Laboratory Research Scientist

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.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative laboratory research scientist/research technician to join the Ultanir lab at the Francis Crick Institute. Dr Ultanir’s laboratory focuses on the role of protein kinases in neuronal development and function. Kinases regulate numerous cellular processes by phosphorylating their substrates and altering their function. CDKL5 is a brain enriched serine/threonine kinase. Loss of function mutations of CDKL5 cause a severe neurodevelopmental disorder with early-onset seizures and profound developmental delays, termed CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD). Our lab’s aim is to understand the roles of CDKL5 in the brain and to reveal how loss of CDKL5 leads to neuronal pathology.

You will have the opportunity to use multiple research techniques including proteomics, transcriptomics, kinase activity assays, cellular assays in primary neuronal cultures (transfections, viral infections, live-imaging), mouse brain development characterization (neuronal morphology, electrophysiology and behaviour), iPSC derived neurons. You should be interested in learning iPSC cultures, neuronal differentiation, development of neuronal activity in multi-electrode arrays. You should also be a good communicator and be able to work collaboratively and effectively to support your colleagues.

What you will be doing

• Differentiating and maintaining iPSC derived neuronal cultures;
• Maintaining rat astrocyte cultures;
• Immunostainings and imaging of neurons in culture;
• Cloning, transfection, viral infections of neurons in culture;
• Performing multi-electrode array recordings and data analysis;
• Performing western blot, PCR, qPCR.

About you

• BSc in biology, biomedical sciences, biochemistry.
• MSc in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and experience of cell culture techniques.
• Some knowledge and experience of cloning, RNA/DNA/protein purification or Western blotting.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Experience facilitating collaborations.
• Experience in one of the following: iPSC models and primary neuronal cultures/mass spectrometry/confocal microscopy/multi-electrode arrays (Desirable).

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 want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we will 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: karen.au@crick.ac.uk

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 programmes. 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.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.