Scientist (Discovery Biology) in Cambourne

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Scientist to join our Discovery Biology function at Cancer Research Horizons. Sitting within the Bioscience department, the Discovery Biology group focuses on defining the key biological insights needed to advance drug discovery projects. The team leads biomarker discovery, investigates disease pathways and drug mechanisms of action, and provides experimental evidence to help guide early clinical strategy.

In this role, you will run studies that deepen our understanding of therapeutic targets, explore how treatments interact with cells, and test combinations to stay ahead of resistance. You will bring curiosity, strong problem-solving skills, and a collaborative mindset, turning complex data into clear insights and work closely with cross-functional teams to drive meaningful progress against our goals. 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.

• Bring new treatments to patients faster
• 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 will 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?

• Perform and interpret gene perturbation studies using tool compounds and gene editing approaches to confirm disease associations.
• Design and execute mechanistic studies to elucidate drug-target engagement and downstream signalling.
• Identify and validate pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers to support preclinical-to-clinical translation.
• Design studies testing Standard of Care (SOC) combinations and investigate emergent drug resistance mechanisms to inform clinical positioning.
• Conduct and interpret phenotypic analysis in cancer and immune cells including cell proliferation, apoptosis, colony formation.
• Demonstrate ability to solve problems and develop solutions independently.
• Work collaboratively within the Bioscience team and interact with multi-disciplinary research teams.
• Communicate efficiently, interpret and summarise data and present to different audiences.
• Prioritise work according to project goals and take responsibility for the timely delivery of objectives.

What are we looking for?

• BSc, MSc or PhD (or equivalent) in Biological Science or related discipline.
• Previous working experience within a multi-disciplinary drug discovery environment or translational academic programmes.
• Skilled in developing and optimising cellular assays that reflect tumour biology.
• Ability to integrate complex omics biological datasets to inform progression of oncology therapeutic programmes.
• Experience with high-content imaging and automated image analysis would be highly advantageous.
• Expertise in target validation techniques, including siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR, overexpression systems, and tool compounds.
• Proficiency in immunology techniques.
• Experience handling and maintaining primary cells.
• Competent in flow cytometry and associated analytical methods.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, with integrity, commitment, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency at all times.

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.