An exciting opportunity has arisen for individuals interested in developing a career in clinical trials and large-scale data within the life sciences, including data management, data review, and data analysis.
This is a one-year position, requiring a full one-year commitment. It is particularly well suited to university students currently undertaking a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or related fields, who are seeking a one-year academic placement.
We offer an established one-year Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA) programme, now in its tenth year, and are currently inviting applications for the 2026–2027 intake, commencing in Autumn 2026. The programme includes a well-structured training curriculum covering data standards, clinical systems, and research governance.
The successful candidate will support data collection, data review, and the analysis of large clinical trial datasets, as well as contribute to operational modelling and the management of complex databases. Responsibilities will also include preparing data reports for the Drug Development Unit (DDU) and collaborative projects, under the supervision of experienced data managers, statisticians, and clinicians.
Key benefits include:
- Hands-on experience within a leading academic clinical trials unit
- Exposure to clinical, translational, and laboratory data & data management
- Mentorship from data scientists and trialists
- A collaborative and supportive learning environment
- Insight into academic–industry partnerships and real-world research
This position is ideally suited to students seeking a career in clinical trial data management, programming, and trial methodologies.
Key Requirements
Candidates should have a strong background in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or a related discipline. Familiarity with statistical programming languages such as R, Stata, or Python is desirable, along with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data handling.
Applicants should demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with large and complex datasets. Excellent organisational and communication skills, as well as a proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving, are essential.
How to Apply
To apply for this post, please submit an online application including your CV and a supporting statement detailing the reasons why you are applying for the post.
We encourage all applicants to access the attached job pack 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.
Department/Directorate Information
The Drug Development Unit, (DDU) at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, is a world-leading centre for early-phase oncology trials, translating cutting-edge science into first-in-human clinical trials.
Through close integration of laboratory and clinical expertise, the Unit supports the functions of sponsoring early phase trials through Investigator Initiated Trials Team, as well as, delivers academic and industry sponsored trials.
Our mission is to fast-track the development of anti-cancer drugs, designed and synthesised at the Institute of Cancer Research, or developed by CRUK scientists, or developed by industry collaborators, in order to rapidly impact the care of cancer patients. The DDU has been involved in the development of many hundreds of novel agents including several practice-changing cancer drugs.
The DDU is one of the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres in the UK, part of the CRUK Convergence Science Centre and the Early Phase Drug Development Theme within the ICR-RM NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). The DDU has multiple academic and industry collaborations both nationally and internationally, to optimally serve our patients. The Unit is led by Professor Johann de Bono and Professor Udai Banerji.