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
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])
Scientific Officer - in vivo Biology
About the role Under the guidance of Alexis De Haven Brandon, We seek a dedicated early career in vivo scientist. The central aim of this position is to assist in the undertaking of in vivo technical work, playing a key role in supporting a variety of in vivo experiments and laboratory approaches. You will be an in vivo scientist with a basic knowledge and experience of in vivo techniques. Your responsibilities will include monitoring animal welfare, carrying out animal procedures, maintaining detailed records. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an early career in vivo scientist with a passion for in vivo science, and animal welfare. We offer full training to gain a home office PIL, for more technical procedures to the right candidate. There will occasionally be the need for out of hours work to ensure Home office compliance, and the needs of the projects are met. The successful candidate will be a motivated individual with a strong background in animal welfare and husbandry in a research setting. We highly value diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. About you The successful candidate must have: Broad-based knowledge of animal welfare within a research setting At least a year in an in vivo research setting with rodents. Proven experience in husbandry, welfare monitoring and animal handling. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. BSc in life sciences/or related degree High degree of integrity and understanding of the need for confidentiality surrounding drug discovery programmes. Willingness to occasionally work out of hours. About our team Under UK law, animals can only be used for research if there is no appropriate alternative. All our research proposals are thoroughly assessed before approval to ensure that there is no alternative to the use of animals, and that the studies will provide valuable information that will ultimately help cancer patients. The ICR is strongly committed to the highest standards of animal welfare in all research studies, and has led the development of best practice in this area. We also support the principles of the 3Rs – replacement, refinement and reduction of use of animals for research – and are working to develop alternative experimental techniques. The In Vivo Pharmacology team provides in vivo support for all projects within the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery. The team carries out critical proof-of-principle intervention studies and provides the essential pharmacological assays required to guide target validation in addition to the optimisation and selection of new drug candidates. Importantly, these experiments include the demonstration of drug effects in vivo, biomarker discovery and therapy studies all of which underpin the drug discovery programs across the portfolio. The team works across a wide range of tumour models, including human tumour xenografts models (both cell line- and patient-derived xenografts), genetically engineered mouse models and organoid based models. The team is also highly experienced in preclinical metastatic models. The team has specialised skills to develop and implement novel models, and supporting the design and implementation of studies, all whilst complying with increasingly complex Home Office regulations. Department/Directorate Information About our organisation We are one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. We are world leaders in identifying cancer genes, discovering cancer drugs and developing precision radiotherapy. Together with our hospital partner The Royal Marsden, we are rated in the top four centres for cancer research and treatment worldwide. As well as being a world-class institute, we are a college of the University of London. We are consistently in the top performing universities in the league table of university research quality complied from Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014 &2021). We have charitable status and rely on support from partner organisations, charities, donors and the general public. We have more than 1000 staff and postgraduate students across three sites – in Chelsea and Sutton. 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]
Digital Services Senior Project Manager
About the role We are seeking an experienced Digital Services Senior Project Manager to join the team responsible for developing and delivering IT projects at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), one of the world’s leading cancer research organisations with sites in London and Sutton. In this role, you will manage projects end‑to‑end through their full lifecycle, coordinating both internal and external resources. Your expertise in Agile and Waterfall methodologies, along with hands‑on experience in testing and implementation, will be essential. You will be joining a small, professional team of Project Managers and will play a key role in helping the organisation meet its growing change and technology needs. You will also have the opportunity to introduce new approaches and improve project delivery practices across the team. As a Digital Services Senior Project Manager, you will lead and oversee multiple concurrent projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to ICR’s quality standards. You will be accountable for planning, execution, stakeholder communication, risk management, and successful handover. Key Requirements We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate: Significant full lifecycle Project Management experience. A strong background delivering IT projects using structured methodologies. Proven leadership in both Agile and Waterfall environments, including experience leading internal teams and managing external suppliers. The ability to work collaboratively within a team and provide effective leadership. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders. A proactive approach to keeping projects on track and ensuring all relevant teams remain informed throughout delivery. Additional Information Due to the high volume of applications we typically receive, we may close this vacancy early once sufficient applications have been submitted. To avoid disappointment, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible. About the Digital Services Directorate The Digital Services Directorate ensures that everyone at the ICR has access to the technology and tools they need to work effectively. This includes providing specialist IT support to the ICR’s research community and delivering technology solutions that underpin world‑leading cancer research. We strongly encourage applicants to review the full job pack for detailed information about the role.
