At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape oncology study capabilities and run cutting-edge preclinical studies.
- Company: Join ChemPartner, a leading global CRO with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Career progression, professional training, and a science-first environment.
- Other info: Autonomy and influence in a dynamic team setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in oncology research and grow your expertise.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc with relevant experience and strong cell culture skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.
ChemPartner is expanding its oncology capabilities in the UK and is seeking an experienced preclinical scientist to join the team. ChemPartner is a leading global CRO and CDMO with sites across China, the US, and the UK, supporting close client collaboration and seamless project delivery worldwide.
This role offers the chance to join at an early stage of development, playing a key role in supporting lab set-up, developing SOPs and risk assessments, and establishing the workflows that will underpin future scientific activities. In parallel, the role will involve the design and execution of preclinical oncology studies. We are looking for someone who thrives with autonomy and wants to grow with the team.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Building and shaping our oncology study capabilities from the ground up
- Running cell-based assays: viability, proliferation, apoptosis, mechanistic readouts (e.g. caspase activation, cell cycle analysis)
- Performing ELISA and flow cytometry
- Drafting SOPs and risk assessments to support lab set-up and compliance
- Designing, executing, and managing studies internally and through external collaborators
- Contributing to data analysis, scientific reports, and client communications
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Essential:
- PhD in Oncology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences or related field with 2+ years' preclinical experience in industry or academia; or an MSc with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
- Strong cell culture skills — primary cells and mammalian cell lines
- Hands-on experience with cell-based assays including viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and mechanistic readouts, ELISA, and flow cytometry
- Self-motivated and able to work independently with a proactive, can-do approach
- Right to work in the UK
Desirable:
- Molecular biology skills (qPCR, Western blot, CRISPR)
- UK Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) holder with practical in vivo experience (PO, SC, IP, IV dosing and sample collection), or a willingness to undergo in vivo training
- Experience coordinating studies internally and with external partners
- Proficiency with data analysis tools e.g. GraphPad Prism, R, or Python
WHAT WE OFFER
- A foundational role with real influence over how our team and capabilities grow
- Opportunities for career progression and professional training as we expand
- A collaborative, science-first culture where your expertise and initiative will be valued
Additional instructions: Please submit both your CV and cover letter in one document via LinkedIn.
Scientist / Senior Scientist – Preclinical Oncology/Immunology in Maidstone employer: ChemPartner
ChemPartner is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of oncology research in the UK. With a collaborative and science-first culture, employees are encouraged to take initiative and contribute meaningfully to groundbreaking projects, while enjoying ample opportunities for career progression and professional development. Joining ChemPartner means being part of a dynamic team that values autonomy and innovation, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about advancing preclinical science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist / Senior Scientist – Preclinical Oncology/Immunology in Maidstone
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like ChemPartner. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like ChemPartner!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist / Senior Scientist – Preclinical Oncology/Immunology in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show ChemPartner that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at ChemPartner.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that ChemPartner does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at ChemPartner
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at ChemPartner. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into ChemPartner's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at ChemPartner. This shows your passion for the industry!