At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic lab to explore cutting-edge research in neuronal development and function.
- Company: The Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health by contributing to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
- Qualifications: BSc in relevant field; experience in cell culture and collaborative work.
The predicted salary is between 36535 - 40987 € per year.
Salary for this Role: From £36,535 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Reports to: Sila Ultanir
Closing Date: 16/Jan/ GMT
Details of the role:
This is a full-time, fixed term (1 year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment. Application closing date: 16th of January at 23.59.
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 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: 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.
Laboratory Research Scientist in London employer: Crick Group
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and scientific exploration. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including generous leave and support for diverse backgrounds, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to groundbreaking research in biomedical sciences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Research Scientist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Francis Crick Institute on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the lab culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of protein kinases and neuronal development. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role and its challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our answers to common interview questions, especially those related to collaboration and problem-solving. We need to demonstrate how we can contribute to the team dynamic at the Crick.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Research Scientist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Laboratory Research Scientist role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in cell culture techniques and any work with iPSC models or neuronal cultures. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the research we do at the Crick. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the job description, and don’t forget to show us your collaborative spirit!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a lab scientist, communication is key! In your application, demonstrate how you've effectively collaborated with others in previous roles. Whether it's through teamwork or sharing findings, let us know how you can contribute to our open and collegial environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crick Group
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest research related to protein kinases and neuronal development. Being able to discuss recent findings or techniques in your field will show your passion and knowledge, which is crucial for a role at the Francis Crick Institute.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with cell culture techniques, cloning, and any relevant assays you've performed. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully used these skills in past projects or studies.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role requires working collaboratively, think of examples where you've successfully worked in a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve facilitated collaborations in previous roles or projects.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the lab's current projects or future directions. This not only shows your interest in the role but also demonstrates that you’re proactive and eager to contribute to the team’s goals.
