07/03/25 - by

Image: Your career in cancer research booklets

Cancer research is made possible because of the diverse range of subjects, careers and people which contribute towards it. It is a great option for people with a variety of skills and interests. There are many different pathways available to help make the discoveries that defeat cancer. Science is a diverse field and there really is a place for everyone. 

'What I wish I had known about becoming a cancer researcher'

This National Careers Week, we asked some of our scientists what they wished they had known while at school about a career in cancer research. 

Dr Giulia Zavagno, Postdoctoral Training Fellow, Cancer Genomics, said: 

“One thing I wish I had known is how many different paths you could take towards a career in cancer research. You could go through the apprenticeship route which does not require a degree, all the way up to getting a doctorate in a different science entirely, and still all arriving to a career in cancer research. I hope students will realise the door is never really closed whatever path you take.” 

Dr Soham Mandal, Data Scientist, Cancer Genomics, said: 

“I used to think that cancer research careers required strictly biology-oriented university degrees. As someone who loved both maths and biology at school, I used to feel torn between both interests when deciding my university path. I wish I had understood then how completely incorrect that assumption was! Cancer research relies on interdisciplinary approaches. Studying different subjects, such as maths or engineering, can be a fantastic foundation for a career in cancer research, as the field benefits highly from integrating different scientific perspectives and analytical skills from different academic backgrounds.” 

Amy Fleming, Laboratory Technician Apprentice, Functional Genomics, said: 

“At school I assumed if I only had my one A level in Biology then it wasn't worth even trying to work in science, let alone cancer research, but there are always options available because science is a big industry. Career changes are possible, I started this apprenticeship at age 30, school and university is not at all the end of the story for anyone.” 

Dr Theodoros Karalis, Postdoctoral Training Fellow, Signalling & Cancer Metabolism, said: 

“Looking back to when I was a school student, I never imagined that one day I would be doing cancer research. My love for research came later and I realised that basic skills taught at school are also relevant in cancer research. I wish I had known how important creativity and critical thinking is not only for cancer research but science in general.” 

Advice for the cancer researchers of the future

Two girls smiling and holding their thumbs up with a careers booklet

Image: Local sixth-form students attending the Careers in Cancer Research open evening 

The future is bright for those looking for a career within cancer research. The Public Engagement team has refreshed and created new careers resources for secondary school students to help inspire the next generation of cancer researchers, this includes a video and booklet. Check out even more advice and top tips for those looking to start their career journey.  

These resources were made possible thanks to a donation from Aviva as part of the London Cancer Hub partnership.