitoring small molecule binding and function applied to drug discovery. A good understanding of enzymology would be beneficial, as would prior use of automation equipment for liquid and compound handling used in compound profiling. Department/Directorate Information The Hit Discovery and Structural Design Team uses biochemical, cellular and biophysical assays to perform small-molecule high-throughput screening and fragment-based hit discovery, coupled with X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy to enable structure-based drug design within the CCDD. These methodologies are underpinned by state-of-the-art protein expression, purification and characterisation capabilities, allowing for the generation of large quantities of high-quality protein targets. We are based at the ICR Sutton site in the newly opened CCDD building. Pertinent to this role, the team is equipped with high quality tissue culture suites and specialist screening equipment enabling access to numerous technology readouts. Our multimode plate readers include two Pherastars (BMG) and two Envisions (Perkin Elmer). Our biophysical technologies available include DSF/TSA (Nanotemper Prometheus & Biorad 384 well thermal cyclers) and SPR (GE Healthcare T200 & 8K Biacores). The team has access to high content screening microscopes (GE Incell 2200), whole well imaging cytometers (2 Nexcelom Celigos) and live cell imaging instruments (Sartorius Incucyte Zoom and S3). To enable fast and accurate assay preparation, the team possesses a broad range of liquid handling equipment, including pipetting robots, Certus Flex (Gyger), and two Beckman ECHO acoustic dispensing machines integrated onto Access systems for compound dispensing. You will be joining a team working at the crossroads of the drug discovery activities of the CCDD, where scientific excellence and team science are core values. This position will also offer training in new techniques and support will be available for attending training courses and appropriate academic meetings. 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 Caroline Ewens via Email [email protected]
Scientific Officer/Higher Scientific Officer - Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics
Under the guidance of Angela Hayes, we are seeking to recruit a skilled Scientific Officer/Higher Scientific Officer to join the Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) team. The post holder will contribute their expertise to advance pre-clinical drug discovery projects. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing, running and reporting in-vitro DMPK assays and performing in-vivo bioanalysis in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of potential new anticancer drugs. The post holder will also interpret analytical data using PK software to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters. Additionally, the candidate will be required to collate, interpret data and report results to both internal project teams and external collaborators. The role involves extensive use of various Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) methodology. This is an opportunity to contribute to life changing drug discovery in a highly collaborative environment. About you The ideal candidate will have a BSc in Pharmacology/Toxicology, Analytical Chemistry or related subject. Laboratory experience, preferably with LC-MS and in a DMPK environment is highly desirable. We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic problem solver to work in an interdisciplinary environment towards the goal of developing improved cancer therapeutics. The successful candidate will have the ability to work independently and as part of a team, maintaining attention to detail and keeping appropriate records. The ability to work within the guidelines of Data Protection, and Good Clinical Practice is essential. Department/Directorate Information The Centre of Cancer Drug Discover part of the Division of Cancer Therapeutics, is a world-leading multidisciplinary 'bench to bedside' research centre. With around 150 scientists working together, we are dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics that make a meaningful difference to patients' lives. Our mission is clear: to identify high-quality drug candidates for validated biological targets and progress them into clinical trials. To achieve this, we bring together all the scientific disciplines required for success. Our biologists collaborate closely with world-class chemists and drug metabolism experts, focusing on innovative molecular targets emerging from cutting-edge genomics and cell biology research. This is an exciting and fast-moving area of research, offering you the chance to work in a collaborative, inclusive environment, using state-of-the-art technologies and equipment to address some of the most significant challenges in oncology. 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 Angela Hayes via email on [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. 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). About you Applicants 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. 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. 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 drug candidates for validated biological targets and to progress these candidates to clinical trial. All the scientific disciplines are in place to make this possible. Our world-class biologists, chemists and drug metabolism specialists work together focusing on new molecular targets emerging from human genome and ground-breaking cell biology research. This is an exciting and fast-moving area of cancer research and offers the opportunity to work within a multi-disciplinary environment using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. Department/Directorate Information: The Hit Discovery and Structural Design Team uses biochemical and biophysical assays to perform small-molecule high-throughput screening and fragment-based hit discovery, coupled with X-ray crystallography and cryo electron microscopy to enable structure-based drug design within the CCDD. These methodologies are underpinned by state-of-the-art protein expression, purification and biophysical characterisation capabilities, allowing for the generation of large quantities of high-quality protein targets. Pertinent to this role, the team’s protein production laboratories are equipped with six state-of-the-art GE Healthcare Akta Pures for protein purification and has the capabilities to produce recombinant proteins in bacteria, insect cells and mammalian cells. The team is also equipped with a broad range of biophysical technologies including SPR (GE Healthcare T200 & 8K Biacores), ITC (Malvern MicroCal iTC200), DSF/TSA (Nanotemper Prometheus & Biorad 384-well thermal cyclers) and DLS (Xtal concepts SpectroLight600). Additionally, we have access to Mass Spectrometry and NMR facilities within the division, used both for sample QC and assays (MS-based assays, ligand- and protein-observed NMR). Our screening laboratory is equipped with a number of HTS multimode plate readers (including two BMG Pherastars) for biochemical/functional target protein characterisation and compound testing. To enable fast and accurate assay preparation, the team possesses a broad range of liquid handling equipment, including pipetting robots and two Beckman ECHOs acoustic dispensing machines integrated onto Access systems for compound dispensing. The team hosts a state-of-the-art crystallisation laboratory, equipped with specialised liquid handling robots (SPT Labtech Mosquito and Dragonfly), coupled with a plate imaging robot (Formulatrix RockImager 1000) to enable fast discovery and optimisation of crystallisation conditions. We also possess a rotating anode X-ray source onsite in Sutton (Rigaku FRX with Pilatus 300K detector) and benefit from very good access to Diamond Synchrotron at the Harwell Science and Innovation campus, Didcot, UK. Finally, the team has access to the cryoEM facilities of the Division of Structural Biology. 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). You will be joining a team working at the crossroads of the drug discovery activities of the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, where scientific excellence and team science are core values. You will be working in close collaboration with colleagues in the fields of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, DMPK and computational chemistry. This position will also offer training in new techniques and support will be available for attending training courses and appropriate academic meetings. 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]. Please DO NOT send your application to Dr van Montfort or Dr Le Bihan, but apply via the e-recruitment system on our website www.icr.ac.uk/careers.