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
Postdoctoral Training Fellow - Endocrine Control Mechanisms
Under the guidance of Professor Cathrin Brisken, we are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious Postdoctoral Training Fellow to combine innovative patient-derived xenograft models and genetic tools to disentangle the role of estrogen and progesterone receptor signaling in breast cancer. The work contributes to gaining more insights into patient-specific hormone dependencies and factors determining them with the aim of personalizing breast cancer therapy and prevention. The successful candidate will be part of a transdisciplinary team of biologists, clinicians and computational scientists and part of close interactions with groups at the ICR, the RMH and King’s College as well Prof. Brisken’s research group at EPFL, Switzerland. About you The successful candidate must have a PhD in biochemistry, pharmacology, cell or molecular biology and demonstrable experience in planning and designing experiments. Ability to write efficient computer code would is desirable. 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 a PTDF at the ICR ( this includes experience gained at PDTF level prior to joining the ICR). For general information on Postdocs at The ICR, more information can be found here. Research Group Information Under the leadership of Professor Cathrin Brisken, The Endocrine Control Mechanisms group are using intraductal mammary gland implantation, and ex vivo studies using breast cancers expanded via intraductal implantation. We also use transcriptomic and proteomic studies to investigate therapeutics for breast cancer patients and improve the development of novel treatment options for them. Directorate Information The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, within the Division of Breast Cancer Research of the Institute of Cancer Research which is the first centre in the UK entirely devoted to breast cancer research. Our goal is to advance research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. It is located 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. The Centre is Directed by Clinician Scientist Professor Andrew Tutt, Professor Chris Lord is Deputy Director of the Centre. 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.
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 7 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]
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])
Principal Statistician
Job Details The Cancer Research UK funded Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR-CTSU) seek an experienced and highly motivated Principal Statistician to join their team of over 20 statisticians. We want to hear from you if you: Enjoy the challenge of designing efficient clinical trials and analysing complex datasets to answer clinical questions that will make a difference in patients’ lives Seek variety in your work and opportunities to apply your statistical knowledge across multiple therapeutic areas in oncology. Thrive on being part of a multi-disciplinary research team with like-minded statisticians. Are looking to develop your career within a dynamic and supportive academic environment at a leading cancer clinical trials unit. Key Requirements The successful applicant will be an experienced and highly motivated clinical trial statistician interested in applying their statistical knowledge to the design and analysis of patient-centred clinical trials. They will have a post-graduate qualification in statistics. They should demonstrate a solid understanding of clinical trials and experience in applying statistical methods to real-world data. Effective oral and written communication skills, as well as enthusiasm for collaborating with others from diverse disciplines, are essential. Department/Directorate Information ICR-CTSU manages an exciting portfolio of national and international phase II and III cancer clinical trials and an expanding number of phase I trials. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team on the statistical design and development of new trials. You will conduct and oversee analysis of a number of clinical trials and/or associated translational biomarker research studies across our portfolio. In your supporting statement please summarise how your research/managerial experience fits with the role. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For informal discussion about the role please contact Professor Emma Hall, email: [email protected] or Christina Yap, email [email protected] For general queries about the recruitment process, please contact ICR-CTSU, email: [email protected].
Financial Planning & Analysis Lead
About the Role We are seeking a Financial Planning & Analysis Lead who will be responsible for the design and implementation of the future ERP management information and financial planning and reporting requirements. Reporting to the ERP workstream lead, the role is accountable to the Stratus programme for delivery, and works with the finance directorate to establish business requirements and ensure professional accounting quality standards are met. This role will lead the development of the ICR’s organisational performance reporting within the future ERP, in collaboration with digital services, finance colleagues and colleagues from across the professional services directorates. The role will lead the implementation of budgeting and forecasting functionality within the ERP to support effective ICR planning and budgeting, and play a key role in the development of new Finance Chart of Accounts to support the efficient, standardised recording and reporting of financial data in line with business and regulatory requirements. Key Responsibilities In collaboration with colleagues across the Stratus and Planning & Strategy teams, lead on the development of the ICR management information tool within the ERP, to provide ICR leadership and management with dynamic BI visualisation and reporting. The work will incorporate management accounts, management information dashboards and KPIs. Lead on the development of the ICR planning, budgeting and forecasting functionality and templates within Stratus ERP planning & analytics platform, to deliver robust, integrated tools to support the ICR planning cycle. Co-ordinate with finance Data Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to support the design and implementation of the ICR’s new ERP chart of accounts and supporting cost centre, coding, and management information hierarchy to meet statutory and management reporting requirements. Support the existing ERP data review and cleansing exercise, including developing efficient approaches to reviewing and evaluating data requirements, to provide support and expertise around the reconciliation and data assurance across the ERP financial data migration strategy, and on the strategy for future reporting on legacy data. About You We are looking for a qualified accountant, ideally with further qualifications in a relevant financial discipline. You will have strong technical accountancy skills with a knowledge base to collate, model and analyse data. You will have experience of undertaking financial planning and budgeting, including scenario modelling, over a multi-year horizon. Other skills will include: Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organise, analyse, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy. Communication, influencing and negotiation skills Flexibility and resilience, able deliver results on time, under pressure. Problem solving and analysis What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. 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 Georgia Jones via [email protected].
