Job Description
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist / Laboratory Research Scientist
This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick Terms and Conditions of Employment.
Context
The Francis Crick institute (the Crick) is a partnership between the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the Wellcome Trust, University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, and Kings College London. It is a registered charity whose purpose is to conduct biomedical research into all aspects of human health and disease.
The institute is a world-leading centre of biomedical research and innovation. It promotes connections between researchers and disciplines and between academic institutions, healthcare organisations, and businesses. Dedicated to research excellence, the institute has the scale, vision, and expertise to tackle the most challenging scientific questions underpinning health and disease.
Experimental Histopathology (EHP) is a Science Technology Platform (STP) within the Crick, providing a comprehensive and interactive centre for the histology-based analysis of experimental tissues and human bio resources/clinical trials, with the aim of relating experimental models to the pathology of human disease.
Main Responsibilities
The post holder will work in the Experimental Histopathology STP, providing advice, training, and expertise in a range of techniques to analyse cells and tissues from experimental models and human tissue.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Exemplifying and maintaining standards for the service
* Supporting and contributing to existing projects through effectively and efficiently performing established techniques
* Conducting experimental work autonomously and by own initiative on projects as agreed with the deputy and STP Lead
* Operating as a technical specialist in histology-based techniques
* Interacting and consulting collaboratively with researchers to help plan experiments
* Liaising with other members of the EHP team; actively supporting and training team members to develop their skills and promote collective success
* Providing specialised training to researchers, visitors, and other Crick staff as required
* Using knowledge to build on existing methodologies and innovate through identification, assessment, and development of new technologies, to expand the capabilities of the facility under guidance of STP Deputy and Lead
* Contribution to the day-to-day operations to ensure the laboratory runs as efficiently as possible, including reagent preparation, operation and maintenance of STP equipment, sample accession and preparation, maintenance of safety standards, and general lab organisation
* Communication and participation in lab work discussions, lab meetings, and STP talks, to keep colleagues informed of developments
* Striving for continuous performance improvement
* Maintaining professional development through attendance at meetings, seminars, and reading relevant literature
Person Specification
The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: Bold, Open, and Collegiate, in addition to the following:
* Degree (or equivalent) or extensive relevant experience
* Extensive histology experience including embedding, microtomy, cryotomy, and tinctorial staining
* Evidence of teaching/training experience
* Flexible working practice
* Ability to work with day-to-day independence but able to take direction when necessary
* High degree of self-motivation
* Ability to multi-task and integrate the demands of different activities in parallel to maintain operation of the laboratory
* Evidence of strong trouble-shooting skills, including the ability to analyse and think creatively and independently
* Excellent communication skills
* Experience using the Microsoft Office package, particularly Microsoft PowerPoint
* Open and interactive approach with line manager, colleagues, and collaborators
Benefits
We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.
The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity, and equal treatment, and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies, and practices.