Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Specialist Virology Researcher (SLRS)

Details of the role: Full-time, permanent. Working pattern: Monday – Friday.

Salary: From £45,700 pa with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Application closing date: 23/06/25 23:59 GMT.

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 collaborate 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… Over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Crick developed a range of COVID-19 research platforms, including a unique high throughput live virus assay platform to quantify neutralising antibody activity against a range of SARS-CoV-2 variants in thousands of samples simultaneously. In collaboration with both clinical researchers and the Worldwide Influenza Centre (WIC) based at the Crick, we have used our microneutralisation platform to show at large scale how immunity to COVID-19 following vaccination and infection differs between healthy adults and clinically vulnerable patients. The Crick’s COVID Surveillance Unit (CSU) was created in 2021 to run and improve upon this high-throughput live-virus assay pipeline.

We are seeking to appoint a talented, collaborative, and self-motivated scientist to fill a full-time on-site laboratory position within the COVID Surveillance Unit (CSU) team. The team is responsible for the day to day running of a microneutralisation assay pipeline and you will either be capable of, or be willing to learn, all aspects of the pipeline to contribute to a dynamic and fluid team. You will need to horizon scan in the development of future assay platforms by interacting with Crick and external researchers and maintaining up to date knowledge of high-throughput technologies, virological and immunological techniques and advances. This is an opportunity to use your scientific and technical skills in a clinically vital enterprise and shape its development with your knowledge and expertise within one of the largest research institutes in Europe.

What you will be doing… As an SLRS at the Crick, you will:

• Ensuring the smooth operation of the neutralisation assay pipeline by conducting assays to the highest standards, liaising with all interested parties and team members ensuring clear communication.
• Managing workflows and ensuring neutralisation data is generated in a timely manner agreed with end users. The team must be adaptable and flexible in order to quickly adjust ongoing scheduled work to accommodate the unexpected.
• Providing experimental or technical support/assistance to other team members, and provide expertise feedback/input for the development, refinement, and troubleshooting of existing and novel methodologies.
• Isolation, propagation and genetic/molecular characterisation of newly emerging and reference SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal influenza viruses.
• Managing and generating stocks of pseudoviruses and RG viruses for the neutralisation assay pipeline.
• Applying understanding of the assay pipeline to adapting and/or developing new high throughput virological and immunological assays.
• Undertaking own research project, designing, and executing experiments with strategic direction from the group head.

About you… The essential criteria you will bring…

• PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in virology, immunology, or high throughput methodologies.
• Extensive direct experience in cell-based assays, tissue culture, and immunofluorescence-staining techniques.
• Previous experience in working with respiratory viruses, pseudoviruses, and RG viruses.
• Previous experience in working with immunoassays.
• Practical experience with a wide range of molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Experience with data analysis and visualisation using R and/or Python.

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 are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and you will be asked as part of the process if you wish to apply under the scheme. We will make reasonable adjustments if you need them. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: people@crick.ac.uk.

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, Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
• 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 based on skills and experience.