Principal Scientist - DMPK

Department: Therapeutic Innovation, R&I.

Reports to: Group Leader DMPK.

Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (Hybrid – minimum 3 days per week on-site) or Scotland Research Institute, Glasgow.

Contract type: Permanent.

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week.

We are seeking an exceptional Principal Scientist to join our DMPK team at Cancer Research Horizons. This newly created, senior scientific leadership role offers the opportunity to help shape the future of translational drug discovery and development in oncology.

As a scientific leader within the DMPK organization, you will define and drive translational DMPK strategies across the pipeline from lead optimisation through IND, influencing critical programme decisions and enabling high‑quality progression of assets toward the clinic.

What will you be doing?

• Provide strategic DMPK leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects, shaping translational plans from LO through IND.
• Define and oversee integrated DMPK strategies for both small and large molecule modalities, ensuring alignment with project objectives, target product profiles, and clinical plans.
• Partner with Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, Toxicology and Clinical teams to co‑create effective translational strategies and risk‑mitigation plans integrating preclinical, in vitro, in silico and emerging clinical data into cohesive translational narratives.
• Take ownership of DMPK and translational inputs to non‑clinical safety assessment, tox species selection, toxicokinetics, and DDI assessment to ensure robust safety margins and risk mitigation strategies.
• Develop and refine human dose projections throughout the preclinical phases, incorporating allometric, mechanistic and translational approaches.
• Champion the integration of PBPK, PK/PD and QSP frameworks to support target engagement, FIH dose selection and scenario planning.
• Contextualise DMPK findings within the broader pharmacology and disease biology to enhance translational relevance and drive data‑informed decision‑making.
• Mentor and develop senior scientists, fostering a future‑oriented, strategic and innovative culture in DMPK.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and regulatory expectations to keep the organisation at the forefront of translational pharmacology.
• Scan the external landscape and proactively introduce new methodologies (e.g. emerging QSP platforms, novel translational biomarkers, AI/ML‑enabled modelling) to enhance pipeline productivity.
• Ensure equality and diversity is celebrated and considered as part of all decisions taken.

What are we looking for?

• MSc / Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacokinetics or a related field with relevant experience in pharmaceutical R&D.
• Proven track record of leading DMPK strategies from LO through IND.
• Demonstrated expertise in PBPK, PKPD modelling and quantitative pharmacology; experience integrating these into candidate selection and clinical dose projection.
• Strong understanding of translational PK/PD, metabolism, DDI assessment and toxicokinetics.
• Future‑oriented mindset, capable of identifying emerging opportunities in mechanistic modelling and data science.
• Recognised internally and externally as a thought leader in applying DMPK science for translational success.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; proven ability to influence in interdisciplinary teams.

What will I gain?

We 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.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

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 while at work. If you have any concerns or need adjustments to enable participation, please inform us. 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.