Senior Scientist (Small Molecule Protein)
Senior Scientist (Small Molecule Protein)

Senior Scientist (Small Molecule Protein)

Full-Time 41700 - 51300 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative protein research and collaborate with diverse teams to drive scientific breakthroughs.
  • Company: Join a leading research institute dedicated to advancing health and science.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Other info: Embrace a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while working with cutting-edge technologies.
  • Qualifications: PhD in relevant field or significant experience in drug discovery and protein sciences.

The predicted salary is between 41700 - 51300 £ per year.

Location: CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow (Lab Based). Contract: Permanent, full time 35 hours per week. Salary: £41,700 – £51,300 plus benefits. Closing date: Friday 1st May 2026.

Key Responsibilities

  • Expression and purification of recombinant proteins using bacterial and insect cell systems to support screening and crystallography programmes.
  • Ensure all production is thoroughly characterised and QC’d using appropriate biochemical and biophysical methods.
  • Interpret, analyse and summarise data clearly for presentation to varied audiences.
  • Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
  • Communicate effectively, demonstrating openness and respect for others’ perspectives.
  • Prioritise workload according to project objectives and deliver results on time.
  • Drive scientific and technical innovation, including internal and external collaborations, staying current with developments in the field.
  • Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date electronic laboratory notebook records.
  • Take responsibility for assigned laboratory equipment and associated duties.
  • Uphold safe, compliant and effective working practices.

Qualifications

  • PhD or equivalent in Molecular Sciences, Protein Sciences, Chemistry or significant experience within a drug discovery environment.
  • Significant experience in protein production and molecular biology to enable drug discovery projects.
  • Ability to work in a fast‑paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet deadlines and goals with a can‑do attitude.
  • Proficiency in current molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning) to construct expression vectors and isolate genes.
  • Experience in purification of tagged and native proteins via manual, AKTA and automated platforms using chromatographic techniques.
  • Knowledge of protein analytical techniques (protein quantitation assays, SDS‑PAGE, HPLC, Western blotting, protein modifications such as biotinylation).
  • A track record of delivering results across a diverse project portfolio by leading and driving strategic and scientific initiatives.

Benefits

We provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities, high‑quality tools, and policies designed to support work‑life balance and wellbeing.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under‑represented. We do not recruit anyone below the age of 18 in order to protect young people from health.

Senior Scientist (Small Molecule Protein) employer: Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

At CRUK Scotland Institute in Glasgow, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our generous benefits package and diverse career development opportunities, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to groundbreaking research in protein sciences.
Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

Contact Detail:

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist (Small Molecule Protein)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of protein sciences. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Mock interviews can help us nail down our delivery and boost confidence.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for innovation! When discussing your experience, highlight any projects where you drove scientific advancements or collaborated with others. Employers love to see candidates who are proactive and eager to contribute to cutting-edge research.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who align with our values of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Let’s make it happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist (Small Molecule Protein)

Protein Expression
Protein Purification
Molecular Biology Techniques
Biochemical Methods
Biophysical Methods
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Collaboration in Multidisciplinary Teams
Effective Communication
Project Prioritisation
Scientific Innovation
Laboratory Notebook Management
Chromatographic Techniques
Protein Analytical Techniques
Agility and Flexibility in Fast-Paced Environments
Leadership in Strategic Initiatives

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Scientist role. Highlight your experience in protein production and molecular biology, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills in a drug discovery environment.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about protein sciences and how your background aligns with our goals at StudySmarter. Be sure to mention your ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just listing duties. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like successful projects or innovations you’ve contributed to in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

✨Know Your Science

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of protein sciences and molecular biology techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with recombinant protein expression and purification, as well as any relevant analytical methods you've used. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.

✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills

Since the role involves working within multidisciplinary teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight instances where you communicated effectively and respected different perspectives, as this will demonstrate your ability to fit into their team-oriented culture.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions related to protein production and purification techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of chromatographic methods and be ready to explain how you've applied these in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.

✨Demonstrate Your Agility

The job requires someone who can adapt to a fast-paced environment. Think of examples from your past where you've had to pivot quickly or manage multiple priorities. Sharing these experiences will illustrate your can-do attitude and flexibility, which are key traits for success in this role.

Senior Scientist (Small Molecule Protein)
Cancer Research UK (CRUK)

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