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])
Senior Digital Learning Lead
We are seeking an experienced digital learning specialist to join the ICR in a 12-month fixed-term role focused on shaping the future of online education in cancer science and oncology. Reporting to the Academic Registrar, the Senior Digital Learning Lead will work closely with academic and professional services colleagues to explore new approaches to online professional learning in oncology and cancer science. The role will focus on designing and evaluating models for high-quality online courses that build on the ICR’s international reputation for postgraduate education and research. The ICR delivers highly specialised postgraduate education with outstanding outcomes for students, and this role will play a key part in exploring how that expertise can be shared more widely through carefully designed online learning. A central early priority will be to develop a clear framework for the design and delivery of premium online professional courses, including pedagogical models, course structures and scalable approaches to production. Alongside this core project, the role will provide senior specialist advice on digital pedagogy and the effective use of the ICR’s virtual learning environment (Canvas), reviewing current practice and ensuring that the platform continues to support teaching and assessment effectively as sector expectations and technologies evolve. The post-holder will also work with colleagues to explore the implications of emerging technologies such as generative AI for teaching, learning and assessment in a postgraduate research environment. The role would suit an experienced digital learning professional who enjoys shaping new ideas and translating them into practical approaches. Working closely with senior colleagues in a small and collaborative institution, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence institutional thinking and design new models for digital education in a highly specialised research environment. We are looking for: an experienced higher education professional with a strong understanding of digital pedagogy and online learning design; someone with experience of working with academic staff to design or improve digitally enabled learning; a candidate who is comfortable influencing and advising colleagues at senior academic levels; an individual with excellent judgement about what constitutes high-quality online learning and how this can be delivered efficiently; someone who is curious about emerging developments in digital education, including the use of generative AI in teaching and assessment. This role offers a rare opportunity to design and shape a new area of work within a research-intensive postgraduate institution. While the post is initially offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis, there may be opportunities to extend the role depending on the development of this work and the availability of funding. For full details, please see the job description attached. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Stuart Bell on [email protected]. Shortlisted candidates will be offered a choice of interview times in Sutton on Thursday 11 June or in Chelsea on Friday 12 June.
Higher Scientific Officer - Cell-based Pharmacology
Join the ICR Centre for Protein Degradation and help shape the future of cancer treatment. We’re looking for a driven and talented drug discovery scientist to develop and run cell-based screening assays for discovery and pharmacological characterisation of molecular glue degraders and PROTACs. What you’ll do Design and execute advanced cell-based drug screening assays Generate high-quality pharmacological data to guide drug discovery Manage molecular glue compound libraries Collaborate across biology, medicinal chemistry, and oncology teams What we’re looking for Strong experience in high throughput cell-based assays and pharmacological compound profiling A proactive, collaborative mindset Passion for translational cancer research Why join us? Work with expert scientists in a collaborative drug discovery team, helping to develop innovative medicines with real potential to improve patients’ lives. Be part of the science that makes a difference. Apply now. Department/Directorate Information Click on the links to learn more about the team - Induced Proximity Therapeutics Group & Centre for Protein Degradation. We encourage all applicants to access the attached job pack for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Dr Agnieszka Konopacka [email protected]
Trainee Animal Technician
Under the guidance of Peter John-Baptiste, we are seeking to recruit a Trainee Auxiliary/Animal Technician to contribute efficient cleaning and portering services to support the BSU. The post holder will help maintain prescribed hygiene standards, ensure safe and efficient use of materials and chemicals, and contribute to the care and welfare of research animals at ICR. The successful candidate will play a key role in providing routine husbandry to the animals within the BSU, checking of cages and animals for signs of husbandry and welfare requirements and participate in facility cleaning, cage-washing and preparation of cages. About you The successful candidate must have: An interest in animal welfare Good level of education including an interest in Science Willingness to learn new techniques/approaches Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team Department/Directorate Information The Biological Services Unit (BSU) provides essential support to the ICR scientific community at both Chelsea and Sutton campuses. The team’s primary responsibility is the care and welfare of animals held at ICR under The Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986. More information on the Biological Services Unit 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 Peter John-Baptiste via Email at [email protected]
Library Officer
We are seeking a capable and organised professional to join the ICR as Library Officer, supporting a small but important library service and a range of related academic support processes. Reporting to the Head of Academic Systems, the Library Officer will oversee the day-to-day operation of the ICR’s library service, including journal subscriptions, inter-library loans, user enquiries and support for library study spaces. The post-holder will also be responsible for several related services, including open access administration, postgraduate thesis submission and examination processes, archive management, and coordination of Freedom of Information requests. The ICR is a highly specialised research institution, and this role is central to ensuring that key services and processes run smoothly and efficiently. The post-holder will manage a varied workload with a high degree of autonomy, supporting staff and students while maintaining careful oversight of processes where accuracy, sound judgement and timely action are essential. Alongside the operational aspects of the role, the Library Officer will help to improve the way services are delivered over time. This will include reviewing processes, identifying opportunities to improve responsiveness, supporting service development work, and contributing limited cross-cover within the wider Academic Systems team where needed. The role would suit someone who is comfortable taking ownership of established processes, while also looking for practical ways to keep services effective and up to date. The role offers the opportunity to work across a distinctive mix of responsibilities in a small and collaborative institution. It would suit someone who enjoys combining service delivery, process coordination and user support, and who is motivated by helping important academic and organisational processes run well. We are looking for: an organised and reliable professional with experience of managing detailed processes accurately and to deadline; someone with strong numerical skills and the confidence to work with budgets, expenditure and service data; a candidate who can communicate clearly and work effectively with a wide range of colleagues, students and external contacts; an individual who can work independently, use sound judgement and take responsibility for a varied operational role; someone with strong customer service instincts and a practical approach to improving services and processes; ideally, a candidate with experience of working in higher education, libraries, scholarly information, student administration, or a similar environment.
