About us

We’re the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research.

We’ve saved millions of lives by discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. In the 1970s, less than a quarter of people with cancer survived. But over the last 40 years, survival has doubled - today half will survive. Our ambition is to accelerate progress and see three-quarters of people surviving the disease within the next 20 years.

We don’t just do research. Together with our supporters, we campaign on key cancer issues, including access to drugs, screening and reducing the use of tobacco.

Our Internships

Every January, June and September, Cancer Research UK offers 12 week voluntary internships to people who are looking to gain work experience in the charity sector. Our internships are a great opportunity to develop your skills at one of the UK's leading charities. 

Where will I be based?

Our internships are based in London, supporting our head office teams, or regionally, supporting our events or volunteer fundraising teams across the country. 

What will I be doing?

Our intern projects deliver above and beyond the work we already do, meaning that every hour you give will bring us one step closer to beating cancer. We have opportunities to volunteer across the charity, in the fields of:

  • Events
  • Marketing
  • Fundraising
  • Corporate Partnerships
  • Policy and Campaigns
  • Health Information and Health Community Engagement
  • Research Funding
  • HR
  • Digital 

What will I get out of it?

We'll give you genuine responsibility, help to develop your transferable skills and CV, and provide you with a dedicated manager. You'll also be able to apply to our internal roles and we'll provide you with a reference once you've finished your internship. As part of our #CRUKinterns community, you’ll also have the opportunity to organise and get involved in social activities and events. 

Why choose us?

Cancer Research UK internships have been consistently recognised as some of the top placements in the country. This year we were ranked in Rate My Placement's Top 100 Undergraduate Employers, and our scheme won the National Council for Work Experience’s Best Charity Sector Internship Award in 2013. 

Interested? Want further information

Website: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/volunteer/internships

Email: placements@cancer.org.uk

If you would like to register your interest to receive a reminder once applications open, then please send a blank email with the subject header 'Reminder - January / June / September’ (delete as appropriate) to placements@cancer.org.uk

Please note that all of our internships are performed on a voluntary basis, but we're able to reimburse reasonable lunch and travel expenses.