Oncology

Working in Scotland’s oncology industry is exciting and challenging.  A combination of world renowned clinical and research excellence, outstanding drug discovery and development infrastructure along with government support attracts many of the world’s top cancer scientists to Scotland including:

  • Professor Sir Philip Cohen - University of Dundee, Wellcome Trust Biocentre
  • Dr Duncan Jodrell, Deputy Director Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Oncology Unit
  • Professor Karen Vousden, Beatson Institute, Glasgow
  • Dr Neva Haites, Aberdeen University

Scotland is at the forefront of cutting-edge drug research and its drug discovery and development industry has attracted a significant multinational presence which is supported by globally recognised research, industrial technology and universities, all with well developed links to industry. 

Scotland’s strengths in Oncology

Scotland is world renowned in life sciences and has several key strengths across oncology:

  • 47 major research groups, centres of excellence and departments at eight Scottish Universities and Research Institutions
  • Thriving academic research cluster
  • The world’s first Division of Pathway Medicine, at the University of Edinburgh
  • Strong support for research and commercial development
  • World class commercial activity

Working in oncology and development in Scotland

Scotland’s world class research in oncology is matched by an equally strong private sector with outstanding career development opportunities.

Scotland supports some vibrant life science sector spin out companies, many based on research work originating in Scottish universities. Some of the top players in the field of oncology include:

  • Aptuit
  • CXRBiosciences Ltd
  • Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals
  • Kendle
  • Nexus Oncology
  • Scottish Biomedical

Find more about Scotland's life sciences companies

View the latest job opportunities in life sciences in Scotland 

Education and research in oncology

Activity in Scotland is focused around research work in universities and research institutes. Three of Scotland's university departments have a RAE rating of 5* or 5:

  • Dundee University - In Clinical Lab Science & in Clinical Cancer Studies
  • Edinburgh University - In hospital-based Clinical Subjects & in hospital based cancer studies
  • Glasgow University - Clinical Lab science & hospital based Clinical Subjects

Other institutes of note involved in oncology include:

  • The Beatson institute for Cancer Research
  • EaStCHEM - The Edinburgh and St Andrews Research School of Chemistry
  • University of Dundee
  • Department of Surgery and Molecular Oncology
  • Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation Unit
  • University of Edinburgh - Department of Oncology 
  • University of Strathclyde - Cancer Research Campaign Formulation Unit 
  • University of Aberdeen - The Cancer Biology Research Programme

Find more about Scotland's life sciences academic and research institutes