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.
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 - Mechanisms and Regulation of pre-mRNA Splicing
Under the leadership of Professor Vlad Pena, we are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Training Fellow with a strong interest in the structural biology of RNA-protein complexes. The primary objective of this project is to elucidate how RNA splicing is regulated by a specific set of chromatin factors. The successful candidate will focus on reconstituting spliceosomes involved in this process and determining their structures using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Comprehensive training in specialized techniques will be provided. Our laboratory offers regular access to cutting-edge structural biology facilities, including recombinant protein expression, purification systems, mammalian cell bioreactors, advanced electron microscopy (Glacios and Titan Krios), high-performance GPU computing clusters, mass spectrometry, and both preparative and analytical biochemistry tools. More detailed information about our research can be found on our webpage. For general information on Post Doc's at The ICR can be found here. Key Requirements The successful candidate must have a PhD (or equivalent) in structural biology and demonstrate strong expertise in the biochemistry of macromolecular complexes. While experience in RNA biology, the structural study of RNA-protein complexes, and cryo-EM is advantageous, we encourage applications from all talented scientists with a passion for this field. 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 Division of Structural Biology is located at the ICR site in the picturesque Chelsea district of London, offering a vibrant scientific and cultural atmosphere and excellent opportunities for both personal and professional growth. 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 Prof Vlad Pena at [email protected]
Higher Scientific Officer - Assay development and compound profiling
Under the leadership of Dr Rob van Montfort, we are seeking to appoint a highly motivated assay scientist keen to apply small molecule screening expertise to help progress our cancer drug discovery projects from assay development and hit finding to candidate selection. The successful candidate will develop and execute 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. Key Requirements The successful candidate will be embedded in the Hit Discovery and Structural Design Team but work with multidisciplinary project teams. Key requirements for the role are significant and broad all-round laboratory experience in the characterisation of small molecule binding to proteins and the investigation of protein function and activity 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 CCDD within the Division of Cancer Therapeutics, is a multidisciplinary 'bench to bedside' centre, comprising around 150 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 necessary scientific disciplines are in place to make this possible, including medicinal chemistry, cancer biology, structural biology, assay science, drug metabolism and clinical expertise. 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 Rob Van Montfort or Dr Caroline Ewens for further information by emailing [email protected] or [email protected] This job description is a reflection of the current position and is subject to review and alteration in detail and emphasis in the light of future changes or development. Please DO NOT send your application to Dr Rob Van Montfort or Caroline Ewens, but apply via the e-recruitment system on our website www.icr.ac.uk.
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]
Senior Business Analyst - Stratus
You will be joining the Stratus programme to provide business analysis and project management support. As part of the team, you will be working with stakeholders across the organisation to assess, design and implement new operational processes in line with our design principles. You will lead workshops to assess our ‘As-Is’ state and help to define the transition to new processes through adopting suppliers “out of the box” solutions. You will Identify gaps between As-Is and To-Be processes, and challenge and support us to shape new ways of working across professional services to ensure they are customer centred, effective and efficient. The Senior BA will bring their experience of best practice process re-engineering and continue to develop the process library. Creating a legacy of continuous improvement iterating well-defined, owned and understood process supporting our cancer discovery, ensuring our researchers can concentrate on their mission to defeat cancer. Key Requirements The successful candidate must have a recognised business analyst qualification or significant knowledge or experience in a business analyst role. Any previous experience working on an ERP implementation project will be considered highly desirable. Project Information Stratus will implement a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution, and support the organisation to adopt simple, standard and modern processes in our everyday operations. 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 Jonathan Monk.
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]).
Group Leader ICR Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit
Under the leadership of Professor Emma Hall, we are seeking to appoint a Research Group Leader to join The CRUK Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit at the ICR. The ICR-CTSU is a research-led, academic trials unit established in the 1980s. The main objective of the ICR-CTSU is to lead the design, conduct and analysis of multi-centre national and international randomised controlled clinical trials of cancer treatments which will directly influence routine clinical practice within the NHS and worldwide. Key Requirements The successful candidate will ideally have: Higher Degree (MSc or PhD) in Medical Statistics or an allied subject. Significant experience as a biostatistician with a research interest in clinical trials methodology. Broad understanding of cancer research Evidence of intellectual leadership (Career Faculty) Ability to generate research funds to support the 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. Research plan (five to six pages outlining your current research interests and research programme for the next 5 years). The Research plan would be expected to align to ICR-CTSU objectives and include a focus on a methodological area of research which could be applied to the design or analysis of cancer trials. 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 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 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])
Online Content Lead - Technician Career Pathways
About the Role We are seeking an Online Content Lead to join our HR Learning and Organisational Development Team and contribute to producing and disseminating online learning materials to reinforce the classroom-based training programmes delivered to mid-level and senior level technicians from ICR and our London based university and research institute partners. The successful candidate will play a key role in producing tailored, interactive online learning materials using the ICR’s Learning Management System (Learn Upon). This will reflect and reinforce the classroom sessions, with content developed based on discussions with technicians and their team leaders, surveys and case studies to ensure that it meets the needs of technicians and their teams, and that content fully reflects the world that they work in. Key Responsibilities Produce interactive learning content to reinforce the topics covered in the programme, incorporating quizzes, videos and high degree of interactivity. Produce high quality course and post-course materials e.g. brochures to reinforce the training content. Undertake training needs analysis to ensure materials are based on, and meet, the specific needs of participants and their managers. Identify options for sharing training materials after the programme is finished e.g. via external or ICR websites, exportable content to ensure it hits as wide a possible audience. Gather feedback from participants and potential future participants to ensure programme content is based on needs of technicians and reflects their work environment. About You We are looking for a proactive, detail-oriented team player to join our team as an Online Content Lead. The ideal candidate will have the ability to use and develop teaching/training guidance and possess the following qualifications: Degree in Life Sciences with experience of having worked as a research scientist Proven experience in creating scientific material for training/teaching Excellent written communication and presentation skills. Exceptional organiational and time-management skills. Strong communication and interpersonal abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension Department/Directorate Information The Technician Career Pathways programme is based in HR Learning and Development team at Sutton, which provides classroom and online resources for all staff and students. The majority of the team are former researchers and focused on providing ongoing career development support for research staff and students. Several team members work part time, balancing the demands of their roles with family commitments with everyone attending Tuesday in person team meetings. 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 Aline Tabib-Salazar by emailing [email protected]