Senior Scientist; Discovery Biology

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.
Visa sponsorship: Eligible to work in the UK only; no sponsorship offered.

You will join the Discovery Biology team within our Bioscience department on a 1‑year fixed term basis. The role is laboratory focused and requires deep scientific understanding of cancer biology, strong laboratory technical skills and hands‑on experience of drug discovery. You will work closely with the Target Validation and Translational Biology teams to address key biology across our portfolio of projects.

• Design, perform and interpret gene perturbation studies using tool therapeutics, gene knockdown and gene editing approaches, and 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, colony formation assays and 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 (Simple Western)
  • RT qPCR and RNA‑based signatures
  • Immunofluorescence for pathway activation (high‑content imaging experience desirable)
  • ELISA/MSD/HTRF immunoassays
  • Flow Cytometry
• Review and critically appraise oncology literature, relevant informatic databases, and unpublished research to identify and explore novel clinical positioning opportunities and biomarkers.

• PhD (or equivalent) in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline with industry experience. Candidates with a BSc or MSc will also be considered if they demonstrate substantial and relevant industry experience.
• Deep scientific understanding of tumour signalling, metabolic pathways, genetics/epigenetics of cancer‑associated gene expression, tumour micro‑environment interactions, mechanisms of drug action and resistance, and pharmacology concepts.
• Strong experimental design, technical expertise, and scientific problem‑solving skills.
• Proven track record developing and applying PD biomarkers, mechanisms of action, or clinical positioning studies to support drug discovery programmes.
• Experience with DNA plasmid engineering and molecular cloning (bonus).
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex data clearly.
• Ability to work autonomously in a predominantly lab‑based position and adapt to new challenges in a fast‑paced setting.
• Detail oriented, strong organisational skills, and a highly collaborative mindset focused on delivering programme impact.

• Act with ambition, courage and determination.
• Act with rigour and professionalism.
• Act to have a positive impact on people.
• Act inclusively and collaboratively.

We offer a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high‑quality tools. Our policies and processes support your wellbeing and help you achieve a healthy work‑life balance.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process. CVs are required for all applications but will be viewed only after an interview invitation. Please complete the work‑history section of the online application form and include any relevant information. For more information, visit our careers page or contact

Equality and inclusion
:
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under‑represented. We want to support every candidate throughout the application and interview process; please notify us of any adjustments you require. Contact  or 020 3469 8400.

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.