Programme Manager
We are looking to appoint an experienced and committed Clinical Trial Programme Manager to work within the Drug Development Unit (DDU) at the ICR and RM. The Unit delivers industry/academic -sponsored early phase clinical trials of new anticancer drugs. The DDU is one of the leading clinical trial units in the world that undertakes early-phase oncology trials for solid tumours. Over the years, DDU has played a significant role in transitioning several anti-cancer drugs from bench -to-bedside, many of which have now become standard of care cancer treatments. The Unit has a dedicated ward within the Royal Marsden Hospital for the development of novel cancer therapeutics, which we believe will improve the care of cancer patients. Key Requirements The post holder will be educated to at least degree level in life sciences or a health related area, with previous experience of managing and working in clinical trials with an excellent understanding of the conduct of Phase I oncology trials. They must be able to manage a team of skilled people and several complex studies at a time. The post holder will be key to the communication and operations with the unit’s management group, clinical study team and with external partners, ensuring that studies are run to protocol and in accordance with ICH-GCP. The post holder must be highly organised and able to plan work around a busy clinical unit. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to interact effectively with unit staff and patients. Institution Information The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. We provided the first convincing evidence that DNA damage is the basic cause of cancer, laying the foundation for the now universally accepted idea that cancer is a genetic disease. Today, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) leads the world at isolating cancer-related genes and discovering new targeted drugs for personalised cancer treatment. The ICR is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best minds in the world to join us in our mission – to make the discoveries that defeat cancer. The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading specialist cancer hospital. The Institute of Cancer Research works in close partnership with The Royal Marsden to take the results of our research rapidly into the clinic, with the aim of developing better treatments for cancer patients. Department/Directorate Information The ICR and The Royal Marsden are internationally renowned for our work together to conduct early- and late-phase clinical trials. Our joint Drug Development Unit, which sees around 300 patients per year, is one of the largest centres for phase I trials in the world and makes an important contribution to the worldwide effort to discover and develop new cancer drugs. The Drug Development Unit, is led by Professor Johann de Bono, comprises of clinicians, scientists, data and study management staff, and focuses on providing a seamless conduit between pre-clinical drug discovery, proof of principle Phase-1 clinical trials and tumour specific evaluation of novel agents. The Unit undertakes both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated trials of new anti-cancer drugs. The Unit is rapidly expanding and provides an excellent opportunity for the post holder to develop a variety of skillsets. This post also benefits from generous annual leave entitlement and a pension. To apply for this post, please submit an online application including a supporting statement, detailing reasons why you are applying for the post and with your CV. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. 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.
Contracts Manager
About the Role As a Contracts Manager, you will be required to provide a professional and efficient contracts review, negotiation and advice service to academics, clinicians, the ICR's clinical trial units and colleagues in the Business and Innovation Office and across the wider ICR. Key Requirements Candidates must be educated to degree level or equivalent and have an excellent knowledge of contract law. They must have experience of reviewing and drafting contracts and the ability to work effectively under pressure, manage workloads and prioritise tasks effectively. Excellent communication and influencing skills and good interpersonal skills will also be required. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension Department/Directorate Information The Institute of Cancer Research, is one of the world’s most influential cancer research organisations. Our mission is to make the discoveries that will defeat cancer. We’re looking for a proactive and enthusiastic team member who understands the particular needs and landscape of an academic research institution. As a member of the Business and Innovation Office, you will provide a professional and efficient contracts service to academics, clinicians and professional services colleagues across the whole of ICR, negotiating and concluding a variety of contract types. In this role you will interact with multiple interfacing groups such as business development, information governance, research support and clinical trial units. This is an exciting and challenging role within a successful and inclusive team. 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 Carina Blythe by emailing [email protected].
Executive Assistant (Head of Chemistry & Head of Biology)
About the Role The Executive Assistant will provide proactive, efficient, and comprehensive support to the Head of Chemistry (HoC, Prof Swen Hoelder) and the Head of Biology (HoB, to be appointed) in achieving their strategic and business objectives, while expertly managing and prioritising the diverse demands of their workloads. The role requires the development, implementation, and maintenance of effective administrative systems that enhance and streamline the operations of the Chemistry Department. Currently, the position primarily supports the Head of Chemistry due to the vacancy in the Head of Biology role. Once the Head of Biology is appointed, responsibilities will extend to providing support to them as well. Duties will be reassessed to ensure that both leaders receive balanced, high-quality assistance in alignment with their evolving needs. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Competitive salary and pension Department/Directorate Information 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. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role.