At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on immune responses to infections using cutting-edge techniques.
- Company: Join Europe's largest biomedical research institute, fostering collaboration and exploration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary from £47,500, with benefits and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Mentor PhD students and collaborate with top researchers in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in biomedical research and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong knowledge of immunology and cell biology.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 47500 £ per year.
Salary for this Role: From £47,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Reports to: Venizelos Papayannopoulos
Closing Date: 13/Oct/2026 23.59 GMT
Contract term: This is a full-time, fixed term (4 years) 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.
About the Papayannopoulos Lab
The Papayannopoulos Lab investigates how the innate immune system responds to infection while limiting harmful inflammation. Focusing on fungal and bacterial infections, we study how immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages coordinate antimicrobial responses, prevent sepsis and regulate inflammatory diseases.
About the role
We are seeking an ambitious Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead an independent research project investigating how the recognition and processing of PAMPs and DAMPs regulates inflammation and microbial control during fungal and bacterial infections. Working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment, you will design and deliver innovative research using molecular, cellular and in vivo approaches, while contributing to high-impact publications, grant applications and the wider research programme.
What you'll be doing
- Leading an independent research project focused on innate immune responses during infection.
- Designing and carrying out experiments using in vitro systems and mouse models of disease.
- Applying molecular, cellular and biochemical techniques including flow cytometry, CRISPR, microscopy and transcriptomic analysis.
- Analysing experimental data and publishing findings in leading scientific journals.
- Presenting research at national and international conferences.
- Contributing to grant applications and collaborative research initiatives.
- Mentoring PhD students and collaborating with researchers across the Crick and external partners.
About you
Essential
- PhD in immunology, infection biology, biochemistry, cell biology or a related discipline, or be in the final stages of PhD submission.
- Strong knowledge of immunology, biochemistry and cell biology.
- Experience working with molecular, cellular and mouse models of disease.
- Evidence of first-author publications or manuscripts submitted for publication.
- Excellent experimental design, scientific writing, organisational and collaborative working skills.
- A passion for innovative research and strong drive to publish high-quality science.
Desirable
- Experience in myeloid cell biology or cellular signalling pathways.
- Experience with advanced biochemical or cellular biology techniques.
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.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow employer: Crick
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working on groundbreaking cancer research that makes a real difference in patients' lives. The institute's focus on cutting-edge science and supportive environment ensures that you can thrive both professionally and personally.
