In partnership with Cancer Research UK - City of London Centre

Life at Barts Cancer Institute

Find out more about what it’s like to work at the Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London.

A leading cancer research community in the heart of London

At Barts Cancer Institute (BCI), Queen Mary University of London, people with a wide range of skills and expertise work together to advance cancer research and improve patient care. Our community includes scientists, clinicians, technicians, data specialists and professional services teams, all contributing to the shared goal of generating knowledge that can improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

Based at our Charterhouse Square campus in central London, we are part of Queen Mary University of London and the Cancer Research UK City of London Centre – a global cancer biotherapeutics centre of excellence. We offer a collaborative and supportive working environment within one of the UK’s leading cancer research institutes.

View our current job vacanies

Our research: working at the interface of discovery and healthcare

Cancer research at Barts Cancer Institute connects discovery science with clinical practice. We work closely with Barts Health NHS Trust, enabling studies that span laboratory investigation, translational research and clinical trials. This connection provides ample opportunities for collaboration and access to valuable patient biobanks and data.

The Barts Cancer Institute brings together expertise across the full spectrum of cancer science – from genomics, tumour biology and immunology through to clinical trials delivery, patient data and diagnostics. Whether working in a laboratory, core facility, office or clinical setting, staff contribute to research that reflects the needs of the diverse communities we serve across north-east London and beyond.

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A collaborative and supportive culture

Our institute brings together teams working across different cancer types and scientific disciplines, supported by shared facilities and professional services that enable research to thrive.

We aim to create an open and collegial environment where expertise is shared generously, and people feel supported in their work. Regular seminars, institute meetings and community events provide opportunities to exchange ideas, build partnerships and connect with colleagues across roles and career stages.

Technical and professional services staff are integral to our research environment. Queen Mary University of London is a signatory of the Technician Commitment, recognising the vital contribution of technical professionals and supporting their visibility, development and career progression.

We’re also well known for our friendly and welcoming social culture. Staff-organised activities throughout the year — from clubs to sporting events and seasonal socials — help colleagues connect beyond their immediate teams and build a strong sense of community across the institute.

When I applied for my recent programme grant — that was Barts Cancer Institute at its finest. I can think of around 20 people who gave me significant chunks of their time: giving scientific feedback, running practice interviews, or just providing moral support. It truly felt like a team effort. Everyone contributed to bringing that grant home for the institute.

Professor Michelle Lockley

Queen Mary University of London at a glance

We're part of Queen Mary University of London, a Russell Group university with a longstanding commitment to research excellence, social justice and opening the doors of opportunity.

1st
in UK for oncology citation impact (US News 2026)
2nd
best university in the UK for Oncology (US News 2026)
92%
of our research deemed internationally excellent or world-leading (REF 2021)
1 of 4
partners in the Cancer Research UK City of London Centre

Benefits and values at Queen Mary

Our staff benefit from Queen Mary’s wider university environment, including competitive benefits, professional development opportunities and a strategy focused on excellence and societal impact. You’ll be joining almost 4,500 staff across multiple campuses, working together to create an environment where world-class education and research can flourish.

Our campus and location

Barts Cancer Institute is located at Charterhouse Square in central London, combining historic surroundings with modern laboratory, clinical and teaching facilities. Our proximity to major hospitals, universities and research institutes places staff within one of the world’s largest biomedical research environments.

London offers extensive professional, cultural and social opportunities, and staff benefit from being part of a global research city with strong academic, clinical and industry connections.

Inclusion, wellbeing and community

We are committed to creating an environment where people feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully, regardless of background or role.

Our staff community reflects the diversity of London, and we work to ensure inclusive practices across recruitment, career development and everyday working life.

Queen Mary offers a range of initiatives supporting staff wellbeing and inclusion, including staff equality networks, 30 days of annual leave, flexible and hybrid working approaches, family leave and carers’ support, wellbeing services and mental health support and initiatives promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

Sustainability and social responsibility

We are committed to high standards of environmental sustainability and responsible research practices. We have achieved Silver accreditation through the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), recognising ongoing efforts to improve sustainability in laboratory operations, including energy use, resource management and waste reduction.

Our work is also closely connected to the communities around us through public engagement, education and outreach activities that aim to make research more accessible and inclusive. Staff across the Institute contribute to initiatives that support sustainability, community partnership and responsible innovation.