Higher Scientific Officer - Molecular Cell Biology group
Under the guidance of Marjan Iravani, we are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, experienced Higher Scientific Officer to join the Isacke 'Molecular Cell Biology' laboratory. The main responsibility of the position is to conduct lab based and in-vivo experiments as part of a team developing CAR-T cells to support our work on developing new therapeutic strategies for a broad range of sarcoma subtypes both in primary and metastatic disease. About you The successful candidate must have: A BSc or equivalent in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or Immunology Proven degree of technical experience with a minimum of 3 years working in a research laboratory Department/Directorate Information The Molecular Cell Biology group led by Professor Clare Isacke is a multidisciplinary team of cell and molecular biologists and in-vivo specialists. A main interest (and focus of this HSO position) is in developing new antibody-based therapeutics (specifically CAR-T cells and ADCs) targeting the breast tumour microenvironment and a broad range of sarcoma subtypes. Our secondary interest is in the biology of the breast cancer metastatic microenvironment, particularly invasive lobular breast cancer metastasis. This HSO position will be located in The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at the ICR at our Chelsea site. The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, within the Division of Breast Cancer Research at The Institute of Cancer Research is the first centre in the UK entirely devoted to breast cancer research. Its mission is to advance understanding of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The Centre is housed in state-of-the-art laboratory space, with excellent core facilities and is funded through a long-term renewable programme grant from Breast Cancer Now. It is directed by Clinician Scientist Professor Andrew Tutt, with Professor Chris Lord as Deputy Director. The Centre has received major international recognition, including the 2022 AACR Team Science Award, shared with its breast cancer clinical research partners in the ICR’s Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit and The Royal Marsden Hospital. Its work also contributed to the ICR receiving the 2023 Queen’s Anniversary Prize for transforming lives through world-leading breast 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.
Higher Scientific Officer - in vivo mouse models for Immuno-Oncology
Under the guidance of Professor Pascal Meier, we are seeking to recruit a Higher Scientific Officer (HSO) animal researcher to work in the Cell Death and Immunity laboratory group. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and implementation of in vivo research projects using breast cancer and inflammation models to facilitate our understanding of immunogenic cell death. Applicants should be pro-active and be specialized in in-vivo assays. They must have an appropriate degree and a current UK Home Office License, including modules A-C (modules 1-4). The ICR insists on high standards of animal welfare and meticulous record keeping in compliance with regulatory requirements. Applicants will also have extensive hands-on experience working with genetically engineered murine models. About you The successful candidate must have: A BSc or equivalent in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Cell Biology Experience using in vivo models and use of breast cancer models, xenografting and transplantation-based techniques Good organisational skills and an ability to prioritise workload to meet project requirements Department/Directorate Information The Cell Death and Immunity team, led by Professor Pascal Meier, uses sophisticated genetic models and patient-derived material to investigate how cell death shapes immune responses. By understanding this relationship, the team aims to develop new strategies to eliminate apoptosis-resistant cancers and re-activate the patient’s own anti-tumour immune response. The team is part of the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre and the Centre for Translational Immunology at the ICR. The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, within the ICR’s Division of Breast Cancer Research, is the first centre in the UK dedicated entirely to breast cancer research. Its mission is to advance understanding of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. 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.
Trainee Animal Technician Apprentice
About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated Trainee Animal Technician apprentice to join our Biological Services Unit (BSU) and contribute to the vital front-line support we provide to the ICR scientific community. The BSU plays a critical role in facilitating research by maintaining the highest standards of animal care and welfare in accordance with The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. As a Trainee Animal Technician apprentice, you will begin your career in laboratory animal care by receiving comprehensive, hands-on training in routine animal husbandry, welfare monitoring, and facility hygiene. This role is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and experience to progress within the BSU team, with opportunities for regrading based on demonstrated competency and performance. Key Responsibilities Provide daily husbandry and care for laboratory animals, including feeding, watering, and bedding changes. Monitor animal health and welfare, reporting concerns promptly to supervisors. Clean and maintain animal rooms and working areas according to SOPs and hygiene standards. About You We are looking for someone who can demonstrate an interest in animal care and welfare with the following skills : Passes in four subjects at GCSE level (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics or a Science subject. Strong empathy and respect for animals. High standards of reliability, dependability, and conscientiousness. Able to work both independently and as part of a small team. Willingness to participate in rota-based weekend and holiday work. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension Department/Directorate Information The Biological Services Unit (BSU) sits within the Research Services Directorate at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The BSU is an essential component of the ICR’s research infrastructure, providing front-line support to scientists by ensuring the ethical and high-quality care of animals used in research. Operating across the Chelsea and Sutton campuses, the BSU ensures compliance with The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and maintains the highest standards of animal welfare, facility hygiene, and biosecurity. The team plays a critical role in enabling preclinical cancer research, offering not only animal care and housing but also technical support, advice, and training to research staff. As part of the Research Services Directorate, the BSU collaborates closely with scientists across ICR departments to support cutting-edge cancer research. The unit upholds the ICR’s commitment to ethical research practices, continual improvement, and the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in animal research. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role.