At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead medicinal chemistry for innovative cancer drug discovery projects.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health support, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research with world-class scientists.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in small-molecule drug discovery and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 57230 - 57230 £ per year.
Salary for this Role: From £57,230 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Reports to: Joanna Redmond
Closing Date: 26/Aug/2026 23.59 GMT
Details of the role:
- Working pattern: This is a full-time, fixed term (18-month) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
About us:
The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.
The Program:
This exciting research project is a cross–Francis Crick Institute collaboration focused on translating groundbreaking discoveries from Dr Simon Boulton's Double Strand Break (DSB) Metabolism Laboratory into new cancer therapies. The programme of work has since evolved into the Crick spin-out company ALTx. This is a unique opportunity to join a pioneering drug discovery programme translating groundbreaking cancer research into potential new therapies. Working within a unique academia-industry collaboration, you will contribute to the development of novel treatments targeting Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT)-positive cancers, a particularly challenging group of cancers with significant unmet medical need. Supported by substantial philanthropic and venture capital funding, the programme brings together world-leading experts in DNA damage repair, chemical biology and drug discovery to progress innovative science from target validation through to candidate selection. This work is funded by a multi-million-pound translation grant from the Crick’s philanthropic Chris Banton fund, as well as seed-investment from a leading UK-based Venture Capital (VC) company.
About the role:
We are recruiting for a Senior Medicinal Chemist to play a key role in leading the Medicinal Chemistry for a drug discovery program and to join the ALT project team at the Francis Crick Institute. As part of a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team, you will lead the medicinal chemistry strategy for a priority drug discovery programme, driving the design, optimisation and progression of compounds towards candidate selection. Working closely with colleagues across biology, computational chemistry, pharmacology, DMPK and structural biology, you will use complex data sets to make informed scientific decisions and shape compound optimisation strategies. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, innovative medicinal chemist with a strong track record of drug discovery in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in lead optimisation and the progression of small molecule discovery programmes towards candidate selection. You will bring scientific expertise, commercial awareness and a hands-on approach, balancing compound design and external CRO management with practical laboratory contributions where needed. Thriving in a fast paced, dynamic environment, you will be a flexible and open-minded scientist who enjoys solving complex challenges and working as part of an integrated academia-industry team to deliver impactful drug discovery outcomes.
What you will be doing:
- Leadership of the medicinal chemistry for one of the two high priority ALT targets.
- Driving the design, synthesis, and optimisation of small-molecule compounds from initial hits through lead optimisation to candidate-quality molecules.
- Oversight and management of synthetic chemistry activities conducted at external CROs, including setting priorities, reviewing data and ensuring high-quality chemistry, combined with timely delivery.
- Interpretation of SAR, structural, pharmacology, and DMPK data to guide compound design and prioritisation.
- Working closely with biology, pharmacology, DMPK, computational and structural biology teams to ensure integrated decision-making.
- Supporting compound selection for in vivo studies and candidate nomination decisions.
About you:
- Extensive experience in small-molecule drug discovery, with a strong track record of progressing compounds from hit identification through lead optimisation to candidate-quality molecules.
- A deep knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, including SAR development, compound optimisation for potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties.
- Experience in leading medicinal chemistry efforts within multidisciplinary project teams.
- Proven ability to successfully manage and direct synthetic chemistry activities at external CROs.
- Ability to interpret and integrate chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and DMPK data to guide compound design and progression decisions.
- Understanding of structural biology and computational chemistry to support structure-guided drug design.
Minimum criteria:
About Working at the Crick:
Our values: Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture. We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: karen.au@crick.ac.uk.
What will you receive?
At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:
- Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK.
- Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
- Health & Well-being: 24/7 GP consultation services. Occupational health services and mental health support programs. Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
- Work-Life Balance: Back-up care for dependents. Childcare support allowance. Annual leave purchase options. Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
- Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.
Principal Laboratory Research Scientist Medicinal Chemist in London employer: Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute offers an exceptional environment for postdoctoral fellows, combining cutting-edge research with a strong commitment to mentorship and professional development. Located in London, the DiFrisco Lab fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating culture, providing access to high-performance computing, generous research funding, and opportunities for training that empower employees to grow their careers in theoretical biology and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Laboratory Research Scientist Medicinal Chemist in London
✨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 Francis Crick Institute. 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 Francis Crick Institute!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Laboratory Research Scientist Medicinal Chemist in London
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 Francis Crick Institute 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 Francis Crick Institute.
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 Francis Crick Institute 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 Francis Crick Institute
✨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 Francis Crick Institute. 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 Francis Crick Institute'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 Francis Crick Institute. This shows your passion for the industry!
