200 staff. Limitless Potential. One team. Cancer Research Horizons.
Scientist (Discovery Biology)
£33,700 - £42,600 plus benefits
Department: Therapeutic Innovation, R&I
Reports to: Senior Scientist
Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (Lab Based – Low Flex)
Contract type: Permanent
hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Closing date: Sunday 8th March :55pm
Interview process: 2 stage interview process, initial screening call via teams followed by on-site competency-based interview with presentation.
Interview Date: First stage between 19-23rd March - Second stage 9-10th April.
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Scientist to join our Discovery Biology function at Cancer Research Horizons. Sitting within the Bioscience department, the Discovery Biology group focuses on defining the key biological insights needed to advance drug discovery projects. The team leads biomarker discovery, investigates disease pathways and drug mechanisms of action, and provides experimental evidence to help guide early clinical strategy.
In this role, you'll run studies that deepen our understanding of therapeutic targets, explore how treatments interact with cells, and test combinations to stay ahead of resistance. You'll bring curiosity, strong problem‑solving skills, and a collaborative mindset, turning complex data into clear insights and work closely with cross‑functional teams to drive meaningful progress against our goals.
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?
* Perform and interpret gene perturbation studies using tool compounds and gene editing approaches to confirm disease associations
* Design and execute mechanistic studies to elucidate drug-target engagement and downstream signalling
* Identify and validate pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers to support preclinical-to-clinical translation
* Design studies testing Standard of Care (SOC) combinations and investigate emergent drug resistance mechanisms to inform clinical positioning
* Conduct and interpret phenotypic analysis in cancer and immune cells including cell proliferation, apoptosis, colony formation
* Demonstrate ability to solve problems and develop solutions independently
* Work collaboratively within the Bioscience team and interact with multi-disciplinary research teams
* Communicate efficiently, interpret and summarise data and present to different audiences
* Prioritise work according to project goals and take responsibility for the timely delivery of his/her objectives
What are we looking for?
* BSc, MSc or PhD (or equivalent) in Biological Science or related discipline
* Previous working experience within a multi-disciplinary drug discovery environment or translational academic programmes
* Skilled in developing and optimising cellular assays that reflect tumour biology
* Ability to integrate complex omics biological datasets to inform progression of oncology therapeutic programmes
* Experience with high-content imaging and automated image analysis would be highly advantageous
* Expertise in target validation techniques, including siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR, overexpression systems, and tool compounds
* Proficiency in immunology techniques
* Experience handling and maintaining primary cells
* Competent in flow cytometry and associated analytical methods
* Strong collaboration and relationship‑building skills, with integrity, commitment, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency at all times
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.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at
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Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. 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 or 0 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.