Scientist - Protein Science

Strategic team efforts. Seamless synergy. Tangible results.  

Scientist – Protein Science

Salary: £33,700 - £38,150 (dependent on experience) plus benefits (includes up to 12% pension contribution)

Reports to: Senior Scientist

Directorate: Research & Innovation

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT (Lab based)

Closing date: Wednesday 23rd April 2025 23:55

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply. Please contact [email protected] or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.

Visa sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this vacancy. If this applies to you, please ensure that this is clearly marked on your application (conditions apply at this level).

Recruitment process: 1st stage interview via Microsoft Teams, 2nd stage face-to-face interview at the Francis Crick Institute which will include, competency-based questions, and discussion around a pre-prepared scientific case study. (Process may vary depending on applicant numbers)

Interview date:  w/c 5th or 12th May

Do you want to help deliver breakthrough medicines for cancer patients?  

Cancer Research UK are looking for an ambitious and proactive science professional to join the Protein Science team which is part of Cancer Research Horizons (CRH).

About CRUK Drug Discovery

As the world’s biggest medical research charity, we have helped bring eleven new cancer drugs to market. However, there is still an urgent need to bring more effective treatments to patients faster.

Cancer Research Horizons  was established in 2022, bringing together Cancer Research UK’s established drug discovery teams under one organisation and leadership team, combining our unique pipeline of world class biology, cutting edge technology platforms and clinical expertise. We aim to tackle the biggest challenges in discovering cancer drugs by seeking out more radical ideas and embracing risk in our bid to achieve success. 

About the Role

As a Scientist within the Protein Science team, you will form an integral part of the Cancer Research Horizons Drug Discovery team working alongside our industry and academic partners to progress novel cancer targets towards patient benefit.

This is a great opportunity to learn new skills and techniques and grow independence in a supportive team environment, where we can offer mentorship, a chance to work with academic partners and attend conferences that celebrate our science.

What will I be doing?

• Express (from bacterial, insect and/or mammalian systems), purify and characterise recombinant proteins

• Work collaboratively within the Protein Science team and interact with multi-disciplinary research teams both internally and with external collaborators

• Demonstrate ability to solve problems and develop solutions independently

• Communicate efficiently, interpret and summarise data and present results to different audiences

• Prioritise work according to project goals and take responsibility for the timely delivery of objectives

• Maintain accurate and up to date electronic laboratory notebook

• Keep up to date with state-of-the-art technologies and knowledge of developments in the protein science field

• Maintain assigned laboratory equipment and/or perform routine laboratory duties

• Perform all work demonstrating due care and attention to all health and safety and COSHH regulations

What are we looking for?

Essential

• PhD in biological science (or equivalent drug development experience)

• Practical experience of construct design and molecular biology

• Practical experience of protein expression in E.coli (essential) and eukaryotic systems (desirable) such as insect and mammalian cells

• Practical experience of using AKTAs and protein chromatography

• Practical experience of a range of protein characterisation techniques

Desirable

• Research experience in pharma/biotech

Behaviours

• You will be collaborative with strong relationship building skills

• You will be organised and have great attention to detail

• You will have a flexible approach with the ability to adapt to new challenges in a fast-paced setting

• You will have a proactive mindset and desire to learn

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

We’re 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 you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we’d 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 won’t be able to view them until we invite you to 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 [email protected].  

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

There’s a place for everyone at Cancer Research UK. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. 

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner. 

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you. We don’t expect everyone to meet all of the criteria listed.

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 by emailing us at [email protected]. 

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.