At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in developing groundbreaking oncology therapies and drive innovative drug discovery.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leader in therapeutic innovation with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous benefits package, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research while leading a passionate and high-performing team.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and proven experience in oncology drug discovery required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Reports to: SVP Drug Discovery
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week (other flexible working requests will also be considered if it meets business needs)
Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge OR CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow with flexibility (3 days minimum per week onsite at the laboratory site). There will be regular travel to the second site every 4-6 weeks.
Closing date: Sunday 12th July 2026 23:55
Visa sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this vacancy. If this applies to you, please ensure that this is clearly marked on your application.
What will I be doing?
Reporting to the SVP, Drug Discovery, you’ll set the vision and lead a 45‑strong Bioscience team, accelerating breakthrough therapies into clinical development. As a key Leadership Team member, you’ll also shape the wider strategic direction of CRH Therapeutic Innovation. You’ll inspire a high‑performing oncology biology function, driving projects from early target validation through to pre‑clinical candidates with clear clinical positioning. A recognised leader, you’ll champion innovation (including novel modalities), build impactful internal science, and leverage external partnerships to advance the portfolio.
Key accountabilities include:
- Defining the strategy for, and implementation of, underlying biology to support and drive drug discovery from target validation through to delivery of pre‑clinical candidates with defined clinical positioning.
- Be a recognised and passionate scientific leader in the Oncology space, able to represent the department across a broad range of therapeutic projects and cross‑site initiatives, and also externally.
- Exploit a strong personal network to impact on innovation and future directions.
- Accountable for managing performance, and leading and developing an inclusive and high functioning bioscience department (45 colleagues).
- Communicate effectively, to influence multiple stakeholders and collaborate across projects and sites.
- Promote scientific excellence, through external publication, presentations, and membership of conference committees and Scientific Advisory Boards.
- Ensure equality and diversity is celebrated and considered as part of all decisions taken.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for an outstanding people leader with proven expertise in delivering novel oncology therapies to the clinic. An ability to think “outside of the box” coupled with strategic thinking and a laser‑focus on the key challenges to be addressed. You will also bring:
- PhD in Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry (or equivalent) with extensive industry experience in pre‑clinical oncology drug discovery
- Proven track record of delivering innovative pre‑clinical candidates across diverse and challenging target classes
- Experience (or strong awareness) of cutting‑edge AI technologies in drug discovery
- Recognised leader in oncology, with a strong professional network, publications, and external visibility
- Demonstrated success building, leading, and developing high‑performing, diverse teams in matrix environments
- Extensive experience driving external academic/industry collaborations and technology innovation
- Strong track record of delivering across complex portfolios, balancing scientific, strategic, financial, and people priorities
- Strategic, forward‑thinking leader with sound judgement, integrity, and a commitment to equity, diversity & inclusion
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.
Equal Opportunities
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.
