At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research in cancer health data sciences and innovate with AI.
- Company: Join the Institute of Cancer Research, a global leader in cancer research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, support for visa applications, and access to exclusive staff benefits.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer prevention and treatment through data science.
- Qualifications: PhD in a quantitative field and strong programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 66092 - 66092 £ per year.
Key Information
- Salary: For Career Faculty the post-holder’s salary will be determined by the CEO of the ICR. For Career Development Faculty appointments are made at 66,092 in the first instance.
- Duration of Contract: For Career Faculty Non time limited. For Career Development Faculty 6 Year Fixed Term.
- Hours per week: 35 hours per week (Full Time).
- Closing Date: 4th September 2026.
This appointment can be at Career Faculty (Permanent) or Career Development Faculty (Fixed Term). Appointments will be made at the appropriate academic level, commensurate with qualifications, experience and achievements.
This role is eligible for ICR Sponsorship. If this is your first visa in the UK, support will be provided for costs associated with Visa application. If you are considering relocating to the UK, further information can be found here.
Job Details
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 science).
- 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 or Professor Montse Garcia-Closas.
About The Institute of Cancer Research
Why work for us? As a member of staff, you'll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits. The ICR is committed to supporting overseas applicants applying for roles. 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. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here.
At the Institute of Cancer Research, we champion diversity as we believe it fuels innovation and drives impactful research. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work. Don't let a checklist of qualifications hold you back – if you're passionate about the role, we want to hear from you. Your unique experiences and backgrounds contribute to the richness of our team. We are committed to being an equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
Location: Sutton
Position: Genetics and Epidemiology
Salary Details: Competitive starting salary
Contract: Not Specified
Contract Length: Not Specified
External Advertising End Date: 18 Sep 2026
Group Leader in Ely employer: Institute of Cancer Research
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation in cancer research and data science. With access to cutting-edge resources and a commitment to employee growth, ICR provides unique opportunities for researchers to lead impactful projects while contributing to a diverse and inclusive culture. Located in Sutton, the ICR not only supports professional development but also values the well-being of its staff through a range of exclusive benefits.
Contact Details:
Institute of Cancer Research Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Leader in Ely
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
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✨Show Off Your Research Projects
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✨Utilise Professional Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Group Leader in Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Institute of Cancer Research. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Institute of Cancer Research. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute of Cancer Research
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Institute of Cancer Research. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Institute of Cancer Research to drive research projects forward.
