Senior Scientist in Structural Biology at Vernalis (R&D) Ltd, Cambridge, UK
United Kingdom
Application deadline: 01 Aug 2026
About Vernalis
Working within our fully equipped research laboratories in Cambridge, our established group of scientists are world leaders in multiple hit-ID technologies and structure-based drug discovery.
Our scientists leverage cutting-edge lead generation and structure-based design to unlock new possibilities in drug discovery, advancing innovative compounds towards development candidates across diverse therapeutic areas, including oncology, neurodegeneration, anti-infectives and inflammation.
The Role – job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist in structural biology to support our drug discovery programs. Your expertise in protein crystallography will be instrumental in solving multiple ligand-bound protein structures, understanding protein-ligand interactions to accelerate the identification and optimization of high-quality lead compounds.
This is a hands-on role covering the full spectrum of a protein crystallography study including construct design, protein crystallisation, crystallographic data collection, structure solution and refinement, structural analysis, and reporting. You will contribute to hit-identification and validation strategies and help enable high-throughput structure-determination workflows. You will collaborate across multiple disciplines including computational chemistry, biophysics, and medicinal chemistry teams with both internal and external collaborators and play a key part in shaping research directions and advancing structure-guided drug discovery projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Use protein crystallography to solve high-resolution apo and ligand-bound structures of protein targets.
- Identify potential binding sites, interpret ligand-binding mechanisms, and optimise small-molecule interactions with protein targets.
- Identify starting points for drug development. Design, execute and interpret high-throughput crystallography screens of compound libraries, followed by optimisation and hit expansion.
- Integrate structural insights into the wider drug discovery pipeline, working closely with medicinal chemistry, biophysics and computational biology teams.
- Provide structural rationale for the design and modification of small molecules that target key proteins involved in disease.
- Stay at the forefront of new structural biology methodologies, particularly in ligand binding and FBDD. Develop and optimise protocols to increase throughput, improve structural data quality and streamline workflows.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners across drug discovery projects.
- Present project data, scientific interpretation and strategy internally and to external collaborators.
- Represent Vernalis at scientific conferences.
- Assist in the training and supervision of students and junior team members.
About You
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- PhD in Structural Biology, Biophysics or a related field, with postdoctoral or industrial experience in drug discovery and structural biology techniques, particularly in relation to protein–ligand interactions and fragment-based drug discovery.
- Experience in high-throughput crystallographic screens and the use of advanced software, such as COOT, CCP4i2, PanDDA, to determine and refine large numbers of protein-ligand complexes.
- Experience in rapid fitting of ligands to density maps, with consideration of ligand occupancy states and alternative conformation analysis.
- Strong understanding of ligand chemistry including ligand geometries, low-energy conformations, chirality, protonation and tautomeric states, and bond orders.
- Experience in protein crystallisation screening experiments using robotics and commercial crystallisation screens.
- Experience in protein-ligand complex formation by co-crystallisation and soaking experiments, including cryoprotectant determination and cryo-freezing for in-house and synchrotron data collection.
- Experience in protein construct design for crystallisation studies.
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment.
- Excellent communication, collaboration and project-management skills.
Desirable:
- Experience of cryo-EM sample preparation and data analysis.
- Familiarity with protein expression, purification, and characterization workflows.
- Computational skills for integrating structural data with molecular modelling, docking, and simulation techniques to drive drug design efforts.
- Experience applying deep Learning approaches to data analysis.
Skills and competencies
Essential:
- Strong hands-on experimental capability and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent data-analysis and scientific-interpretation skills.
- Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
Effective communication across multidisciplinary teams.
Strong organisation and time-management skills.
Ability to balance laboratory work with project delivery.
Ability to influence project direction through high-quality scientific insight.
Desirable:
- Leadership and mentoring experience
- Demonstratable ability to innovate
What We Offer
- The opportunity to play a key role in advancing drug discovery through cutting-edge structural biology.
- A collaborative, cross-functional environment with talented scientists across structural biology, medicinal chemistry, biophysics and computational biology.
- Access to well-equipped laboratories, advanced technologies and a range of drug discovery approaches.
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth within a dynamic and growing drug discovery organisation.
- Career development in an international research environment.
- Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements and a supportive, inclusive work culture.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension contributions and generous holiday entitlement.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for the role to HRE@vernalis.com
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.
Vernalis is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
