Senior Scientist (Small Molecule Protein) in Nelson

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We have an exciting opportunity for two Senior Scientists in small molecule protein sciences to join Cancer Research Horizons in our Glasgow lab. You’ll lead the expression, purification and QC of protein antigens and related molecules, all of which play a critical role in driving our screening and crystallography programmes. Working primarily across bacterial and insect systems, you’ll deliver high quality, well characterised proteins using a range of biochemical and biophysical methods. You’ll collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary drug discovery teams, communicate insights clearly, drive strategic decisions, innovate across the existing pipeline, bring strong scientific leadership to the team, and help ensure a safe, efficient lab environment.

We’re looking for candidates with a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Molecular/Protein Sciences, Chemistry with substantial drug discovery experience, with strong protein production, purification, analytics, and molecular biology expertise. This is a high impact role that advances our discoveries. If you’re adaptable, driven, and ready to make a scientific impact, this is your chance to contribute. 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 to:

• 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’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?

• Expression and purification of recombinant proteins using bacterial and insect systems to support screening and crystallography programmes – experience of mammalian protein expression would also be desirable
• Ensure all production is sufficiently characterised and QC’d using appropriate biochemical and biophysical methods
• Interpret, analyse and clearly summarise data for presentation to varied audiences
• Work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary research teams
• Communicate effectively, demonstrating openness and respect for others’ perspectives
• Prioritise workload according to project objectives and take responsibility for timely delivery
• Drive scientific and technical innovation, including through internal and external collaborations, while staying current with developments in the field
• Maintain accurate and up to date electronic laboratory notebook records
• Take responsibility for assigned laboratory equipment and associated duties
• Uphold safe, compliant and effective working practices

What are we looking for?

• PhD or equivalent in Molecular Sciences, Protein Sciences, Chemistry or significant experience within a drug discovery environment
• Significant experience in providing protein & molecular biology expertise to enable drug discovery projects
• Desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet deadlines and goals with a can-do attitude
• Use of current molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning) to construct expression vectors and isolate genes
• Purification of tagged and native proteins via manual, AKTA and automated purification platforms using a range of chromatographic techniques
• Production of cell-based targets and experience of tissue culture and the generation of transgenic cell lines
• Protein analytical techniques – e.g. protein quantitation assays, SDS‑PAGE analysis, HPLC, Western Blotting and protein modifications e.g. biotinylation
• Track record of delivering results across a diverse project portfolio by leading and driving strategic and scientific initiatives
• Production and purification of scFv fragments and IgG for screening in biochemical HTRF and cell-based assays

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 LinkedIn, 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.