Senior Scientist (Biochemistry & Biophysics)
Salary: £41,700 - £51,300 plus benefits
Reports to: Group Leader
Directorate: Research & Innovation
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (Lab Based - Low Flex)
Recruitment process: Screening call followed by Competency‑based interview
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
Cancer Research Horizons are seeking an experienced Scientist to provide lab‑based scientific leadership and intellectual input across the design, development, execution, and analysis of biochemical experiments. You will characterise target mechanisms, drive hit‑identification campaigns, generate high‑quality SAR/SKR data, and deliver compound mechanism‑of‑action studies. Your contributions will be central to shaping project strategy and advancing portfolio objectives.
What will you be doing?
* Provide practical scientific leadership to characterise small molecules in vitro using an array of biochemical assay technologies, with a particular focus on mechanistic enzymology. Drive a strategic focus on detailed kinetic and mechanism of inhibition studies and their translation into the cellular environment.
* Implement innovative ways of working through keeping abreast of cutting‑edge biochemical techniques and technologies and driving their implementation, including through building expert external relationships.
* Characterise cancer targets in detail at the molecular level.
* Define biochemical cascades to support characterisation of novel small molecules for oncology targets.
* Ensure delivery of high‑quality biochemical SAR/SKR compound profiling data.
* Work with external scientific providers including CROs to provide scientific leadership, define and implement best practice for biochemical assays and bespoke mechanism‑of‑action studies to complement internal capabilities.
* Work collaboratively with multi‑disciplinary research teams across Cancer Research Horizons and with external collaborators.
* Represent Cancer Research Horizons at external conferences and promote our innovative science through publication.
* Interpret and summarise data for presentation to different audiences.
* Communicate effectively, with openness and respect for the opinions of others.
* Prioritise own work and that of line reports according to project goals and take responsibility for the timely delivery of team objectives.
* Through matrix management, train and mentor others.
* Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date electronic laboratory notebook practices to capture external science.
What are we looking for?
* BSc, MSc or PhD in biochemistry or in vitro pharmacology (relevant experience may be substituted for education).
* Significant research experience in an industrial drug discovery environment.
* Proven expert experience in using mechanistic enzymology to characterise novel targets.
* Deep and broad understanding of biochemical assays, including kinetic profiling.
* Knowledge and awareness of emerging technologies with the biochemical space.
* Significant experience of assay development for a range of target classes.
* Significant experience of working with and characterising small and large molecules.
* Credible external reputation, as evidenced through publication/presentation at key conferences.
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.
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.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in it. 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. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
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.
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