Biological Science Opportunity at Cancer Research UK | Medical Writing and Pharmacovigilance Placement

Biological Science Opportunity at Cancer Research UK | Medical Writing and Pharmacovigilance Placement

How are clinical trial findings documented, and how do research teams track potential safety risks? This biological science opportunity at Cancer Research UK introduces undergraduates to both areas through a paid placement in Medical Writing and Pharmacovigilance. Based in Stratford, London, the 54-week placement starts in July 2027 and offers practical experience supporting early-phase cancer clinical trials.

• Position: Student Medical Writing and Pharmacovigilance Assistant
• Location: Stratford, London, UK
• Job Requisition ID: R034564
• Directorate: Research & Innovation
• Reports To: Principal Medical Writer

About The Organization

Cancer Research UK is a medical research charity focused on beating cancer. Its Centre for Drug Development (CDD) sponsors and manages early-phase clinical trials, working with scientists and clinicians across the UK to develop new anti-cancer treatments.

Biological Science Opportunity Description

The placement student will provide administrative and project support across the Medical Writing and Pharmacovigilance teams. Activities follow Cancer Research UK procedures, International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

The placement provides training, mentorship, and exposure to drug development and pharmaceutical research. This is an office-based role with partial home-working options, rather than a laboratory placement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Medical Writing and Pharmacovigilance teams.
• Maintain relevant sections of the Trial Master File, ensuring documents are appropriately filed and reviewed.
• Coordinate with colleagues to support timely document delivery.
• Organize and attend internal and external meetings, taking minutes when required.
• Develop an understanding of CDD clinical trials and ongoing projects.

Pharmacovigilance Activities

• Assist with processing serious adverse event reports in the safety database, including obtaining follow-up information.
• Support preparation of Development Safety Update Reports.
• Contribute to ongoing safety evaluation and identification of safety risks.
• Track pharmacovigilance activities.

Medical Writing Activities

• Manage and track documents needed for Clinical Study Reports and Investigator Brochures.
• Support preparation, authoring, review, and quality control of reports, safety narratives, appendices, Investigator Brochures, and lay summaries of results.

Biological Science Opportunity – Educational Requirements and Eligibility

• Currently studying for an undergraduate degree that includes an industry placement year.
• Expect to achieve a 2:1 or grade B in year-end results in a science-related degree.
• Hold three A levels or equivalent at grade B or above, preferably including a biological science.
• Be available to start in July 2027, with the exact date negotiable.
• Have the right to live and work in the UK without restriction.
• Be at least 18 years old.

Eligibility Note: Graduates, PhD students, and students whose degree does not include a placement year will not be considered. Cancer Research UK cannot offer visa sponsorship or consider candidates requiring a UK work permit.

Skills and Qualifications For Biological Science Opportunity

• Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Confidence communicating with internal and external contacts.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a proactive approach.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Preferred Experience: Familiarity with ICH/GCP guidelines and office-based work is beneficial but not essential.

Salary and Development

The placement offers a £24,000 salary plus benefits. Students receive training, mentorship, and career development support while gaining experience in clinical trial documentation and drug safety activities.

Application Details

• Application Deadline: November 8, 2026, at 11:55 PM UK time; the vacancy may close earlier if application volumes are high.
• Duration: 54 weeks, fixed-term.
• Work Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours per week.
• Working Arrangement: Typically one–two days per week in the Stratford office, with partial home working.
• Start Date: July 2027, negotiable.
• Selection Process: Competency-based interview and a placement-related written task; an initial screening call may also be used.
• Application Requirements: Submit a CV, complete the work history section, and answer the screening questions. CVs are viewed only once applicants reach the interview stage.

Interested in how scientific communication and safety monitoring support cancer drug development? This biological science opportunity at Cancer Research UK offers experience across two closely connected clinical research functions. If your degree includes an industry placement year and you meet the eligibility requirements, prepare your application and apply early.

APPLY ONLINE HERE