At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer
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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, the Francis Crick Institute in London and Newcastle University, Cancer Research Horizons employs ~200 staff from both industrial and academic backgrounds.
As a placement student, you will undertake a project within the Drug Metabolism and PharmacoKinetic (DMPK) group focused on building a Physiology-Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model.
This will involve:
1. Designing and executing in vitro ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) experiments.
2. Integrate preclinical in vitro data (such as enzyme kinetics and protein binding) and in vivo animal data into human PBPK models.
3. Learn to use PBPK modelling tools (e.g. PK-Sim).
4. Analyse and interpret simulation results, comparing them against clinical data if available.
5. Document and convey model assumptions, methods, and results as per the best practices.
6. Collaborating with scientists across disciplines including biology, chemistry, and mechanistic pharmacology.
7. Presenting your findings to the wider team and contributing to internal reports and publications.
The successful applicant will learn about the core DMPK concepts along with gaining experience in modern software in drug discovery.
We have 1 x 52 week placement to offer based in Cambridge, with negotiable start dates in September 2026
As a student withing the DMPK team at CRH, you will have the opportunity to gain:
Laboratory skills:
8. Hands-on experience performing ADME assays.
Training in bioanalytical techniques, including sample preparation and quantification of drug concentrations.
Exposure to mass spectrometry, including LC-MS/MS methods used in drug metabolism studies.
9. Mechanistic understanding:
A deep, physiological understanding of ADME and its application in drug discovery.
10. Mentoring:
Support in processing and interpreting experimental data, with guidance from experienced scientists.
Mentorship in scientific writing and report generation, contributing to internal documentation and potentially publications.
11. Modelling skills:
Opportunity to learn and independently build PBPK models under the supervision of experienced scientists
What are you looking for?
12. Undergraduate student studying Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related discipline who have completed at least 2 years of their degree by 2026
13. Basic understanding of pharmacokinetics and ADME concepts.
14. Strong interest in learning PBPK modelling and simulation.
15. Ability to work safely but also flexibly in a dynamic laboratory environment.
16. Analytical mindset with attention to detail.
17. Good communication and teamwork skills.
18. Experience in MS Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
19. Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad, r or python) is a plus
Please read the following information carefully before applying:
If you would like to apply for the placement student scheme, please ensure that you meet the following criteria before completing your application form:
20. Studying for a chemistry/computer science/ or similar degree (BSc/MSc/MSci/MChem) having successfully completed at least 2 years of study by August 2026
21. Please note that applications from graduates and PhD students will NOT be considered for this scheme.
22. You should be able to commence work in August / September 2026 (the start date is negotiable).
23. You should have the right to live and work in the UK without restriction. We regret that we cannot consider applications from candidates who require a work permit to work in the UK.
Useful tips for completion of the application form:
24. Read through the whole form first and draft your answers accordingly.
25. Complete all sections - please do not leave any gaps.
26. Check your spelling and grammar.
27. Be concise and focused in your answers. Take particular care with answering the application questions. As noted below, CVs can only be seen once candidates reach the interview stage. How the questions are answered is a key consideration for who gets invited to interview.
28. And finally, don’t forget, it’s important that you tell us how you found out about the scheme.
If your application is short listed, you will be invited to attend an Interview (likely to be virtual). This will involve some exercises designed to assess your ability and a competency interview.
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 and answer some screening questions, for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
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.