Research Associate, Primary Pharmacology in Abingdon

The Impact You’ll Make Recursion is at the forefront of reimagining drug discovery and development through broadening the funnel of potential targets, using technology and standardization to build connected data. As a research scientist in the primary pharmacology department you will design, plan and execute a variety of experiments ensuring that the assays are fit-for-purpose, and that data is appropriately quality‑controlled. In our new, state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, you will utilize a wide array of assay technologies and automation capabilities. We are committed to deploying the latest advancements and optimising processes for quality and efficiency. You will leverage your scientific and cell‑based expertise to design and implement experiments, driving our drug discovery projects forward.

In This Role, You Will:

• Develop cell‑based and biochemical assays to help drive development of small molecule therapeutics with a focus on compound characterisation and the rapid identification of candidate molecules.
• Implement latest scientific developments and evaluate new technologies.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional project teams to drive drug discovery programs forward by producing decision‑making data in a timely manner.
• Engage in continual learning and development, gaining exposure to multiple scientific disciplines and the drug discovery process, from initial target identification through to candidate selection.

The Team You’ll Join: You will join the Primary Pharmacology team, who are based in Milton Park, Abingdon, at Recursion. The Primary Pharmacology team is a group of project‑facing biochemists and cell biology scientists that support drug discovery projects from target validation to candidate selection. Core functions within this team include assay development, HTS, routine screening, cell culture, and automation.

The Experience You’ll Need:

• BSc/MSc/Ph.D. in Oncology, Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related discipline; or equivalent experience, in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.
• Expertise in in‑vitro assay development and optimisation.
• Hands‑on experience with cell and enzymatic plate‑based assays with practical knowledge of a wide range of assay technologies (e.g., BRET, time‑resolved FRET, luminescent Glo assays, fluorescence intensity/ fluorescence polarisation assays, flow cytometry, high‑content imaging, cell viability/proliferation assays, second‑messenger and signalling pathway assays, cell binding & target engagement assays).
• Experience in small‑molecule high‑throughput screening, including dose‑response relationship analysis.
• Ability to work in a highly dynamic, fast‑paced cross‑functional environment.
• Proficiency in sterile techniques and cell culture.

Working Location & Compensation: This is a lab‑based role in our Milton Park site. Employees are expected to work on‑site most of the time, with occasional flexibility. Based on the skill and level of experience required for this role, the estimated current annual base range for this role is £41,000 to £52,000. You will also be eligible for an annual bonus and equity compensation, as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

The Values We Hope You Share: We act boldly with integrity. We are unconstrained in our thinking, take calculated risks, and push boundaries, but never at the expense of ethics, science, or trust. We care deeply and engage directly. Caring means holding a deep sense of responsibility and respect – showing up, speaking honestly, and taking action. We learn actively and adapt rapidly. Progress comes from doing. We experiment, test, and refine, embracing iteration over perfection. We move with urgency because patients are waiting. Speed isn’t about rushing but about moving the needle every day. We take ownership and accountability. Through ownership and accountability, we enable trust and autonomy – leaders take accountability for decisive action, and teams own outcomes together. We are One Recursion. True cross‑functional collaboration is about trust, clarity, humility, and impact. Through sharing, we can be greater than the sum of our individual capabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Recursion is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, local, or provincial human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.