Senior Scientist (Cellular Pharmacology)

Cancer Research UK; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Scientist in Cellular Pharmacology to join their innovative Drug Discovery team. This role involves designing and executing cellular assays to advance cancer research, utilizing cutting-edge techniques and collaborating with both academic and industry partners. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of new cancer treatments, working in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. With generous benefits and a commitment to professional development, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the fight against cancer.

Benefits

Up to 12% pension contribution

Income protection

Flexible working requests

Career development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in drug discovery and target characterization.
• Strong understanding of pharmacology and drug-target interactions.
• Proficiency in various quantitative cell assay technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and run cellular assays to identify and profile small molecules.
• Collaborate with industry and academic partners on cancer targets.
• Contribute to scientific dissemination through publications and talks.

Skills

Drug Discovery

Cell Biology

Pharmacology

Assay Development

Quantitative Cell Biology

Education

BSc in Biological Sciences

MSc in Biological Sciences

PhD in Biological Sciences

Tools

ELISA

HTRF

NanoBRET

Flow Cytometry

Incucyte

Job description

Senior Scientist (Cellular Pharmacology)

200 staff. Limitless Potential. One team - Cancer Research Horizons.

Senior Scientist - Cellular Pharmacology (Under the leadership of Agnes Martin)

Salary: £41,700 - £46,500 per annum (dependent on experience) plus benefits (includes up to 12% pension contribution and income protection)

Reports to: Principal Scientist, Mechanistic Pharmacology

Department: Research and Innovation

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week (flexible working requests considered if they meet business needs)

Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge

Closing date: 8 May 2025 23:55. This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found. We recommend applying early. For reasonable adjustments, contact [e-mail].

Visa Sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship. Please indicate this on your application if applicable.

Recruitment Process: 1st stage screening via Microsoft Teams; 2nd stage in-person interview at Babraham, including competency questions and a case study.

Interview date: W/C 19 May 2025 (screening), W/C 26 May and 2 June 2025 (interviews)

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We have an opportunity within our Drug Discovery team for an experienced and passionate Senior Scientist to contribute to the design, prosecution, and analysis of cellular assays, including bespoke mechanistic data and compound profiling.

About CRUK Drug Discovery: As the world's largest medical research charity, we've helped bring eleven new cancer drugs to market. Our goal is to develop more effective treatments faster, leveraging a new approach through Cancer Research Horizons (CRH), which unites our drug discovery efforts under one organization, combining expertise, technology, and academic collaborations to accelerate progress.

Based in Cambridge, Glasgow, London, and Newcastle, CRH employs ~200 staff from industrial and academic backgrounds. Our strategy emphasizes deeper mechanistic understanding at the molecular and cellular levels throughout project stages.

What will I be doing?

This laboratory-based role involves designing, developing, and running cellular assays to identify, profile, and characterize small molecules' SAR/SKR and mechanisms of action to inform dose prediction and clinical efficacy. You will drive innovation by adopting cutting-edge cellular pharmacology techniques, contribute new ideas, and participate in scientific dissemination through conferences, posters, talks, and publications. You will collaborate with industry and academic partners to advance cancer targets.

What skills will I need?

• A BSc, MSc, or PhD in biological sciences; relevant experience may substitute for formal education
• Significant experience in drug discovery, target characterization, and modulation by small molecules via quantitative cell biology
• Strong understanding of pharmacology and drug-target interactions
• Proficiency in assay development across various quantitative cell assay technologies (e.g., proliferation assays, ELISA, HTRF, NanoBRET, high content imaging, reporter assays, 2/3D colony formation, Incucyte, MSD, alphaLISA, spheroids, flow cytometry)
• Experience with liquid handling and automation is advantageous

Our organisation values:

• Bold: Act with ambition, courage, and determination
• Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
• Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
• Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We seek candidates who embody these values to drive progress in our mission to beat cancer. If you're interested but unsure about your fit, we welcome your application.

What will I gain?

We offer a supportive environment, generous benefits, career and personal development opportunities, and tools to enhance your work-life balance. Explore our benefits on our careers webpage.

How do I apply?

We use an anonymized shortlisting process to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required but only reviewed after interview invitation. Please complete the work history section of the online application.

For more information, visit our website or contact [e-mail]. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for updates.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially underrepresented ethnic minorities. Please inform us of any adjustments needed to support your application or work experience by contacting [e-mail] or 020 3469 8400.

We do not recruit individuals under 18 to ensure health and safety.