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Senior Scientist (DMPK)

CANCER RESEARCH UK
41,700 per year
Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge
Full-time
1st March 2026
Listed 3 days ago

Senior Scientist (DMPK)

  • locations
  • CRH Babraham (Jonas Webb)
  • time type
  • Full time
  • posted on
  • Posted Today
  • time left to apply
  • End Date: March 2, 2026 (12 days left to apply)
  • job requisition id
  • R032928

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

Senior Scientist (DMPK)

£41,700 - £46,500 plus  benefits

Department: Therapeutic Innovation, R&IReports to:  Group Leader  Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge (Hybrid - 3 days per week on-site) Contract type: 1-year Fixed Term Contracthours: Full time, 35 hours per week

Closing date:  Sunday 1st March 2026 23:55pmInterview Date: Approximately week commencing 9th MarchInterview process: 2 stage interview process, initial screening call via teams followed by on-site competency-based interview.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.  

We have an exciting, high-impact opportunity for a Senior Scientist to join us at Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) in Cambridge, on a 1-year fixed term basis.  As a Senior Scientist in DMPK, you will play a key role in advancing both small- and large-molecule programs from lead optimization through candidate selection.

The successful candidate will apply deep technical expertise in pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and quantitative modelling to support the design and execution of translational strategies across therapeutic areas.

Reporting directly to the DMPK Group lead, you will work closely with the medicinal chemistry team and more widely with cross functional teams, seeking to accelerate novel therapies into clinical development.

The role would suit a Senior Scientist with a PhD or BSc/MSc with relevant industrial experience. Good time management skills, a proven ability to form close and effective relationships with colleagues at all levels and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. Every role at CRH is united by a single mission: beating cancer sooner. We carry out work that matters—impacting patients, families, and the future of science.

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? 

  • Design and execute DMPK strategies to advance discovery programs from LO through candidate selection, across both small molecule and large molecules

  • Plan and oversee in vitro and in vivo DMPK work, including metabolite identification, assess species differences, recommend species selection for toxicity studies, toxicokinetic evaluation, and DDI risk assessment.

  • Perform human PK and dose predictions using a range of methodologies (allometry, mechanistic PBPK, exposure–response models) at key project milestones.

  • Design and interpret in vivo efficacy and PK/PD studies, integrating biomarker and efficacy endpoints with exposure data to drive decision making.

  • Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead quantitative pharmacology activities, including exposure–response analyses and model informed go/no go criteria.

  • Work closely with medicinal chemistry, biology, toxicology and clinical colleagues to define DMPK strategies and effective translational plans for each program.

  • Stay abreast of new modelling and simulation tools and contribute to continuous improvement of DMPK workflows

 What are we looking for? 

  • PhD (or equivalent) in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, or a related discipline with industry experience. Candidates with a BSc or MSc (or equivalent) will also be considered if they demonstrate substantial and relevant industry experience.

  • Proven experience in small- and/or large-molecule DMPK supporting LO-to-CS transitions.

  • Hands-on experience in PK-PD and PBPK modelling in any of the tools (e.g., Phoenix, PK-SIM, GastroPlus, Simcyp, NONMEM, MATLAB or R).

  • Experience of overcoming ADME/PK challenges to progress optimised compounds

  • Knowledge of metabolite ID, species selection, toxicokinetic evaluation, and DDI risk assessment

  • Exposure to mechanistic PK/PD or QSP modelling is highly desirable.

  • Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, problem-solving mindset.

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.