An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen to lead our Investigator-Initiated Trials (IIT) Team. This Head of IIT role will shape strategy, oversee a diverse portfolio of academic, early phase oncology clinical trials, and collaborate with world-leading researchers, industry and academic collaborators and various governance committees. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in clinical research, a strong leadership presence, and a passion for patient-centred academic clinical trials. With a focus on advancing hypothesis driven, biomarker enriched clinical trials through academic research, this position offers an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in drug development.
Key Requirements
The post holder will be educated to at least degree level in life sciences or a health-related field, with demonstrable experience in leading a team and working in clinical trials. They must have an excellent understanding of the conduct of Phase I oncology trials, demonstrable people management skills, strong communication skills to effectively engage with collaborators, including investigators, sponsors and regulatory bodies. The post holder must be highly organised and able to plan work around a busy clinical unit.
Institution Information
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. The scientists at the ICR have contributed to identifying several cancer genes, discovered multiple practice changing cancer drugs and have developed precision therapies. Together with our hospital partner The Royal Marsden (RM), we are rated in the top four centres for cancer research and treatment worldwide.
The ICR was ranked first in the UK for its research in biological sciences in a combined assessment of research quality, impact and environment; and overall, second in the UK among all higher Education institutions in REF 2021 analysis.
As an academic institute, ICR is a college of the University of London and has a charitable status. The institute operates with funding support from grants, partner organisations, charities, donors, industry partners and the general public. The ICR has more than 1,000 staff, researchers and students across three sites – in Chelsea and Sutton.
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 (DDU), 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.
Investigator Initiated Trials (IIT) Team is a dedicated academic trials management team within the DDU, performs functions associated with sponsoring early phase trials including trial initiation, trial development, project management, trial monitoring, pharmacovigilance, database development, safety review and trials reporting. This team aims to seamlessly integrate preclinical drug discovery, proof-of-principle phase I trials and tumour-specific evaluation of novel agents.
Post Benefits
We offer a fantastic working environment, great opportunities for career development and the chance to make a real difference to defeat cancer.
The annual leave entitlement for full time employees is 28 days per annum on joining. This will increase by a further day after 2 years’ and 5 years' service.
Staff membership to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) is available. The USS is a defined benefit scheme and provides a highly competitive pension scheme with robust benefits. If staff are transferring from the NHS, they can opt to remain members of the NHS Pension Scheme.
We offer a range of family friendly benefits maternity/paternity support, mentoring schemes, a free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme which offers a range of well-being, financial and legal advice services, staff restaurants, and access to a gym and sporting facilities.
Application Process
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.
Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Bindu Baikady at bindu.baikady@icr.ac.uk