Explore Exciting New Career Opportunities at Cancer Research Horizons

The Functional Genomics Centre, a joint Cancer Research Horizons-AstraZeneca facility on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, delivers advanced CRISPR-based screening for cancer drug target discovery and validation.

• Pooled CRISPR screens
• Functional genomics platforms
• Target validation studies
• Single-cell analysis
• Collaboration with biopharma hotspots

This state-of-the-art lab supports large-scale genetic screens to prioritise oncology targets, enhancing the drug discovery pipeline with cutting-edge genomic technologies.

The Cambridge site at the Milner Therapeutics Institute emphasises functional genomics, target discovery, and therapeutics development through academic-industry alliances. It hosted the initial Functional Genomics Centre operations.

• CRISPR screening and genomics
• Target identification for cancer
• Therapeutics consortium programs
• Biology and discovery research
• Single-cell CRISPR capabilities

Key focus on pooled CRISPR screens to validate new drug targets, bridging discovery science with translational applications in oncology.

The Glasgow site at the CRUK Scotland Institute is a key drug discovery hub specialising in small molecule chemistry, biology, and translational research for cancer therapeutics. It employs over 30 scientists focusing on novel targets and compounds.

• Chemistry and structural biology
• Target validation and screening
• Medicinal chemistry programs
• Biophysics and assay development
• Ras inhibitors and other oncology pathways

The site leverages the legacy of the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute to advance projects like multivariant Ras inhibitors, contributing to Cancer Research Horizons' mission of accelerating drug discovery.

The London Headquarters of Cancer Research Horizons serves as the central hub for strategic planning, commercialisation, and coordination of drug discovery efforts across the UK. It focuses on translating breakthrough cancer research into new treatments through partnerships with industry and academia.

• Therapeutic Innovation division
• Centre for Drug Development
• Portfolio management and venture creation
• Business development and licensing
• Project Development Fund programs

This site oversees the overall portfolio of over 90 start-ups and 14 new cancer drugs brought to market. Key activities include expert network coordination, funding allocation, and advancing oncology innovations from lab to clinic.

The Newcastle site, hosted at Newcastle University, specialises in fragment-based drug discovery, structural biology, and cross-sector collaborations for oncology therapeutics. It benefits from partnerships like with Astex Pharmaceuticals.

• Fragment screening and X-ray crystallography
• Drug design and optimisation
• CDK2-cyclin A inhibitors research
• Therapeutic innovation in protein targets
• Academic-industry interface programs

This site utilises Diamond Light Source for synchrotron-based screening, focusing on challenging cancer targets and advancing candidates towards clinical development.