Graduate Research Scientist – Neurology Discovery & External Innovation
Eisai is a global, research-based pharmaceutical company working in neurology and oncology therapeutic areas. Our corporate concept is to give first thought to patients and those close to them, increasing the benefits that health care provides to them, and meeting the diverse healthcare needs worldwide. Eisai calls this the “human health care (hhc)” concept – putting patients first. The hhc concept is the common purpose of all our people at Eisai many of whom come from different backgrounds and work across a wide variety of roles. Our people are what makes Eisai the company we are. By joining Eisai, in any function, you will be part of an organisation with teamwork, positive energy and resilience at the heart of everything we do.
Established in 1941 and headquartered in Japan, Eisai has long-term success and interests in delivering therapeutics to treat neurological disorders. The UK preclinical drug discovery group is based within Eisai’s European Knowledge Centre located approximately 20 miles north of London in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. It consists of a group of biological scientists that are responsible for a portfolio of drug discovery projects targeting neurodegenerative diseases. The team has expertise in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, assay development and pharmacological profiling, and works closely with both internal and external collaborators with complementary expertise.
Emerging Talent is a key focus for the team at Eisai, with many of our current workforce starting or building their career as an Apprentice, Intern or Graduate. You will join a tight-knit community and be provided with a Buddy, Line Manager and access to our Emerging Talent Team to ensure you are well supported. You will join a well thought out training programme that will support your soft skills, alongside building your technical skills in your role. You will be given real responsibilities from day one, which gives you the opportunity to learn from highly experienced team members and colleagues.
Why not look at what it’s like to be a part of the Emerging Talent Population at Eisai:
Job Details
Join a team that’s shaping the future of medicine. As a Graduate Researcher, you’ll work at the cutting edge of pharmaceutical innovation, gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic and collaborative pre-clinical drug discovery environment. In addition to supporting the laboratory-based team, you will also support the External Innovation team in the search and evaluation of external assets and alliance management activities. This role is designed for ambitious, recent graduates who want to accelerate their scientific career while contributing to breakthrough neurodegenerative therapies that improve lives worldwide.
Role: R&D Graduate Researcher
Location: Eisai Europe Limited, Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL109SN
Salary: £26,532, raising to £31,836 in year two. Includes a discretionary bonus and generous benefits.
Working arrangement: 100% Office/Laboratory based
Key Responsibilities
1. Drive Drug Discovery: Working as part of a global multidisciplinary team, design, execute and interpret laboratory experiments that test novel hypotheses and advance drug development.
2. Generate Impactful Insights: Analyze experimental data using state-of-the-art software and techniques, contributing to meaningful scientific outcomes.
3. Innovative Science: Leverage human patient samples and cutting-edge stem cell–derived assays to uncover mechanistic insights and drive breakthroughs in understanding complex disease biology
4. Championing Excellence and Quality: Embed rigorous quality control processes throughout experimental workflows to uphold the highest scientific standards
5. Collaborate & Innovate: Work closely with experienced researchers and scientists, actively contributing to team discussions and project planning. Support the External Innovation team in the search and evaluation of external opportunities and the management of strategic alliances.
6. Project Ownership: Take full ownership of specific research projects by driving timelines, managing resource allocation, and tracking progress to deliver impactful scientific outcomes.
7. Safety First: Adhere to strict safety procedures to maintain a secure and compliant laboratory environment.
8. Continuous Growth: Engage with mentors and supervisors for feedback, skill development, and career guidance in pharmaceutical R&D.
Role Requirements:
9. Recent Graduate with a BSc/MSc in relevant scientific discipline e.g. Biomedical sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology etc.
10. Practical experience outside of university course strongly preferred (I.e. Placement Year, Work experience)
11. A Level Biology and Mathematics strongly preferred
12. Strong ability to analyse complex biological data, interpret experimental outcomes, and draw evidence‑based conclusions.
13. Demonstrated precision in experimental execution, data handling, and record‑keeping to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and compliance with scientific standards.
14. Proficiency in preparing clear, concise, and structured scientific documentation, including experimental protocols and laboratory records.
15. Foundational understanding of the pharmaceutical R&D lifecycle, particularly the role of preclinical research, assay development, and translational relevance to clinical phases.
16. Awareness of core principles in molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology, or biochemistry relevant to early‑stage drug discovery.
17. Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques, adopt emerging technologies, and embrace feedback to develop scientific capabilities.
18. Effective communication skills, enabling clear presentation of experimental findings to colleagues at multidisciplinary project meetings
Recruitment Process
Step one: Apply.
The first thing to do is to apply as an R&D Graduate Researcher. You will upload a CV & Cover Letter and fill in some personal details so we can be in touch. We will review your application and ensure that you are fully eligible for the programme you have applied for. Our application process opens on 2nd February and closes on the 1st March.
Step two: Video Interview.
If you are successful at the first stage, you will be invited to take part in a one-way video interview process. This allows you to showcase yourself at a time and pace that suits you. We will be transparent in the process about the questions you will answer to allow you time to put your best foot forward. All video interviews will be assessed by 16th March.
Step three: Face to face interview.
It’s as important to us as it is to you to make sure we find the correct fit, so any successful applicant will be invited to our Hatfield site for an assessment centre. We want you to see the site you will be working in, so we will offer you a tour alongside a face-to-face interview and an opportunity to meet the wider team. This sounds very daunting, but the Emerging Talent Team will guide you through this process so you will know what you need to prepare ahead of the day. Our interviews will take place on the 19th March 2026. If reasonable expenses are incurred during travel to and from our site, they will be reimbursed.
If an overnight stay in a local hotel is needed, please let us know ahead of booking this.
Receipts for all expenses will be required.
Step four: Offer.
Any successful candidate will be offered the vacancy they have applied for. Unsuccessful candidates will receive full feedback if they have completed the face to face assessment stage, with ideas and tips of where they can improve for future applications.
We aim to get back to you at each stage within seven working days, however, please note in busy periods this may increase. Please do not worry if you have not heard from us within our allocated time frame, we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible. All offers and contracts will be sent by 13th April. Should you be successful, you will be invited to an in-person event on the 14th May 2026 which will allow you to meet your fellow cohort and find out more about Eisai.