Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Cader Lab

We are seeking an enthusiastic, hard-working and conscientious senior laboratory research scientist to join our new research team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our ambitious research programme to study novel disease-relevant biology and to help pioneer cutting-edge techniques in a world-leading institute.

This position would be ideal for post-doctoral candidates with an interest and expertise in metabolism and/or immunology as well as animal experimentation. You will provide vital support across the group’s varied research projects and shall contribute to these both intellectually and technically. You will work alongside the group leader and research team to design, develop and perform a broad range of advanced biological experiments. The candidate will also be expected to lead their own project. You will also help in training of students in core laboratory techniques. Whilst this is primarily a scientific role, the successful candidate will also be expected to work alongside the quadrant manager and wider Crick infrastructure to carry out the necessary management and safety activities needed for the smooth running of the group.

You should already have extensive experience in mammalian cell culture, in vivo (mouse) experimentation and cell/molecular biology. You should also have familiarity and expertise across multiple immunology and/or metabolomic relevant techniques such as flow cytometry, microscopy, metabolomics or next-generation sequencing. Necessary support and training will be provided and we hope, for example, that the successful candidate will become a GC-MS super-user able to use this instrument independently. You will work supportively with other group members and actively contribute to the scientific dialogue within the lab.

This is a great opportunity for a scientist looking for a varied and stimulating scientific role, to help support a new research group studying exciting and disease-relevant biology.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking own research project and independently designing and performing experiments to study immune responses and cell metabolism
• Mouse colony management and independently conducting in-vivo experiments
• Scientific and technical support for group members, such as tissue harvesting, primary cell isolation and sample processing
• Data management and analysis
• Training and supervision of students
• Lab management including organising lab space, attending quadrant meetings, ordering consumables, grant management and writing risk assessments

About you

• PhD or equivalent experience in metabolism and/or immunology or other relevant discipline
• Expertise in several relevant molecular or cell biology techniques such as mammalian tissue culture (cell lines and/or primary cells), PCR, cloning, western blotting, transfection etc
• Experience in primary cell isolation, tissue harvest and sample preparation/processing for analyses such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, microscopy, flow cytometry
• Current or previous animal licence holder (PIL or non-UK equivalent) with significant experience in performing mice experiments and willing to undergo additional training as required
• Extensive experience in either immune assays e.g. cytokine production or studying metabolism e.g. metabolomics, extracellular flux assays etc
• Confident in analysing large datasets such as RNA sequencing

About Working at the Crick

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?

• 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.
• 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.