Senior Scientist (Biochem & Biophys)

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

Senior Scientist (Biochem & Biophys)

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 Scientist to provide lab‑based scientific leadership and intellectual input across the design, development, execution, and analysis of biochemical experiments. You will characterise target mechanisms, drive hit‑identification campaigns, generate high‑quality SAR/SKR data, and deliver compound mechanism‑of‑action studies. Your contributions will be central to shaping project strategy and advancing portfolio objectives.

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 molecules in vitrousing a range of biochemical assay technologies, with a particular focus on mechanistic enzymology.
• Drive a strategic focus on detailed kinetic and mechanism of inhibition studies and their translation into the cellular environment. 
• Characterise cancer targets in detail at the molecular level 
• Define biochemical cascades to support characterisation of novel small molecules for oncology targets  
• Ensure delivery of high-quality biochemical SAR / SKR compound profiling data  
• Working together with external scientific providers including CROs, provide scientific leadership to define and implement best practice for biochemical assays and bespoke mechanism-of-action studies to complement internal capabilities.  

What we are looking for:

• BSc, MSc or PhD in biochemistry or in vitropharmacology (relevant experience may be substituted for education) 
• Significant research experience in an industrial drug discovery environment 
• Proven expert experience in using mechanistic enzymology to characterise novel targets 
• Deep and broad understanding of biochemical assays, including kinetic profiling 
• Knowledge and awareness of emerging technologies with the biochemical space 
• Significant experience of assay development for a range of target classes 
• Significant experience of working with and characterising small and large molecules 
• Credible external reputation, as evidenced though 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

Advert information