Senior Scientist (In vivo / In vitro) in Kent, Maidstone

About Us: ChemPartner is a leading China‐based CRO and CDMO with sites across China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This role is based at ChemPartner's UK site in Sandwich, Kent.

Position Summary: This position is responsible for designing and executing both in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies to evaluate efficacy, mechanism of action (MOA), and biomarkers of drug candidates. The successful candidate will generate critical data supporting target validation, candidate selection, and progression of the R&D pipeline, working as a core member of multidisciplinary project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• In Vitro Pharmacology: Design and implement in vitro pharmacology studies, including development and optimisation of cell‐based and biochemical assays to assess drug activity and target engagement. Perform routine cell culture (primary cells and cell lines), maintain cell banks, and run assays including: viability, proliferation, apoptosis, reporter assays, and signalling pathway analysis. Apply molecular and cellular biology techniques such as ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western Blot, qPCR, IHC/IF, and CRISPR‐based methods.
• In Vivo Pharmacology: Design and execute in vivo oncology efficacy studies, including subcutaneous, systemic, humanisation, and PK/PD models. Conduct rodent dosing via IV, IP, SC, and PO routes. Collect and process biological samples; analyse pharmacodynamic responses via ELISA, Flow Cytometry, IHC, PCR, and related techniques.
• Data Analysis & Collaboration: Integrate and interpret in vitro and in vivo data to evaluate drug efficacy and mechanisms. Prepare study protocols, experimental records, and final study reports. Present scientific findings to multidisciplinary project teams. Collaborate closely with medicinal chemistry, biomarker, toxicology, and translational science colleagues.
• Compliance & Quality: Ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations, biosafety requirements, SOPs, and data integrity standards.

Essential Skills & Experience

• A PhD (or MSc with relevant 5+ years' experience) in Pharmacology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in preclinical pharmacology within industry or academia.
• Strong hands‐on expertise in cell culture, including primary cells and cell lines.
• Ability to perform simple assays such as viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and basic mechanism‐focused readouts.
• Practical experience running ELISA and flow cytometry assays.
• Current Personal Licence (PIL) holder with practical in vivo experience, including rodent dosing (IV, IP, SC, PO) and sample collection.
• Strong understanding of pharmacological principles and disease biology.
• Independently design and execute preclinical oncology in vivo studies both internally and through external partners (CROs and collaborators).
• Excellent communication, teamwork, problem‐solving ability, and attention to detail.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, Western Blot, CRISPR‐based methods, or similar.
• Experience with complex in vivo oncology models, such as humanised systems or PK/PD studies.
• Familiarity with biomarker discovery and translational research workflows.
• Experience coordinating in vivo or in vitro studies with external CRO partners or collaborators.
• Additional data analysis proficiency (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R, Python).

We Offer

• Competitive compensation with performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to conduct cutting-edge preclinical research in a dynamic scientific environment.
• Clear career progression and professional training opportunities.
• A collaborative, innovative, and supportive team culture.