Senior Scientist (Discovery Bioscience)

cancerresearchuk; Babraham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) at Cancer Research UK seeks a Senior Scientist in Bioscience to drive drug discovery biology, biomarker discovery, and mechanistic studies in cancer. This lab-based, permanent role is based at Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, with collaboration across Discovery Biology and Translational teams.

The successful candidate will apply extensive technical expertise to interrogate disease mechanisms, study pharmacodynamics, and support preclinical-to-clinical

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline; industry experience required.
• Deep understanding of oncology, tumour signalling, gene expression, or tumour micro-environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, perform and interpret gene perturbation studies in cancer cells.
• Conduct phenotypic analysis: proliferation, apoptosis, colony formation; Incucyte use.
• Design mechanistic studies to show drug-target engagement.
• Identify and validate PD biomarkers for preclinical-to-clinical translation.
• Use platforms such as Western blot, simple Western, RT-qPCR, RNA signatures.
• Perform immunofluorescence and flow cytometry; high content imaging desirable.

Skills

PD biomarkers

Cancer biology

Drug discovery

Experimental design

Education

PhD in Cancer Biology

Job description

Senior Scientist (Discovery Biology)

Salary: £41,700 - £51,300

Department: Therapeutic Innovation, R&I

Reports to: Principal Scientist

Location : Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (Lab Based - Low Flex)

Contract type: Permanent position

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week

Closing date: Sunday 20th September

Interview process: 2 stage interview process, initial screening call via MS Teams followed by on-site competency-based interview with presentation.

Interview Dates: First stage between 1st - 7th October; Second stage between 14th - 16th October

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Scientist to join us at Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) in Cambridge, for a permanent position. As a Senior Scientist in Bioscience , you will play a key role in defining and supporting critical path drug discovery biology for both small and large molecule therapeutics.

The successful candidate will join our Discovery Biology team within our Bioscience department and apply their extensive technical expertise and knowledge to biomarker discovery, evaluating biological and disease mechanisms of action, as well as experimentally interrogating clinical positioning hypotheses.

This is therefore a laboratory focused role that requires a deep scientific understanding of cancer biology, strong laboratory technical skills, and hands‑on experience of drug discovery. As part of the Discovery Biology team within Bioscience, you will work closely with the Target Validation and Translational Biology teams to collaboratively address key biology across our portfolio of projects. Every role at CRH is united by a single mission: beating cancer sooner. We carry out work that matters - impacting patients, families, and the future of science.

About Cancer Research Horizons

As the world's biggest medical research charity, we've helped bring eleven new cancer drugs to market. However, there is still an urgent need to bring more effective treatments to patients faster.

We have recently developed a new approach to driving therapeutic innovation through the creation of Cancer Research Horizons (CRH). We have brought together Cancer Research UK's established drug discovery teams under one organisation and leadership team, combining our unique pipeline of cancer biology expertise and access to CRUK's world‑class academic network, cutting edge technology platforms and clinical expertise to 1) Bring new treatments to patients faster and 2) 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, you'll be joining over 200 staff from both industrial and academic backgrounds, all dedicated to bringing forward the day we cure cancer and making real life impact.

What will you be doing?

• Design, perform and interpret gene perturbation studies using tool therapeutics (compounds or antibodies), gene knockdown and gene editing approaches, as well as rescue studies with over‑expression systems in cancer cell lines and immune‑relevant co‑culture models.
• Conduct and interpret phenotypic analysis in cancer cells including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and colony formation assays, including use of Incucyte analysis.
• Design and execute mechanistic studies to elucidate drug‑target engagement and downstream effects on biological pathways.
• Identify and validate pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers to support preclinical‑to‑clinical translation using platforms including: Western blot / capillary electrophoresis (e.g., Simple Western)
• RT qPCR and RNA based signatures
• Immunofluorescence for pathway activation (experience of high content imaging is desirable)
• ELISA/MSD immunoassays
• Flow Cytometry
• Review and critically appraise oncology, relevant informatic databases, and related literature, as well as unpublished research to identify and explore novel clinical positioning opportunities and biomarkers.

What are we looking for?

• PhD (or equivalent) in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline with industry experience. Candidates with a BSc or MSc (or equivalent) will also be considered if they demonstrate substantial and relevant industry experience.
• Deep scientific understanding of: Key oncology areas such as tumour signalling and metabolic pathways, genetics/ epigenetics of cancer associated gene expression, or interactions of the tumour micro‑environment.
• Mechanisms of drug action and drug resistance.
• Pharmacology concepts.
• Strong experimental design, technical expertise, and scientific problem‑solving skills.
• Proven track record developing and applying PD biomarkers, mechanism of action, or clinical positioning studies to support delivery of drug discovery programmes. Experience in proteomics (including sample preparation, data review and interpretation) and/or contributing to the advancement of later-sta