Principal Scientist (Mechanistic Pharmacology)

Cancer Research UK; Babraham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Cancer Research UK is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead cellular pharmacology efforts in a drug discovery setting. Based at Babraham Cambridge, you will design and run cellular assays to profile small molecules and inform dose‑prediction and efficacy.

You will shape project strategy and mentor a team of scientists in a fast‑paced environment. The role requires a strategic leader with a strong background in pharmacology, target modulation, and assay development, with opportunities to publish

Qualifications

• A BSc, MSc or PhD in biological science
• Relevant experience can be substituted for education
• Significant experience in a drug discovery environment of characterising targets and their modulation by small molecules through quantitative cellular pharmacology, including a kinetic context
• Demonstrated theoretical and practical understanding of pharmacology and drug‑target interactions
• Expertise in assay development across a range of quantitative cell‑based assay technologies, with the ability to input across multiple projects both at the lab bench and intellectually
• Significant experience of using microscopy/imaging in a quantitative pharmacology setting would be highly desirable
• Demonstrated scientific leadership skills with ability to give strategic direction
• Experience of managing the performance and development of line reports
• Credible external reputation, as evidenced through publication, presentation at key conferences, and a strong personal network

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and run cellular assays to identify and profile small molecules
• Drive project strategy and influence decision‑making within the Cellular Pharmacology team

Skills

Target characterisation

Pharmacology theory

Assay development

Microscopy/Imaging

Scientific leadership

People management

External reputation

Education

BSc, MSc or PhD in biological science

Job description

Principal Scientist, Mechanistic Pharmacology

Salary: £50,400-£64,000 per annum depending on experience plus benefits (includes up to 12% pension contribution and income protection)

Reports to: Group Leader – Mechanistic Pharmacology

Directorate: Research & Innovation

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-time 35 hours per week (other flexible-working requests will also be considered if it meets business needs)

Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (lab based with a minimum of 3 days per week on-site).

Closing date: Tuesday 27th February 23:55pm

Recruitment process: Initial screening call via MS Teams, followed by on-site F2F assessment for successful candidates.

About Cancer Research UK

We exist to beat cancer. We are looking for a talented scientific leader with significant experience in pre-clinical cellular pharmacology within an industrial drug discovery setting to join our Mechanistic Pharmacology group as a Principal Scientist. As the world’s biggest medical research charity, we’ve helped bring fourteen new cancer drugs to market. However, there is still an urgent need to bring more effective treatments to patients faster. Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) is CRUK’s internal translation engine. CRUK’s established drug discovery teams operate under one organisation and leadership team. Our unique combination of cancer biology expertise and access to CRUK’s world-class academic network, coupled with cutting edge technology platforms and clinical expertise enables us to bring new treatments to patients faster and tackle the biggest challenges in discovering cancer drugs by seeking out more radical ideas and embracing risk in our bid to achieve success. Based at sites in Cambridge, the CRUK Scotland Institute in Glasgow, and Newcastle University, Cancer Research Horizons employs ~180 staff from both industrial and academic backgrounds.

What will you be doing?

Our strategy sets out to bring deeper mechanistic understanding at the molecular and cellular level to all stages of projects, from idea to pre-clinical candidate. This role is focussed on designing, developing and running of cellular assays to identify, profile and characterise the SAR/SKR of small molecules therapeutics, as well as the bespoke characterisation of their mechanism of action to inform dose‑prediction and clinical efficacy. As a Principal Scientist within the Cellular Pharmacology team, you will be a senior scientific leader, driving project strategy, influencing decision‑making, and helping to shape the future direction of the group. The successful candidate will champion innovative ways of working by staying at the forefront of advances in cellular pharmacology techniques and applying emerging techniques to drug discovery challenges. We actively encourage colleagues to share and celebrate our science through conference attendance, poster and oral presentations, and publications. This role offers the opportunity to play an integral part in the Cancer Research Horizon Drug Discovery, working closely with industry and academic partners to progress novel cancer targets towards patient benefit. (Please check the additional job description located in the application form to view the full list of responsibilities).

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative scientific leader who can shape project direction, influence decision‑making, and drive high‑quality science. You will be passionate about developing others, fostering a culture of excellence, and delivering impactful outcomes in a fast‑paced drug discovery environment. You will also bring:

• A BSc, MSc or PhD in biological science;


• Relevant experience can be substituted for education;


• Significant experience in a drug discovery environment of characterising targets and their modulation by small molecules through quantitative cellular pharmacology, including a kinetic context;


• Demonstrated theoretical and practical understanding of pharmacology and drug‑target interactions;


• Expertise in assay development across a range of quantitative cell‑based assay technologies, with the ability to input across multiple projects both at the lab bench and intellectually;


• Significant experience of using microscopy/imaging in a quantitative pharmacology setting would be highly desirable;


• Demonstrated scientific leadership skills with ability to give strategic direction;


• Experience of managing the performance and development of line reports;


• Credible external reputation, as evidenced through publication, presentation at key conferences, and a strong personal network.

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

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

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high‑quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work‑life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

Eligibility

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.

Closing Statement

We are the world’s leading cancer charity, dedicated to saving and improving lives with our research. We work to reduce the impact of cancer on people’s day‑to‑day lives through our research, influence and information. We are beating cancer – step by step, day by day. Find a purposeful career that will empower you to grow and collaborate with like‑minded experts.