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])
Group Leader - Biology
To work in close collaboration with Professor Sebastian Nijman, we are seeking to recruit a Group Leader to lead an independent research group that contributes directly to target identification and small molecule drug discovery; lead and participate in multidisciplinary drug discovery research teams. Experience Proven ability to contribute to drug discovery activities Proven scientific productivity and leadership by means of high-profile publication and/or patents Skills in co-ordinating, planning and executing novel (target) biology studies to a standard of international excellence Demonstrated expertise in building and running biological assays for use in drug discovery test cascades Ability to rapidly assimilate relevant information, identify new research opportunities, and clearly communicate recommendations Evidence of a strategic and inclusive approach to decision making and performance management Excellent track record of cross-disciplinary collaboration Effective stakeholder engagement through strong relationship building and communication skills Evidence of the ability to lead and manage research staff, with a focus on performance and development Division of Cancer Therapeutics 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 whereas the pan-AKT inhibitor capiversitib is on the market for breast cancer since 2023. The CCDD’s mission is to develop “first in class” personalised medicines 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. About The Institute of Cancer Research We are one of the world’s oldest and 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 consistently 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 compiled from the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014 & 2021).
Professor / Group Leader - AI Oncology
The ICR and The Royal Marsden invite applications for a distinguished academic appointment at the level of Professor and Group Leader, who will simultaneously serve as Founding Director of a new Centre for AI in Oncology. This is a rare and consequential opportunity to define and lead a world-class centre at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cancer science, embedded within two of the most renowned cancer research and treatment institutions globally. The appointee will be responsible for establishing a fully integrated collaborative Centre for AI in Oncology, leading our AI vision for research, to support and enhance the research of ICR-RM scientists in AI Oncology. The membership of the AI Oncology centre will be drawn from the current faculty at ICR and RM. The appointee will play a leading role in identifying and recruiting new faculty members with interest in AI Oncology, working with the Chief Executive of the ICR and relevant Heads of Division at the ICR. You will hold personal scientific leadership over an independent research group while simultaneously providing strategic direction across a broad portfolio of institutional AI and data science activities. You will be a scientist of international standing whose career demonstrates sustained, field-defining contributions to AI and data science in oncology or a closely related biomedical domain. You will bring a commanding track record of major grant success, high-impact publication, and the ability to build and inspire research teams. Equally, you will possess the strategic acumen and collaborative instinct to operate as an institutional leader - bridging scientific ambition with operational delivery. Key Requirements PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Established track record in AI methods and their application to cancer research. With deep experience in developing, training and applying AI techniques, such as foundation models and deep learning, to complex biological and clinical datasets. Internationally recognised research profile in AI and/or data science with relevance to cancer or biomedical research. Strong understanding of research governance, data ethics, and responsible use of AI in healthcare and research. 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 For an informal discussion and/or to arrange an informal visit please contact Professor Kristian Helin via [email protected].
Analytical Scientist in Data Science
The Molecular Oncology Laboratory, headed by Professor Nicholas Turner, focuses on identifying and understanding resistance to breast cancer treatments with the objective of designing novel approaches to treating cancer. In addition, we are developing novel precision medicine strategies for breast cancer using circulating free DNA and other non-invasive assays of breast tumour phenotypes, with the aim to use such assays to personalise breast cancer therapy. We are looking to appoint a Data Scientist/Bioinformatician with strong ML skills to work as part of our multidisciplinary team to deliver the next generation of biomarker-based clinical studies in breast cancer. The position will be line managed by Dr Ros Cutts, Senior Bioinformatician (Liquid Biopsy) at the ICR. The Molecular Oncology lab is increasingly producing more complex high dimensional datasets that require novel analytical approaches and we are looking to appoint someone with strong computational statistics/machine learning skills that can apply novel statistical approaches for data analysis. 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
Senior Scientific Officer - Functional Proteomics
Under the guidance of Professor Jyoti Choudhary, we are seeking to recruit a Senior Scientific Officer to develop and apply quantitative proteomics workflows for the characterization of protein degradation and functions. The successful candidate will play a key role in will play a key role in developing or optimising new proteomics methods and undertaking end-to-end analysis of a variety of samples. About you The successful candidate must have: PhD in biochemistry or chemistry with sound knowledge of biological mass spectrometry Expertise in biochemical and protein purification techniques Expertise in computational analysis of omic data-ability to perform statistics, data integration and bioinformatics Hands on demonstrated expertise in large scale DDA and DIA quantitative proteomics applications of diverse protein attributes at experimental level and computational level The ability to run and maintain hybrid orbitrap instruments and nanoscale HPLC independently Demonstrated track record of ability to lead a project successful including recent first or corresponding author publications in this area. Functional Proteomics Group The Functional Proteomics Group led by Professor Jyoti Choudhary explores the molecular phenotype of cancer studying protein-protein interactions, signalling, post-translational modifications and protein expression. 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 Jyoti Choudhary via email on [email protected].