Audit & Risk Committee Non-Executive (Cyber Security)
Summary of Role The ICR is seeking an exceptional non-executive who is a Cyber Security Expert to join its Audit and Risk Committee which provides assurance to the Board of Trustees on the adequacy and effectiveness of the ICR’s: Risk management, control environment and governance External Financial Audit and internal audit Value for Money The management and quality assurance of data Key Requirements The Audit & Risk Committee are looking for a non-executive: To assure the Board of Trustees about the adequacy and effectiveness of the ICR’s governance, risk management and control environment, including financial, operational, cyber, digital and data-related risks. Promote a culture where cyber resilience is understood as part of the charity’s overall governance and risk management Oversight of management’s cyber maturity roadmap and investment in cyber resilience and digital controls. Oversight of cyber and digital risks arising from third-party suppliers, research partners, and NHS interfaces. Assurance over the protection of sensitive research data, patient-related data and intellectual property. Assurance over technology, cyber and data controls through internal audit reviews, independent assessments or external benchmarking where appropriate. Ensure the organisation regularly identifies, assesses, and prioritises cyber risks and has adequate policies, controls, and frameworks in place Ensure the organisation has an up‑to‑date incident response plan, business continuity plan, and disaster recovery arrangements Department/Directorate Information Audit & Risk Committee is sub-Committee of the ICR's Board of Trustees, which is the ICR's governing body. The Board is responsible for ensuring the ICR pursues its charitable objects, complies with its constitution and relevant legislation and regulations, applies its resources exclusively to its objects, and enacts cancer research of the highest international standard. Further information on our Board can be found here.
Scientific Writer
Under the guidance of Dr Fiona Dziegiel, we are seeking to recruit a Scientific Writer to produce clear, accurate and engaging scientific content to showcase the innovative research of the Centres for Protein Degradation and Cancer Drug Discovery to enhance external visibility. About you The successful candidate must have: PhD in life sciences, health sciences, or related field Excellent writing skills with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear and engaging content Experience writing manuscripts and social media content Excellent organisational skills, flexibility and the ability to manage changing priorities Ability to work independently and collaboratively The postholder will support the development, editing and management of scientific documents including manuscripts, reports, presentations and material for grant applications. They will coordinate data collection, maintain organised information systems, and manage online and social media content to strengthen the Centres’ visibility. Working closely with scientists, project managers, and the professional services teams, the Scientific Writer will ensure timely, effective communication of research activities and key developments, helping to advance the Centres’ missions to discover and develop innovative cancer therapeutics. Department Information The Centre for Protein Degradation The ICR established the Centre for Protein Degradation (CPD) in 2022 to accelerate targeted protein degradation-based drug discovery – an innovative approach utilising drug-induced degradation of harmful proteins via the cell’s endogenous protein disposal system. Our aim is to discover novel molecular glue degraders and PROTACs for the treatment of the most challenging cancers. Based at the ICR’s Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, the CPD benefits from state-of-the-art drug discovery platforms – biology, medicinal and in silico chemistry, biophysics, structural biology, proteomics, bioinformatics, as well as strong cancer biology and clinical expertise within the wider ICR and the Royal Marsden Hospital. We also have established collaborations with biotechnology companies and the pharmaceutical industry. The Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery The Division of Cancer Therapeutics has an unrivalled track record at discovering novel cancer treatments for the personalised treatment of cancer. Within the Division, the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery (CCDD) is a multidisciplinary 'bench to bedside' centre, comprising 160 staff dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. We are one of the largest academic cancer drug discovery groups in the world and, together with our collaborators, have discovered 21 preclinical development candidates, 13 of which have been progressed to clinical evaluation, many with our partners in the ICR/Royal Marsden Drug Development Unit. Our drug abiraterone (Zytiga) has been approved in the US, Canada and Europe for late-stage prostate cancer. The CCDD’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 publish our work extensively and have a large network of collaborations with academia, biotechnology companies, and the pharmaceutical industry. Our teams are dedicated to the discovery of small molecule drug candidates, and to the development of high-quality chemical probes to enable new cancer biology research. The Division of Cancer Therapeutics is based in state-of-the art laboratories in the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery building, opened in 2020 on the ICR Sutton campus. 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 further information, please contact Dr Fiona Dziegiel ([email protected])
Clinical Research Fellow
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]
Personal Assistant
