Senior Principal Scientist (Project Enablement)

.Senior Principal Scientist (Project Enablement) under the leadership of Location: Cambridge, Babraham Research Campus (minimum 3 days on site)We are looking for a passionate and dedicated scientific professional with extensive experience in 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) bring new treatments to patients faster and 2) tackle the biggest challenges in discovering cancer drugs by seeking out more radical ideas and embracing risk in our bid to achieve success. In this role, you will define the vision and strategy for CRH early project enablement, establishing robust processes to select and advance promising targets into the drug discovery portfolio. You will lead and develop a matrixed team, guiding them to deliver clear go/no-go decisions through deep expertise in target feasibility and druggability.This role uniquely combines cutting-edge screening expertise with deep mechanistic insight to transform early-stage target prosecution. By leveraging a range of hit identification methods (e.g. DEL, AS-MS) and rigorous mechanistic understanding, it ensures only the most viable targets progress into drug discovery, pursuing a de-risked therapeutic targeting strategy to reduce attrition and accelerate timelines. Beyond shaping the science, the successful candidate will have a real opportunity to influence and improve our ways of working, embedding best practices and innovative approaches across teams. This smarter, risk-aware strategy will ultimately deliver higher-quality medicines faster, improving outcomes and bringing life-changing therapies to patients who need them most.In addition to the key strategic leadership elements of this role, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in training and developing colleagues, including through practical contributions from the bench. You will therefore bring a genuine enthusiasm for working in the lab and guiding those around you. A PhD in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or equivalent experience, with extensive pre-clinical drug discovery experience in industry. Deep intellectual and practical knowledge of methods to assess target feasibility and druggability (eg computational modelling, protein characterisation, assay development, affinity-based methods such as DEL, AS-MS). Demonstrated scientific and project leadership in highly matrixed environments, with extensive experience inspiring, developing, and guiding a diverse world class team through effective matrix management. Significant experience of establishing and leading external academic and industrial collaborations, and technology change projects, to advance organisational capabilityIf you'reexperience we'd still love to hear from you. interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.You can explore our benefits by visiting our