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 excellent employer for those passionate about advancing oncology research, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. Located in the UK, employees benefit from a supportive environment where initiative is valued, alongside opportunities to contribute to impactful preclinical studies and develop their skills in a cutting-edge lab setting.
