(Senior) Laboratory Research Scientist

Salary for this Role Laboratory Research Scientist: From £37,735 with benefits, subject to skills and experience. Senior Laboratory Research Scientist: From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Reports to: Petr Znamenskiy, Group Leader

Contract term: This is a fixed term (36 months) 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.

The Research Group: The Znamenskiy lab studies the relationship between in vivo function, synaptic organization, and molecular identity of cortical neurons. Using the primary visual cortex as a model, we aim to understand how connections between neuronal cell types are organized and how this organization enables the computations they perform. To achieve this, we combine systems and molecular neuroscience approaches and develop new tools to relate gene expression and connectivity to neuronal activity. Our current research focuses on how visual cortical circuits enable animals to interpret the three-dimensional structure of visual scenes.

About the role: We are looking for a collaborative individual to support the lab's spatial transcriptomics pipeline using a custom-built in situ sequencing platform, helping to link in vivo function, gene expression and connectivity of cortical neurons. Individual cortical neurons receive thousands of synaptic inputs and send long-range projections that often broadcast output to multiple target structures. How these connectivity patterns relate to the molecular makeup of individual cells remains poorly understood. To address this question, we combine high-throughput reconstruction of neuronal connectivity using molecular barcodes with single-neuron gene expression analysis through in situ sequencing. Using custom-built in situ sequencing platforms, we measure the expression of hundreds of genes in intact tissue sections alongside viral barcodes, which are used to reconstruct synaptic connections and map projection patterns of individual neurons. We welcome applications from candidates at different stages of their scientific career so this would be an excellent opportunity for recent graduates. Appointment can be made at either Laboratory Research Scientist or Senior Laboratory Research Scientist level, commensurate with experience and achievements. All training will be provided in house.

What you will be doing:

• Preparing tissue for in situ sequencing
• Developing and optimising in situ sequencing protocols
• Ordering and maintaining inventories of in situ sequencing reagents
• Developing custom gene panels for profiling cell identity and cell state in situ
• Collecting in situ sequencing data using a custom-built sequencing setup
• Conducting quality control and preliminary analysis on in situ sequencing data
• Maintaining and developing the sequencing setup
• Training other users in this lab and other labs in the collection and analysis of in situ sequencing data

About you: A degree or equivalent experience (BSc / MSc for LRS, PhD for SLRS) in Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a closely related field. Hands-on experience with RNA/DNA handling and/or tissue processing (e.g., fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNAscope). Experience operating and troubleshooting epifluorescence or confocal microscopes. Basic proficiency in a programming language (Python, R, or MATLAB) to conduct quality control, process images, and handle preliminary data analysis. Demonstrated ability to independently optimize complex experimental protocols, maintain records, and manage inventories. Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to train others and collaborate across projects. Experience with in situ sequencing, spatial transcriptomics (e.g., MERFISH, seqFISH, Xenium), or single-cell RNA-seq pipelines (desirable).

About Working at the Crick: 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'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply.

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 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.

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute researching the biology underlying human health. At the Crick, scientists and staff collaborate to stretch the very limits of what we know about how life works. Our work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections and neurodegenerative diseases. The Francis Crick Institute is a charity, founded by the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King's College London.