Scientist​/Senior Scientist – Preclinical Oncology​/Immunology

SCIENTIST / SENIOR SCIENTIST – PRECLINICAL ONCOLOGY/IMMUNOLOGY

Chem Partner is expanding its oncology capabilities in the UK and is seeking an experienced preclinical scientist to join the team. Chem Partner is a leading global CRO and CDMO with sites across China, the US, and the UK, supporting close client collaboration and seamless project delivery worldwide.

This role offers the chance to join at an early stage of development, playing a key role in supporting lab set‑up, developing SOPs and risk assessments, and establishing the workflows that will underpin future scientific activities. In parallel, the role will involve the design and execution of preclinical oncology studies.

We are looking for someone who thrives with autonomy and wants to grow with the team.

• Building and shaping our oncology study capabilities from the ground up
• Running cell‑based assays: viability, proliferation, apoptosis, mechanistic readouts (e.g. caspase activation, cell cycle analysis)
• Performing ELISA and flow cytometry
• Drafting SOPs and risk assessments to support lab set‑up and compliance
• Designing, executing, and managing studies internally and through external collaborators
• Contributing to data analysis, scientific reports, and client communications

• PhD in Oncology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences or related field with 2+ years’ preclinical experience in industry or academia; or an MSc with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
• Strong cell culture skills – primary cells and mammalian cell lines
• Hands‑on experience with cell‑based assays including viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and mechanistic readouts, ELISA, and flow cytometry
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently with a proactive, can‑do approach
• Right to work in the UK
• Molecular biology skills (qPCR, Western blot, CRISPR)
• UK Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) holder with practical in vivo experience (PO, SC, IP, IV dosing and sample collection), or a willingness to undergo in vivo training
• Experience coordinating studies internally and with external partners
• Proficiency with data analysis tools e.g. Graph Pad Prism, R, or Python

• A foundational role with real influence over how our team and capabilities grow
• Opportunities for career progression and professional training as we expand
• A collaborative, science‑first culture where your expertise and initiative will be valued