Student Placement - Mechanistic Pharmacology; lab undergraduate placement scheme

Student Placement – Mechanistic Pharmacology (Lab based) Salary: £24,000 plus benefits

Reports to:

Scientist (Mechanistic Pharmacology) Directorate:
Research & Innovation

Contract:

Fixed-term Contract 52 weeks

Hours:

Full-time 35 hours per week

Location:

Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge – Lab based Closing date:
Sunday 8th November 23:55pm Recruitment process:
Screening call followed by competency-based interview process. Visa sponsorship:
You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

This placement will contribute to the overarching mission of Cancer Research Horizons to discover novel cancer therapeutics that ultimately benefit patients. The successful applicant will undertake a laboratory-based research project designed to expand the technical capabilities of the Mechanistic Pharmacology team while addressing challenges relevant to drug discovery. The Mechanistic Pharmacology team plays a vital role in advancing new cancer medicines, generating the data and insights that guide key drug discovery decisions.

We apply biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based approaches to understand how targets and compounds behave, develop novel assays, identify and evaluate promising compounds, investigate mechanisms of action, and support the progression of small‑molecule discovery projects. Working alongside experienced Cancer Research Horizons scientists, the successful applicant will gain hands‑on experience of the drug discovery process and develop proficiency in a broad range of in‑vitro laboratory techniques.

They will contribute to meaningful research, analyse and present scientific data, and gain first‑hand insight into how potential new cancer medicines are discovered and progressed towards the clinic. We have one 52‑week placement to offer, with negotiable start dates in September 2027.

• Conduct research in an assigned area with efficiency, accuracy and attention to detail under supervision, using established methodology
• Exercise technical judgment in execution of experiments and interpretation of results
• Perform analysis of experimental results and develop hypotheses
• Ask for advice and assistance when necessary
• Maintain awareness of relevant current scientific literature and developments
• Provide verbal and written reports/presentations when required
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and other data to required standards
• Perform all work demonstrating due care and attention to all health and safety and COSHH regulations
• Interact with colleagues in all areas of CRH and provide help and assistance wherever possible

• Effective and timely communication of data and progress to your supervisor, and, when required, other members of staff within the Molecular Sciences department or wider project team
• Working effectively with other members of the team and building productive relationships within the department
• Analysis / interpretation of data and pro‑actively contributing to experimental design and strategy

• Completion of at least one year of an undergraduate course ideally in biological sciences or equivalent experience
• Computer literate:
  Microsoft Office programmes including Word and Excel
• Collaborative team player
• Excellent organisational skills
• Integrity and commitment
• Attention to detail and quality driven
• Flexibility and adaptability

If you would like to apply for the placement student scheme, please ensure that you meet the following criteria before completing your application form:
You must be in your 2nd year of undergraduate study ase note that applications from graduates and PhD…