Key Requirements An exciting position has arisen within the Drug Development Unit (DDU) in the Division of Clinical Studies at the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital. We are a rapidly expanding, world class Phase 1 clinical trials unit based within the Royal Marsden Hospital, for the development of novel cancer therapeutics in early phase clinical trials which we believe will improve the care of cancer patients. We are looking for a Personal Assistant, to support Professor Juanita Lopez within the Drug Development Unit. The post holder is required to provide assistance with managing schedules, handling and responding to correspondences, making travel & hotel arrangements, organising conferences and meetings, preparing documentation & taking minutes where appropriate. In addition, the post holder is also required to provide general administrative support to the operations within the DDU. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. Appointment will be on a one-year contract in the first instance. To apply for this post, please submit a CV and complete a supporting statement detailing reasons why you are applying for the post. All applications must be submitted online, via the e-recruitment system. Please click on the apply button and follow the instructions. Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close the advert before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. Therefore, we advise that you to submit your application, as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Department/Directorate Information The Drug Development Unit, (DDU) at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, is a world-leading centre for early-phase oncology trials, translating cutting-edge science into first-in-human clinical trials. Through close integration of laboratory and clinical expertise, the Unit supports the functions of sponsoring early phase trials through Investigator Initiated Trials Team, as well as, delivers academic and industry sponsored trials. Our mission is to fast-track the development of anti-cancer drugs, designed and synthesised at The ICR, or developed by CRUK scientists, or developed by industry collaborators, in order to rapidly impact the care of cancer patients. The DDU has been involved in the development of many hundreds of novel agents including several practice-changing cancer drugs. The DDU is one of the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres in the UK, part of the CRUK Convergence Science Centre and the Early Phase Drug Development Theme within the ICR-RM NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). The DDU has multiple academic and industry collaborations both nationally and internationally, to optimally serve our patients. The Unit is led by Professor Johann de Bono and Professor Udai Banerji.
Postdoctoral Training Fellow - Radiotherapy & Imaging
Under the guidance of Prof Oelfke and Dr Simeon Nill, we are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Training Fellow to contribute to implementing biological models that incorporate oxygen enhanced MR imaging for patients undergoing radiotherapy for Head and Neck cancer, integrating the biological model into our research treatment planning system and developing optimisation algorithms based on the biological model to perform simulation for dose de-escalation treatment approaches and participating in the development of a prospective study to evaluate the optimal algorithm in a clinical setting. Funding of the post is provided by a CRUK programme of Prof J O’Connor (PI). The focus of this post is on medical radiotherapy physics lead by Prof Oelfke and the Head of Translational Radiotherapy Physics Simeon Nill, PhD. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing a framework for biological optimisation of treatment plans using oxygen enhanced MR images, supporting the development of a clinical trial to evaluate the impact of oxygen enhanced MR images on Head & Neck patients, maintaining and further improving the currently available tool set for our in-house research treatment planning software, providing evidence (using phantoms and data acquired from patients with oxygen enhanced MR imaging) to demonstrate that the optimised treatment plan can be safely delivered to future patients, mentoring scientific staff, e.g. PhD students and undergraduates, in research projects related to radiotherapy, supporting other team members in their research by engaging with their work and promoting a positive research ethos and publishing the results of the research in peer reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences. About you The successful candidate must have: Education and knowledge PhD* in Physics, Engineering, Informatics or a related discipline Knowledge of radiotherapy physics, treatment planning, programming, relevant experimental methodology Desirable - Basic understanding of Radiobiology Skills Ability to assimilate relevant information and initiate new areas of research Coordinating, planning and executing research to a high standard Good communication skills and the ability to foster collaborative projects Experience with at least one high level programming language like C or C# Experience Radiotherapy treatment planning and optimisation algorithms Proven track record of productive research/good publication record Desirable - Familiarity with radiotherapy treatment workflows Desirable - Development and application of research software 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 Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging is investigating new imaging methods to diagnose cancer, and ways in which advances in technology and molecular biology can improve radiation treatment. It is also increasingly concerned with the use of imaging to evaluate the response to treatment in vivo, through techniques measuring aspects of tumour biology. The division includes the Cancer Research UK Radiation Research Centre of Excellence (RadNet), the Centre for Cancer Imaging, and overlaps with the Joint Department of Physics, which spans The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging 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 Prof Uwe Oelfke ([email protected]) and Simeon Nill ([email protected]).