Senior Scientist (Discovery Bioscience)

Cancer Research UK; Babraham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Cancer Research Horizons in Cambridge is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead design, execution and interpretation of gene perturbation studies in cancer models. This is a lab-based, permanent role on the Babraham Research Campus with 35 hours per week.

You will apply PD biomarker strategies, analyze signalling and metabolic pathways, and work across collaboration teams to advance drug discovery programmes while developing mechanistic insights for translation.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology or Molecular Biology with industry experience.
• Deep understanding of tumour signalling, cancer genetics/epigenetics and tumor microenvironment.
• Strong experimental design and problem-solving skills.
• Experience applying PD biomarkers or MOA studies to drug discovery.
• Experience with proteomics welcome.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform gene perturbation studies using compounds or antibodies.
• Conduct phenotypic analyses in cancer cells, including proliferation and apoptosis.
• Elucidate drug-target engagement and downstream pathway effects.
• Identify PD biomarkers to support preclinical-to-clinical translation.
• Review literature and databases to identify clinical positioning opportunities.

Skills

PD biomarkers

Gene perturbation

Protein analysis

Proteomics

Education

PhD in Cancer Biology / Cell Biology / Molecular Biology

MSc/BSc with substantial industry experience

Tools

Incucyte

Western blot

RT-qPCR

Flow Cytometry

High content imaging

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.

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‑stage research programmes towards clinical development and positioning would be a bonus.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex data clearly.
• Within this predominantly lab‑based position can work autonomously and adapt to new challenges within a fast‑paced setting.

Our organisation values 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.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under‑represented. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. 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.

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.