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Scientist
Experimental DMPK Scientist – Oncology (12-Month Interim)
Location – DISC, Cambridge, UK Duration – 12 months (interim) IR35 Status – Inside
About the Role
We are seeking an Experimental DMPK Scientist to join the Oncology DMPK Experimental Team in AstraZeneca’s Discovery Centre, Cambridge, UK on a 12-month assignment. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a junior scientist with practical experience in bioanalysis and/or in vitro DMPK to support discovery-stage drug development within a collaborative scientific environment.
The successful candidate will play a key role in generating and interpreting high-quality experimental data to inform compound progression across oncology discovery projects.
Accountabilities
- Conduct laboratory-based studies to support discovery DMPK activities, with a focus on bioanalysis and/or in vitro DMPK.
- Execute established assays, including preparation, analysis, and documentation of experimental work.
- Partner closely with DMPK teams and multidisciplinary project groups to ensure timely delivery of high-quality data that supports project decision-making.
- Contribute to assay optimisation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of laboratory practices, while upholding science quality, data integrity, compliance, and safety standards.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Essential Skills & Experience
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Degree in a relevant scientific discipline, such as:
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Pharmaceutical sciences
- Pharmacology
- Or equivalent.
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Practical laboratory experience in bioanalysis and/or in vitro DMPK.
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Understanding of fundamental DMPK principles and their application in drug discovery.
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Experience in handling and preparing biological samples for analysis.
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Ability to generate, review, and interpret experimental data accurately.
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Strong organisation skills—able to manage workload and meet agreed timelines.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Capacity to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
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Commitment to safe working practices and high standards of data quality and integrity.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Previous knowledge or interest in developing experience in core DMPK principles, including:
- Metabolic stability testing
- Microbial/microsomal or hepatocyte incubations
- Permeability studies
- Protein binding assays
- Experience with LC-MS/MS for quantitative bioanalysis.
- Familiarity with sample preparation techniques such as:
- Protein precipitation
- Liquid-liquid extraction
- Solid-phase extraction
- Understanding of how DMPK data influences compound optimisation in small-molecule drug discovery.
- Background in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or CRO environment (preferably oncology or medicinal chemistry focus).
- Awareness of assay performance, troubleshooting, and optimising laboratory workflows.


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Why Join AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca, we are driven by science and mission—committed to meaningful patient outcomes through cutting-edge drug discovery. This role offers:
✅ Selective oncology DMPK experience within a high-impact drug discovery team. ✅ Collaborative cross-disciplinary environment at Arizona’s state-of-the-art AstraZeneca Discovery Centre, Cambridge. ✅ Opportunity to develop expertise under expert guidance in a vibrant science community.
Join us in advancing new medicines that make a difference.
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