Senior Scientist; Molecule Protein

200 staff. Limitless Potential. One team.

Cancer Research Horizons.

Senior Scientist ( Small Molecule Protein s )

£ 41,700 - £51,300 p lus benefits

Department: Therapeutic Innovation, R&I
Reports to: Principal Scientist
Location : CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow with Low flex (Lab Based)
Contract type/hours: X2 Permanent Contracts , Full time 35 hours per week

Closing date: 1 st March 2026 23:55pm
Interview Date: Approximately week commencing 9 th March
Interview process: Competency based interview with task/presentation

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We have an exciting opportunity for two Senior Scientists in small molecule protein sciences to join Cancer Research Horizons in our Glasgow lab. You’ll lead the expression, purification and QC of protein antigens and related molecules, all of which play a c ritical role in driv ing ou r screening and crystallography programmes.

Working primarily across bacterial and insectsystems, you’ll deliver high quality, well characterised proteins using a range of biochemical and biophysical methods. You’ll collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary drug discovery teams, communicate insights clearly, drive strategic decisions, innovate across the existing pipeline, bring strong scientific leadership to the team, and help ensure a safe, efficient lab environment.

We’re looking for candidates with a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Molecular/Protein Sciences, Chemistry with substantial drug discovery experience, with strongprotein production, purification , analytics , and molecular biology expertise . This is a high impact role that advances our discoveries. If you're adaptable, driven, and ready to make a scientific impact, this is your chance to contribute . 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.

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) B ring new treatments to patients faster and
2) T ackle 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.

• Expression and purification of recombinant proteins using bacterial and insect systems to support screening and crystallography programmes – experience of mammalian protein expression would also be desirable

• Ensure all production is sufficiently characterised and QC’d using appropriate biochemical and biophysical methods

• Interpret, analyse and clearly summarise data for presentation to varied audiences

• Work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary research teams

• Communicate effectively, demonstrating openness and respect for others’ perspectives

• Prioritise workload according to project objectives and take responsibility for timely delivery

• Drive scientific and technical innovation, including through internal and external collaborations, while staying current with developments in the field

• Maintain accurate and up to date electronic laboratory notebook records

• Take responsibility for assigned laboratory equipment and associated duties

• Uphold safe, compliant and effective working practices

• PhD or equivalent in Molecular Sciences, Protein Sciences, Chemistry or significant experience within a drug discovery environment

• Significant experience in…