Apprenticeships at ICR
At The Institute of Cancer Research, we currently have apprenticeship programmes in both our research teams as alternative entry routes into technical talent pipeline and within our professional services team such as Digital Services and Finance.
Our Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Programme
Our Laboratory Technician apprenticeship scheme is part of a national initiative to strengthen and promote career development for scientific research technicians – made possible by a £1m grant from Wellcome that was awarded to The Institute of Cancer Research in September 2023. The programme aims to address challenges in recruitment, development, and retention of technicians, increase diversity by promoting apprenticeships to underrepresented groups, and improve the recognition of the technician career path in academia. This programme, delivered in partnership with Tiro, has been recognized with the Education and Training Award at the UK Pharma Industry Awards.
Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
“We’re honoured our new apprenticeship programme, working with Tiro, has been given this award. Technicians make a significant and highly valued contribution to the ICR’s world-leading research to defeat cancer. We are fully committed to ensuring that their work is recognised, and that technicians are supported to achieve their full potential.
“This success has been made possible by the major grant from Wellcome that we secured last year – we were delighted to receive it so we could build a national initiative around technician development. The grant is already helping us to recruit and nurture brilliant people from diverse backgrounds and share what we learn with other research institutes and higher education institutions, so we can continue to build a positive research culture and benefit technicians at the ICR and beyond.”
Dr Aline Tabib-Salazar, Technician Career Pathways Programme Manager at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved in the first year of funding and it’s extremely encouraging that the apprenticeship programme we’ve developed with Tiro has been recognised with this prestigious award. But there’s much more to do – it will be a busy year as we look to build on the success we’ve had so far and crucially, help grow the programme into an established national initiative.”
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Scientific Apprenticeship Conference - Building a Sustainable Technical Pipeline: Apprenticeships in Research
Dissemination of learnings and sharing resources with the sector was a key point in our Wellcome award. To achieve this, we are hosting a scientific apprenticeship conference at Wellcome Collection, London on 15th May 2025.
Scientific Apprenticeship Conference Report
On 15 May, the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) hosted a sector-wide conference as part of its £1 million Wellcome Research Culture Award, bringing together 60 delegates from 34 organisations across academia, industry, and policy to explore the transformative role of scientific apprenticeships. The event highlighted how apprenticeships can address technical skill shortages, diversify the research workforce, enhance institutional reputation, and promote social mobility by creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. To build on this momentum, participants emphasised the need for clear post-apprenticeship pathways, standardised job roles, skills-focused recruitment, strong mentoring networks, and cross-sector collaboration to drive meaningful policy reform and embed apprenticeships into the fabric of research culture. To find out more, please see our full report.
Professional Services Apprenticeships
We also offer apprenticeships in our professional services teams, tailored to meet the needs of a research organisation. These roles provide valuable experience and training in various areas:
- Digital Services (IT): Our Digital Services Directorate ensures that everyone at ICR has access to the technology they need. Apprenticeships in this team involve working on the IT Helpdesk, dealing with a wide range of customer requests while studying for a Level 3 Information communications technician qualification. They provide comprehensive support, including hands-on technical training and personal development. Apprentices gain exposure to various aspects of digital services, enhancing their understanding of how different functions interconnect. They also receive guidance on problem-solving and career clarity through diverse team rotations. This broad experience helps them build a professional network and develop adaptability in the evolving digital industry. These roles are based in our Helpdesk teams at London Chelsea and Sutton.
- Finance: Our Finance Team, primarily based at Chelsea, employs apprentices in entry-level roles, supporting them to study for apprenticeship qualifications while working. This team is experienced in dealing with research grants and provides essential support to our research community.
Join Us
Details of current apprenticeship vacancies in these and other research-supporting roles are advertised on our website. We are committed to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for professional growth within our organization.
Vacancies at the ICR
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]
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]
Research Group Leader, ICR Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU)
Role Summary The Group Leader will lead a component of ICR-CTSU’s portfolio of clinical trials research. The post holder will further develop and grow the portfolio in line with ICR-CTSU’s overall strategy and take responsibility for a number of ongoing trials as well as the development of new trials. We seek an experienced 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 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, s/he 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 or bio-statistician within the academic or commercial sector 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 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])
Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London seeks to appoint a Group Leader in In Vivo Cancer Modelling to play a pivotal role in advancing our cutting-edge cancer research. The position is based at the newly established Centre for In Vivo Modelling (CIVM), part of the Division of Cancer Biology. We welcome applications at both the Career Development Faculty and Career Faculty levels. Key Requirements The successful candidate will generate and employ state-of-the-art genetic and humanised mouse models of cancer to tackle fundamental and translational questions in haemato-oncology and/or solid tumour oncology. In addition to leading a successful research group, they will expand the CIVM's research capabilities and foster productive collaborations with other groups and centres at the ICR, thus promoting in vivo modelling by integrating it into multidisciplinary projects and initiatives. Applicants must have an internationally recognised track record of leading research in in vivo modelling and advanced mouse genetics, demonstrated by high-quality publications and significant funding success. For more junior candidates, an outstanding track record in cancer research, coupled with a compelling research vision leveraging advanced genetic mouse models and clear potential to secure competitive external funding, is essential. 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: The ICR is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutions, with an outstanding track record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. In addition to being one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions for research quality and impact, the ICR is consistently ranked among the world’s most successful for industry collaboration. As a member institution of the University of London, we also provide postgraduate higher education of international distinction. One of the ICR’s key research strategies is to defeat cancer by viewing it as a dynamic ecosystem. We aim to solidify our expertise in state-of-the-art in vivo cancer models to probe these complex cancer ecosystems, discover their underlying biology, and identify new therapeutic targets. The postholder will significantly contribute to driving these strategic priorities. We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. If you would like to informally discuss this position, please contact Professor Kamil R. Kranc ([email protected]), Director of the Centre for In Vivo Modelling, or Professor Chris Jones ([email protected]), Head of the Division of Cancer Biology at the ICR.