At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer
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We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Scientist to join us at Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) in Cambridge, on a 1-year fixed term basis. As a Senior Scientist in Bioscience, you will play a key role in defining and supporting critical path drug discovery biology for both small and large molecule therapeutics.
The successful candidate will join our Discovery Biology team within our Bioscience department and apply their extensive technical expertise and knowledge to biomarker discovery, evaluating biological and disease mechanisms of action, as well as experimentally interrogating clinical positioning hypotheses.
This is therefore a laboratory focused role that requires a deep scientific understanding of cancer biology, strong laboratory technical skills, and hands-on experience of drug discovery. As part of the Discovery Biology team within Bioscience, you will work closely with the Target Validation and Translational Biology teams to collaboratively address key biology across our portfolio of projects.
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?
1. Design, perform and interpret gene perturbation studies using tool therapeutics (compounds or antibodies), gene knockdown and gene editing approaches, as well as rescue studies with over-expression systems in cancer cell lines and immune-relevant co-culture models.
2. Conduct and interpret phenotypic analysis in cancer cells including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and colony formation assays, including use of Incucyte analysis.
3. Design and execute mechanistic studies to elucidate drug-target engagement and downstream effects on biological pathways.
4. Identify and validate pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers to support preclinical-to-clinical translation using platforms including:
Western blot / capillary electrophoresis (e.g., Simple Western)
RT qPCR and RNA based signatures
Immunofluorescence for pathway activation (experience of high content imaging is desirable)
ELISA/MSD/HTRF immunoassays
Flow Cytometry
5. Review and critically appraise oncology, relevant informatic databases, and related literature, as well as unpublished research to identify and explore novel clinical positioning opportunities and biomarkers.
What are we looking for?
6. PhD (or equivalent) in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline with industry experience. Candidates with a BSc or MSc (or equivalent) will also be considered if they demonstrate substantial and relevant industry experience.
7. Deep scientific understanding of:
Key oncology areas such as tumour signalling and metabolic pathways, genetics/ epigenetics of cancer associated gene expression, or interactions of the tumour micro-environment.
Mechanisms of drug action and drug resistance.
Pharmacology concepts.
8. Strong experimental design, technical expertise, and scientific problem-solving skills.
9. Proven track record developing and applying PD biomarkers, mechanism of action, or clinical positioning studies to support delivery of drug discovery programmes.
10. Experience of DNA plasmid engineering and molecular cloning would be a bonus, including manipulation of DNA promoter elements and complex reporter systems.
11. Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex data clearly.
12. Within this predominantly lab-based position can work autonomously and adapt to new challenges within a fast-paced setting.
13. Detail oriented, with strong organisational skills.
14. Possess a highly collaborative mindset with a strong focus on delivering program impact.
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.