Job Description

Join us at the world-leading CRUK Cambridge Institute. We're a unique department of the University of Cambridge, core funded by Cancer Research UK's charitable activities and we are seeking an exceptional individual to lead our Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry (MS) Core Facility; one of 11 state-of-the-art scientific Core Facilities at the heart of our research community.

About the Role

As Head of the Bioanalytical MS Core Facility, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to a team delivering mass spectrometry-based bioanalytical and pharmacokinetic expertise. You will work closely with researchers across the Institute and wider academic and clinical networks offering a diverse range of analytical capabilities including:


Quantification of therapeutic drugs and small molecules from a range of biological samples. Targeted metabolomics: quantification of cancer-relevant metabolites. Supporting drug candidate selection through discovery pharmacokinetics, dose optimisation and drug efficacy studies, working with colleagues in the Institute's Biological Resources Unit and Small Animal Hospital. Regulated bioanalysis, in accordance with MHRA guidelines for Good Clinical Practice for the Clinical Laboratory (GC(L)P), to measure drug concentrations and biomarkers in biological samples.
You will be joining the Institute at a pivotal moment, as we expand our spatial technology portfolio with the acquisition of a cutting-edge MS Imaging instrument, and associated newly extended MS instrument space. You will oversee the establishment of this new platform and the development of approaches to determine the spatial distribution of molecules within tissue, opening powerful new avenues for exploring changes in the tumour microenvironment and deepening our understanding of cancer biology.


Looking ahead, the development of the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital (CCRH), adjacent to the Institute, presents exciting opportunities for growth in regulated bioanalysis. You will play a key role in shaping this future through engagement with the wider campus community.

What we're looking for

We're looking for a dynamic and visionary leader with:


A strong background in LCMS bioanalysis, pharmacokinetics, metabolomics or related fields. Proven experience in mass spectrometry and method development. Hands-on experience of managing a laboratory to a recognised quality system, ideally with knowledge of clinical studies and associated UK regulatory guidelines (incl. GCP, HTA). Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills. A commitment to service excellence, innovation, and team development.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.


We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.



Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.


Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.


Please quote reference SW47072 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.


The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.


The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

-------------------

Department/location

Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute

Salary

63,606-67,468

Reference

SW47072

Category

Academic-related

Date published

26 August 2025

Closing date

18 September 2025