Principal Laboratory Research Scientist
Details of the role:
Salary: From £52,145 per annum with benefits, subject to skills and experience
Application closing date: 9th February 2025
About us…
The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.
About the role…
We are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious Principal Laboratory Research Scientist to join the Tissue Regeneration and Clonal Evolution (TRCE) laboratory. We are a multi-disciplinary research group with a mission to understand the factors underlying an organ’s regenerative capacity in order to design novel therapeutics to augment biological function.
We use the liver as a model organ since it has extraordinary regenerative abilities. We have already identified several interesting genes in metabolic pathways which we hypothesise are important in allowing liver cells to survive better in pathological conditions (Ng. et al, Nature, 2021). We aim to elucidate the functional consequences of mutations in these genes and unravel how these molecular perturbations influence hepatocyte clonal biology and the mechanisms of tissue regeneration. We model these recurrent human somatic driver mutations using patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells (Rouhani et al. Nature Genetics, 2022), organoids and bio-engineered tissues. We are also developing and applying new technologies in single molecule spatial genomics and in vivo gene editing. Our long-term vision is to be able to apply our findings to stimulate regeneration in other non-proliferative tissues, discover the process of organ ageing and to elucidate the molecular steps to cancer.
If you are a senior scientist, this may be an excellent opportunity for you to join the lab. You will be heavily involved in the start-up of a major laboratory and will provide senior level support in broad scientific management for the research group. Alongside providing technical assistance to other lab members, there will be opportunities and strong encouragement for you to lead independent projects in areas such in vivo gene editing and liver epigenetics.
What you will be doing…
As a Principal Laboratory Research Scientist at the Crick, you will be:
* Independently devising and leading projects within the TRCE research program
* Establishing new methodologies in the lab
* Maintaining laboratory organisation and supplies
* Supporting the Group Leader in day-to-day operations
* Deputising for when the Group Leader is unavailable
* Training and supporting lab members in standard operating procedures
* Facilitating collaborations within and outside the Crick
* Provision of technical and research support in the area of human stem cell biology including the tissue culture of pluripotent stem cells and organoids
* Human cell engineering encompassing molecular biology and CRISPR/Cas gene editing
* Management of regulatory protocols and research governance for the lab
About you…
You will bring…
* A PhD in cell biology, genetics, genomics or a relevant scientific discipline
* Substantial post-PhD experience using in vitro and in vivo models
* Strong research track-record evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
* Strong communication skills to audiences of varied expertise
* Proven track record of laboratory managerial and leadership skills
* Excellent organizational and time management skills
* Experience in facilitating collaborations
To see the complete Job Description click here for more info!
To see more about role/team click here.
About Working at the Crick…
Our values
Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture!
* We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.
* We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.
* We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.
At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: rachel.howard@crick.ac.uk
To find out more about life at the Crick click here.
What will you receive?
At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:
* Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK
* Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
* Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
* Health & Well-being:
* 24/7 GP consultation services.
* Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
* Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
* Work-Life Balance:
* Back-up care for dependents.
* Childcare support allowance.
* Annual leave purchase options.
* Perks:
* Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
* Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
* Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression.
Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:
For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here:
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
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.
Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.
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.
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