Principal Scientist - DMPK

Principal Scientist - DMPK

• locations
• CRH Babraham (Jonas Webb)
• Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted Yesterday

• time left to apply
• End Date: April 22, 2026 (12 days left to apply)

• job requisition id
• R033254

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

Principal Scientist (DMPK)

£50,400 - £64,400 plus  benefits

Department: Therapeutic Innovation, R&IReports to:  Group Leader DMPKLocation: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (Hybrid – minimum 3 days per week on-site) or our Scotland Research Institute, Glasgow.Contract type: Permanenthours: Full time, 35 hours per week

Closing date:  Tuesday 21st April 23:55pmInterview Date: Approximately w/c 27th AprilInterview process: 2 stage interview process, initial screening call via teams followed by competency-based interview with a presentation/task.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.  

We are seeking an exceptional Principal Scientist to join our DMPK team at Cancer Research Horizons. This role can be based at either our Babraham Campus in Cambridge or our Scotland institute in Glasgow. This is a newly created, senior scientific leadership role that offers the opportunity to help shape the future of translational drug discovery and development in oncology.

As a scientific leader within the DMPK organisation, you will define and drive translational DMPK strategies across the pipeline - from lead optimisation through IND - influencing critical programme decisions and enabling high‑quality progression of assets toward the clinic. You will be a trusted expert and partner across chemistry, biology, translational, and clinical teams, bringing deep quantitative pharmacology expertise and a future‑focused mindset to complex development challenges.

This role is ideally suited to a strategic, impact‑driven scientist with a strong record of cross‑functional leadership, scientific judgement, and delivery within drug discovery and early development. You will play a visible role in advancing high‑value programmes and in mentoring and shaping scientific excellence within the DMPK function.

This is a high‑impact opportunity for a leader who wants to apply their expertise where it truly matters. At Cancer Research Horizons, every role is united by a single mission: beating cancer sooner. Our work has real consequences for patients, families, and the future of cancer research, and this role offers the chance to make a significant and meaningful contribution to that mission.

About Cancer Research Horizons 

As the world’s biggest medical research charity, we’ve 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 UK’s established drug discovery teams under one organisation and leadership team, combining our unique pipeline of cancer biology expertise and access to CRUK’s 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, you’ll 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? 

• Provide strategic DMPK leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects, shaping translational plans from LO through IND.

• Define and oversee integrated DMPK strategies for both small and large molecule modalities, ensuring alignment with project objectives, target product profiles, and clinical plans.

• Partner with Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, Toxicology, and Clinical teams to co‑create effective translational strategies and risk‑mitigation plans integrating preclinical,

  in vitro,in silicoand emerging clinical data into cohesive translational narratives.

• Take ownership of DMPK and translational inputs to non‑clinical safety assessment, tox species selection, toxicokinetics, and DDI assessment to ensure robust safety margins and risk mitigation strategies.

• Develop and refine human dose projections throughout the preclinical phases, incorporating allometric, mechanistic, and translational approaches.

• Champion the integration of PBPK, PK/PD, and QSP frameworks to support target engagement, FIH dose selection, and scenario planning.

• Contextualise DMPK findings within the broader pharmacology and disease biology to enhance translational relevance and drive data-informed decision-making.

• Mentor and develop senior scientists, fostering a future‑oriented, strategic and innovative culture in DMPK .

• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and regulatory expectations to keep the organisation at the forefront of translational pharmacology. Scan the external landscape and proactively introduce new methodologies (e.g. emerging QSP platforms, novel translational biomarkers, AI/ML enabled modelling) to enhance pipeline productivity.

• Ensure equality and diversity is celebrated and considered as part of all decisions taken.

 What are we looking for? 

• MSc / Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacokinetics, or related field with relevant experience in pharmaceutical R&D.

• Proven track record of leading DMPK strategies from LO through IND.

• Demonstrated expertise in PBPK, PKPD modelling, and quantitative pharmacology; experience integrating these into candidate selection and clinical dose projection.

• Strong understanding of translational PK/PD, metabolism, DDI assessment, and toxicokinetics.

• Future-oriented mindset, capable of identifying emerging opportunities in mechanistic modelling and data science.

• Recognized internally and externally as a thought leader in applying DMPK science for translational success.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; proven ability to influence in interdisciplinary teams.

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 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.