At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative biochemical experiments to advance cancer drug discovery.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, the world's largest medical research charity.
- Benefits: Generous salary, benefits package, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on inclusivity and personal wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against cancer with cutting-edge science.
- Qualifications: BSc, MSc or PhD in biochemistry or pharmacology; significant research experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35700 - 43300 € per year.
Reports to: Group Leader
Directorate: Research & Innovation
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (Lab Based - Low Flex)
Closing date: Sunday 15th February 23:55pm
Recruitment process: Competency-based interview.
Interview date: Approximately week commencing 23rd February (TBC)
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. Cancer Research Horizons are seeking an experienced Scientist to provide lab‑based scientific leadership and intellectual input across the design, development, execution, and analysis of biochemical experiments. You will characterise target mechanisms, drive hit‑identification campaigns, generate high‑quality SAR/SKR data, and deliver compound mechanism‑of‑action studies. Your contributions will be central to shaping project strategy and advancing portfolio objectives.
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.
What will you be doing:
- Provide practical scientific leadership to characterise small molecules in vitro using a range of biochemical assay technologies, with a particular focus on mechanistic enzymology.
- Drive a strategic focus on detailed kinetic and mechanism of inhibition studies and their translation into the cellular environment.
- Implement innovative ways of working through keeping abreast of cutting-edge biochemical techniques and technologies and driving their implementation, including through building expert external relationships.
- Characterise cancer targets in detail at the molecular level.
- Define biochemical cascades to support characterisation of novel small molecules for oncology targets.
- Ensure delivery of high-quality biochemical SAR / SKR compound profiling data.
- Work together with external scientific providers including CROs, providing scientific leadership to define and implement best practice for biochemical assays and bespoke mechanism-of-action studies to complement internal capabilities.
- Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary research teams across Cancer Research Horizons and with external collaborators.
- Represent Cancer Research Horizons at external conferences, and promote our innovative science through publication.
- Interpret and summarise data for presentation to different audiences.
- Communicate effectively, with openness and respect for the opinions of others.
- Prioritise own work and that of line reports according to project goals and take responsibility for the timely delivery of team objectives.
- Through matrix management, train and mentor others.
- Maintain accurate and up to date electronic laboratory notebook practices to capture external science.
What are we looking for:
- BSc, MSc or PhD in biochemistry or in vitro pharmacology (relevant experience may be substituted for education).
- Significant research experience in an industrial drug discovery environment.
- Proven expert experience in using mechanistic enzymology to characterise novel targets.
- Deep and broad understanding of biochemical assays, including kinetic profiling.
- Knowledge and awareness of emerging technologies within the biochemical space.
- Significant experience of assay development for a range of target classes.
- Significant experience of working with and characterising small and large molecules.
- Credible external reputation, as evidenced through publication/presentation at key conferences.
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 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. 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 recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 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.
Senior Scientist (Biochem & Biophys) employer: Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
At Cancer Research UK, we are dedicated to beating cancer and fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and inclusivity. Located at the Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge, our team enjoys a supportive environment with generous benefits, ample opportunities for career development, and access to cutting-edge technology and expertise. Join us in making a meaningful impact on cancer research while advancing your professional journey in a vibrant and dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist (Biochem & Biophys)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biochemistry and drug discovery fields. Attend relevant conferences or seminars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues at Cancer Research Horizons. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that competency-based interview! Brush up on your STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your experience effectively. Think of specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in mechanistic enzymology and assay development.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for cancer research! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers or network, share why you’re excited about the work Cancer Research Horizons is doing. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to beat cancer. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist (Biochem & Biophys)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements and outcomes from your previous roles. We want to see how you've made an impact in your past positions!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your application is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This helps us streamline the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your biochemistry and pharmacology knowledge. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you've used in the lab, especially those related to mechanistic enzymology and kinetic profiling. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves providing scientific leadership, think of examples where you've led projects or mentored others. Be ready to share how you’ve driven innovation in your previous roles and how you can bring that experience to Cancer Research Horizons.
✨Prepare for Competency Questions
Expect competency-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, focusing on how you’ve tackled challenges in a team setting.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Cancer Research UK's values: Bold, Credible, Human, and Together. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these values in action. Showing that you resonate with their mission to beat cancer will make a strong impression.
