Senior Scientist (Biochem & Biophys - SPR)

200 staff. Limitless Potential. One team. Cancer Research Horizons.

Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (Lab-Based, Low Flex) 

Salary: £41,700 - £51,300 plus benefits

Contract: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours per week)

Closing date: Wednesday 18^th February 23:55pm

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to provide lab-based scientific leadership and deep technical insight in the design, development, execution, and analysis of SPR experiments. This role is critical for characterising target mechanisms, running fragment screens, generating high-quality SAR/SKR data, and delivering compound mechanism-of-action studies to advance our drug discovery portfolio.

About Cancer Research Horizons: Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) unites Cancer Research UK’s established drug discovery teams. Our mission is to accelerate new cancer treatments by combining unique cancer biology expertise, world-class academic networks, cutting-edge technology, and clinical insights. Based at sites in Cambridge, Glasgow, and Newcastle, our diverse team works to bring forward the day all cancers are cured.

What you will be doing:

• Provide practical scientific leadership to characterise small and large molecules in vitro using biophysical assays, with a particular focus on SPR kinetics and mechanism of inhibition.
• Implement innovative biophysical techniques, staying abreast of cutting-edge technologies, and building expert external relationships.
• Characterise cancer targets at the molecular level and define biophysical cascades for novel small molecules and antibody therapeutics.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality biophysical compound profiling data and provide scientific leadership for external partners (CROs).
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary research teams, represent CRH at external conferences, and promote scientific excellence through publication.
• Train and mentor colleagues, maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebook practises, and adhere to safe working practises.

What we are looking for:

• BSc, MSc, or PhD (or equivalent experience) in biochemistry or in vitro pharmacology.
• Significant research experience in an industrial drug discovery environment.
• Proven expert experience in protein-ligand interactions, including using SPR to impact portfolio programmes.
• Detailed understanding of biophysical assays, including SPR, ITC, DSF/TSA, MST, GCI.
• Knowledge of emerging biophysical technologies and significant experience in assay development for a range of target classes.
• Experience working with and characterising small and large molecules.
• Credible external reputation (publication/presentation at key conferences).

Our Values: Bold, Credible, Human, Together. We seek individuals who embody these values to drive progress against our mission.

What will I gain? We offer a supportive working environment, generous benefits, career development opportunities, and high-quality tools to support your work-life balance and career progression.

Apply Now: To view the full, detailed job description and to apply, please visit the Cancer Research Horizons careers website https://www.cancerresearchhorizons.com/about-us/careers  

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