Stem Cell and Organoids Platform Lead

Salary for this Role: £73,000 - £82,500, subject to skills and experience, with benefits.

Reports to: Director of Scientific Platforms

Contact term: This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

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

To support its mission, the Crick organises access to high-end equipment and related technical expertise, for all its scientists, through our Science Technology Platforms (STP). There are 18 world-class STPs, ranging from cell services and biological research facilities, to high throughput screening, genomics and bioinformatics. These core facilities are crucial for the success of our research and represent a major ongoing investment by the institute. We are looking to recruit an expert with an international reputation to lead and manage our Stem Cell and Organoids Platform. The Lead of the Stem Cell and Organoids Platform will advance the research at the Institute by working in collaboration with renowned Crick scientists to support all aspects of human stem cell work, organoid technologies, and complex in vitro human models. The Stem Cell and Organoids Platform is currently a team of 7 experienced scientists, with expectation to expand in line with evolving scientific needs. You will lead and manage a team of scientists to deliver effective stem cell-based research support across the institute.

The key areas of focus will be on:

• Offering access to fully-functional stem cell culture facilities, specialised instrumentation, high quality reagents and protocols, training, and expert advice.
• Providing state-of-the-art services in: i) maintenance, expansion and banking of human stem cells with extensive quality control, ii) reprogramming capabilities to generate iPSCs, iii) directed differentiation into specific cell types for downstream research applications, iv) gene editing in stem cells (eg. hEPSCs and hiPSCs).
• Developing, establishing, and refining protocols for differentiation of stem cells in both 2D culture conditions and 3D organoid systems.
• Working in collaboration with Crick research groups and other Scientific Platforms to establish and validate complex in vitro human models of health and disease.

You will be responsible for working with Crick Scientists to develop and implement the strategic vision for the future direction of the Stem Cell and Organoids Platform. This includes identifying research priorities and evaluating new techniques and technologies.

What you will be doing

As a Stem Cell and Organoids Platform Lead at the Crick, some of your key responsibilities will be:

• Engaging with Crick Scientists to establish a long-term strategy for providing world class human models and stem cell capabilities at the Crick.
• Managing a state-of-the-art platform with cutting edge technologies and protocols.
• Managing, supervising, and training facility staff, including responsibility for recruitment, onboarding, and professional development.
• Delivering excellent and timely in vitro human models and stem cell support to scientists within the Crick.
• Evaluating new approaches, techniques, and instrumentation within the hPSC, organoid, and in vitro models’ field, including beta-testing of systems under development, and implementing them in the STP as appropriate to maintain a cutting-edge facility.
• Maintaining continuing professional development in relevant scientific areas by attending scientific meetings and conferences.

About you

You will bring a PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. cell biology, stem cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology) or commensurate experience in an academic or industrial setting. Strong track record in stem cell research, documented by published research articles. Extensive experience in stem cell culture with evidence of research and development, regulatory compliance, and successful grant applications. Evidence of success and international recognition as a facility leader. Significant hands-on or management experience in several of the following techniques: stem cell culture, stem cell differentiation, gene editing, laboratory automation, and/or human model development. Significant experience in a management or leadership role in a core facility, including responsibility for line management of multidisciplinary teams.

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.

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.