At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer
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We have an exciting, high-impact opportunity for a Senior Scientist to join us at Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) in Cambridge, on a 1-year fixed term basis. As a Senior Scientist in DMPK, you will play a key role in advancing both small- and large-molecule programs from lead optimization through candidate selection.
The successful candidate will apply deep technical expertise in pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and quantitative modelling to support the design and execution of translational strategies across therapeutic areas.
Reporting directly to the DMPK Group lead, you will work closely with the medicinal chemistry team and more widely with cross functional teams, seeking to accelerate novel therapies into clinical development.
The role would suit a Senior Scientist with a PhD or BSc/MSc with relevant industrial experience. Good time management skills, a proven ability to form close and effective relationships with colleagues at all levels and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. 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?
1. Design and execute DMPK strategies to advance discovery programs from LO through candidate selection, across both small molecule and large molecules
2. Plan and oversee in vitro and in vivo DMPK work, including metabolite identification, assess species differences, recommend species selection for toxicity studies, toxicokinetic evaluation, and DDI risk assessment.
3. Perform human PK and dose predictions using a range of methodologies (allometry, mechanistic PBPK, exposure–response models) at key project milestones.
4. Design and interpret in vivo efficacy and PK/PD studies, integrating biomarker and efficacy endpoints with exposure data to drive decision making.
5. Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead quantitative pharmacology activities, including exposure–response analyses and model informed go/no go criteria.
6. Work closely with medicinal chemistry, biology, toxicology and clinical colleagues to define DMPK strategies and effective translational plans for each program.
7. Stay abreast of new modelling and simulation tools and contribute to continuous improvement of DMPK workflows
What are we looking for?
8. PhD (or equivalent) in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, 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.
9. Proven experience in small- and/or large-molecule DMPK supporting LO-to-CS transitions.
10. Hands-on experience in PK-PD and PBPK modelling in any of the tools (e.g., Phoenix, PK-SIM, GastroPlus, Simcyp, NONMEM, MATLAB or R).
11. Experience of overcoming ADME/PK challenges to progress optimised compounds
12. Knowledge of metabolite ID, species selection, toxicokinetic evaluation, and DDI risk assessment
13. Exposure to mechanistic PK/PD or QSP modelling is highly desirable.
14. Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, problem-solving mindset.
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
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you.
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.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.