Senior Scientist (Small Molecule Protein)

Cancer Research UK - Research & Innovation

Location: Glasgow

Salary: £41,700 to £51,300

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Placed On: 16th February 2026

Closes: 1st March 2026

200 staff. Limitless Potential. One team. Cancer Research Horizons.

Location: CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow with Low flex (Lab Based)

Salary: £41,700 - £51,300 plus benefits

Contract: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours per week)

Closing date: Sunday 1st March

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 our team. You’ll lead the expression, purification and QC of protein antigens and related molecules, all of which play a critical role in driving our screening and crystallography programmes.

You’ll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary drug discovery teams, communicate insights clearly and drive strategic decisions. 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.

About Cancer Research Horizons: Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) unites Cancer Research UK’s established drug discovery teams. Our mission is to accelerate new cancer treatments by combining unique cancer biology expertise, world-class academic networks, cutting-edge technology, and clinical insights. Based at sites in Cambridge, Glasgow, and Newcastle, our diverse team works to bring forward the day all cancers are cured.

What you will be doing:

• 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 multidisciplinary research teams
• 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

What we are looking for:

• PhD or equivalent in Molecular Sciences, Protein Sciences, Chemistry or significant experience within a drug discovery environment
• Significant experience in providing protein & molecular biology expertise to enable drug discovery projects
• Use of current molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning) to construct expression vectors and isolate genes
• Purification of tagged and native proteins via manual, AKTA and automated purification platforms using a range of chromatographic techniques
• Production of cell-based targets and experience of tissue culture and the generation of transgenic cell lines
• Protein analytical techniques – e.g. protein quantitation assays, SDS-PAGE analysis, HPLC, Western Blotting and protein modifications e.g. biotinylation
• Track record of delivering results across a diverse project portfolio by leading and driving strategic and scientific initiatives

Our Values: Bold, Credible, Human, Together. We seek individuals who embody these values to drive progress against our mission.

What will I gain? We offer a supportive working environment, generous benefits, career development opportunities, and high-quality tools to support your work-life balance and career progression.

Apply Now: To view the full, detailed job description and to apply, please visit the Cancer Research Horizons careers website https://www.cancerresearchhorizons.com/about-us/careers