Clinical Trials Programme Manager
The Institute of Cancer Research is looking for an experienced trialist to join the Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) as a Clinical Trials Programme Manager at its Sutton site in Surrey. ICR-CTSU runs a diverse portfolio of national and international phase III multi-centre randomised controlled trials, and phase II targeted treatment trials, with a special emphasis in breast, urological, lung and head and neck cancer treatments. The post offers an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-motivated senior trial manager with extensive experience of setting up and running multi-centre trials to work in a dynamic and supportive academic environment. The successful candidate will join the ICR-CTSU Management Group and responsibilities will include: The strategic oversight of a defined programme of research within the ICR-CTSU portfolio; The development and initiation of new trials; Providing operational oversight of dedicated trials teams to ensure successful trial delivery. Key Requirements Applicants should hold a first degree or equivalent level qualification in life science or health related subject and have an in depth understanding of the UK Clinical Trials Regulations, principles of Good Clinical Practice, Data Protection, Research Governance and the Human Tissue Act. Experience/knowledge of laboratory quality systems and procedures is highly desirable. Excellent interpersonal skills are required, as is the ability to work to high standards across a variety of tasks with constant regard to scientific and regulatory requirements. A proven track record in the planning, coordination and conduct of clinical trials within the NHS or academia, a CRO or a pharmaceutical company is essential. Additional information This is an office based role. Requests for hybrid working (splitting time between our Sutton site and home) may be considered following successful completion of key training and if the role allows. Flexible working options may be considered. 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 via Email on [email protected].
Digital Marketing Officer
About the Role We are seeking a Digital Marketing Officer to join our Development and Communications directorate and contribute to the ICR’s digital marketing needs – in particular, to support fundraising across all digital touchpoints. The successful candidate will play a key role in producing and editing digital fundraising content for the ICR’s website and donation platform; creating content for digital ads, including writing copy, working on video briefs, and collating appropriate imagery; our email marketing by writing compelling copy, building templates and working with data. Key Responsibilities Creating fundraising content for the ICR's website Developing effective digital supporter journeys Writing copy for email marketing Creating and optimising content for digital advertising About You We are looking for someone with experience in writing engaging copy for email marketing, social media and paid advertising, and have good knowledge of email marketing and digital platforms including Mailchimp, Google Search Ads, Ad Grants and Meta. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension Directorate Information The role of the Development and Communications directorate is to tell the ICR’s story and focus 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. 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 Liz Brown, Senior Digital Marketing Manager, via email on [email protected].
Group Leader - Cancer Health Data Sciences
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and The Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH) invite applications for a Group Leader in Cancer Health Data Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding researcher to establish an independent, internationally recognised research programme at the interface of cancer research, data science and artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will develop innovative approaches to analyse and integrate large-scale, multimodal health data to advance cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment stratification and therapeutic response. They will have access to an unrivalled clinical and research environment through the ICR–RMH partnership, including electronic health records, imaging, genomics and molecular profiling data generated through routine clinical care, clinical trials and epidemiological studies, as well as local and national health datasets. The appointment is intended to strengthen and complement existing expertise across clinical research, epidemiology, computational biology, imaging and genomics. We are seeking an ambitious and collaborative researcher with strong quantitative and computational skills, extensive experience in the analysis of complex health data, and a track record of delivering innovative research with translational impact. The post will be based within the Division of Cancer Genetics and Epidemiology at the ICR and will include an honorary appointment at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. In addition to leading an independent research programme, the successful candidate will contribute to the strategic development of cancer health data science across both institutions. This will include opportunities to engage with initiatives supported through the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), alongside other institutional, charitable and externally funded programmes. The appointee will be expected to develop a strong externally funded research portfolio aligned with their scientific vision and to build productive collaborations across the ICR, RMH and the wider national and international cancer research community. The successful candidate must have: PhD (or equivalent) in relevant quantitative discipline (including, but not limited to, data science, epidemiology, biostatistics, health informatics, computer Strong foundation in quantitative methods and applied analytics. Strong understanding of data governance, privacy, and ethical considerations in health data science and AI. Strong programming and analytical skills (e.g., Python, R, SQL, JavaScript) and familiarity with modern data-science workflows. 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: Please find out more about our Genetics and Epidemiology division here. 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 Richard Houlston [email protected] or Professor Montse Garcia-Closas via [email protected].