200 staff. Limitless Potential. One team. Cancer Research Horizons. Senior Scientist (Discovery Biology) 41,700 – 51,300 Plus benefits Department: Therapeutic Innovation, R&I Reports to: Principal Scientist Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (Lab Based Low Flex) Contract type: 1 Year Fixed Term Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week Closing date: Sunday 15th March 23:55pm Interview process: 2 stage interview process, initial screening call via MS Teams followed by on-site competency-based interview with presentation. Interview Dates: First stage between 26-27th March; Second stage between 14-16th April. Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship. At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Scientist to join us at Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) in Cambridge, on a 1-year fixed term basis. As a Senior Scientist in Bioscience, you will play a key role in defining and supporting critical path drug discovery biology for both small and large molecule therapeutics. The successful candidate will join our Discovery Biology team within our Bioscience department and apply their extensive technical expertise and knowledge to biomarker discovery, evaluating biological and disease mechanisms of action, as well as experimentally interrogating clinical positioning hypotheses. This is therefore a laboratory focused role that requires a deep scientific understanding of cancer biology, strong laboratory technical skills, and hands-on experience of drug discovery. As part of the Discovery Biology team within Bioscience, you will work closely with the Target Validation and Translational Biology teams to collaboratively address key biology across our portfolio of projects. Every role at CRH is united by a single mission: beating cancer sooner. We carry out work that matters – impacting patients, families, and the future of science. About Cancer Research Horizons As the worlds biggest medical research charity, weve helped bring eleven new cancer drugs to market. However, there is still an urgent need to bring more effective treatments to patients faster. We have recently developed a new approach to driving therapeutic innovation through the creation of Cancer Research Horizons (CRH). We have brought together Cancer Research UKs established drug discovery teams under one organisation and leadership team, combining our unique pipeline of cancer biology expertise and access to CRUKs world-class academic network, cutting edge technology platforms and clinical expertise to 1) Bring new treatments to patients faster and 2) Tackle the biggest challenges in discovering cancer drugs by seeking out more radical ideas and embracing risk in our bid to achieve success. Based at sites in Cambridge, the CRUK Scotland Institute in Glasgow, and Newcastle University, youll be joining over 200 staff from both industrial and academic backgrounds, all dedicated to bringing forward the day we cure cancer and making real life impact. What will you be doing? Design, perform and interpret gene perturbation studies using tool therapeutics (compounds or antibodies), gene knockdown and gene editing approaches, as well as rescue studies with over-expression systems in cancer cell lines and immune-relevant co-culture models. Conduct and interpret phenotypic analysis in cancer cells including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and colony formation assays, including use of Incucyte analysis. Design and execute mechanistic studies to elucidate drug-target engagement and downstream effects on biological pathways. Identify and validate pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers to support preclinical-to-clinical translation using platforms including: Western blot / capillary electrophoresis (e.g., Simple Western) RT qPCR and RNA based signatures Immunofluorescence for pathway activation (experience of high content imaging is desirable) ELISA/MSD/HTRF immunoassays Flow Cytometry Review and critically appraise oncology, relevant informatic databases, and related literature, as well as unpublished research to identify and explore novel clinical positioning opportunities and biomarkers. What are we looking for? PhD (or equivalent) in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline with industry experience. Candidates with a BSc or MSc (or equivalent) will also be considered if they demonstrate substantial and relevant industry experience. Deep scientific understanding of: Key oncology areas such as tumour signalling and metabolic pathways, genetics/ epigenetics of cancer associated gene expression, or interactions of the tumour micro-environment. Mechanisms of drug action and drug resistance. Pharmacology concepts. Strong experimental design, technical expertise, and scientific problem-solving skills. Proven track record developing and applying PD biomarkers, mechanism of action, or clinical positioning studies to support delivery of drug discovery programmes. Experience of DNA plasmid engineering and molecular cloning would be a bonus, including manipulation of DNA promoter elements and complex reporter systems. Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex data clearly. Within this predominantly lab-based position can work autonomously and adapt to new challenges within a fast-paced setting. Detail oriented, with strong organisational skills. Possess a highly collaborative mindset with a strong focus on delivering program impact. Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do. Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism Human: Act to have a positive impact on people Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively Were looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer. If youre interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, wed still love to hear from you. What will I gain? We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page. How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we wont be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk. For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks. Were the worlds leading cancer charity, dedicated to saving and improving lives with our research. We work to reduce the impact of cancer on peoples day-to-day lives through our research, influence and information. We are beating cancer step by step, day by day. Our work means that people with cancer live better lives through earlier diagnosis and kinder, more effective treatments. Find a purposeful career that will empower you to grow and collaborate with like-minded experts.