Overview
DMPK Chemistry Placement student
£23,000 plus benefits
Reports to: Senior Scientist (DMPK)
Directorate: Research & Innovation
Contract: Fixed Term Contract 52 weeks
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Lab based role CRUK, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge
Closing date: 02 November 2025 23:55
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received, therefore, we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
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.
Recruitment process: Screening call + Competency based interview
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
About CRH and the role
As the world’s biggest medical research charity, we’ve helped bring eleven new cancer drugs to market. We have developed Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) to bring therapeutic innovation through the creation of a unified drug discovery organization. Based at sites in Cambridge, Glasgow, the Francis Crick Institute in London and Newcastle University, CRH employs ~200 staff from 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:
* Designing and executing in vitro ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) experiments.
* Integrate preclinical in vitro data (such as enzyme kinetics and protein binding) and in vivo animal data into human PBPK models.
* Learn to use PBPK modelling tools (e.g. PK-Sim).
* Analyse and interpret simulation results, comparing them against clinical data if available.
* Document and convey model assumptions, methods, and results as per the best practices.
* Collaborating with scientists across disciplines including biology, chemistry, and mechanistic pharmacology.
* 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
What you will gain
Laboratory skills:
* 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.
Mechanistic understanding:
* A deep, physiological understanding of ADME and its application in drug discovery.
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.
Modelling skills:
* Opportunity to learn and independently build PBPK models under the supervision of experienced scientists
What are you looking for?
* 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
* Basic understanding of pharmacokinetics and ADME concepts.
* Strong interest in learning PBPK modelling and simulation.
* Ability to work safely but also flexibly in a dynamic laboratory environment.
* Analytical mindset with attention to detail.
* Good communication and teamwork skills.
* Experience in MS Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
* Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad, R or Python) is a plus
Application notes
Please read the following information carefully before applying:
* 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
* Applications from graduates and PhD students will NOT be considered for this scheme.
* You should be able to commence work in August / September 2026 (start date is negotiable).
* 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.
How to apply and additional information
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, complete the work history section of the online application form and answer screening questions to help us assess you fairly.
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 values to drive progress against our mission to beat cancer. If you’re applying and unsure if you have the right skills, 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 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.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
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. Please inform us of any concerns or adjustments needed to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 0 20 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18.
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