Graduate Research Scientist - Neurology Discovery & External Innovation

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Established in 1941 and headquartered in Japan, Eisai has long-term success and interests in delivering therapeutics to treat neurological disorders. The UK preclinical drug discovery group is based within Eisai’s European Knowledge Centre located approximately 20 miles north of London in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. It consists of a group of biological scientists that are responsible for a portfolio of drug discovery projects targeting neurodegenerative diseases.

The team has expertise in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, assay development and pharmacological profiling, and works closely with both internal and external collaborators with complementary expertise.

Emerging Talent is a key focus for the team at Eisai, with many of our current workforce starting or building their career as an Apprentice, Intern or Graduate. You will join a tight-knit community and be provided with a Buddy, Line Manager and access to our Emerging Talent Team to ensure you are well supported. You will join a well thought out training programme that will support your soft skills, alongside building your technical skills in your role.

You will be given real responsibilities from day one, which gives you the opportunity to learn from highly experienced team members and colleagues.

Join a team that’s shaping the future of medicine. As a Graduate Researcher, you’ll work at the cutting edge of pharmaceutical innovation, gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic and collaborative pre-clinical drug discovery environment. In addition to supporting the laboratory-based team, you will also support the External Innovation team in the search and evaluation of external assets and alliance management activities.

This role is designed for ambitious, recent graduates who want to accelerate their scientific career while contributing to breakthrough neurodegenerative therapies that improve lives worldwide.

Role: R&D Graduate Researcher
Location: Eisai Europe Limited, Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9SN

Salary: £26,532, raising to £31,836 in year two. Includes a discretionary bonus and generous benefits.
Working arrangement: 100% Office/Laboratory based

• Drive Drug Discovery:
  Working as part of a global multidisciplinary team, design, execute and interpret laboratory experiments that test novel hypotheses and advance drug development.
• Generate Impactful Insights:
  Analyze experimental data using state-of-the-art software and techniques, contributing to meaningful scientific outcomes.
• Innovative Science:
  Leverage human patient samples and cutting-edge stem cell–derived assays to uncover mechanistic insights and drive breakthroughs in understanding complex disease biology.
• Championing Excellence and Quality:
  Embed rigorous quality control processes throughout experimental workflows to uphold the highest scientific standards.
• Collaborate & Innovate:
  Work closely with experienced researchers and scientists, actively contributing to team discussions and project planning. Support the External Innovation team in the search and evaluation of external opportunities and the management of strategic alliances.
• Project Ownership:
  Take full ownership of specific research projects by driving timelines, managing resource allocation, and tracking progress to deliver impactful scientific outcomes.
• Safety First:
  Adhere to strict safety procedures to maintain a secure and compliant laboratory environment.
• Continuous Growth:
  Engage with mentors and supervisors for feedback, skill development, and career guidance in pharmaceutical R&D.

• Recent Graduate with a BSc/MSc in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Biomedical sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, etc.).
• Practical experience outside of university course strongly preferred (e.g., Placement Year, Work experience).
• A Level Biology and Mathematics strongly preferred.
• Strong ability to analyse complex biological data, interpret experimental outcomes, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
• Demonstrated precision in experimental execution, data handling,…