At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and develop innovative hardware for cutting-edge imaging technology.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, a leader in scientific research and innovation.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £47,080, generous leave, and health support.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in science with hands-on prototyping and development.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering or scientific experience and strong hands-on skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47080 - 47080 £ per year.
Overview
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Hardware Instrument Development and Prototyping reporting to Andrea Serio, Group Leader.
Full‑time, fixed term (2‑year) contract under the Crick terms and conditions of employment, based at the Francis Crick Institute.
Salary starts from £47,080 a year, plus benefits.
The role focuses on converting prototype designs for the VISIBLE platform – a modular imaging‑driven platform that integrates live imaging, automation, environmental control and bio‑fabrication – into robust, deployment‑ready systems.
Responsibilities
- Build, assemble, integrate and maintain hardware components and instrument modules for the VISIBLE platform.
- Support development and troubleshooting of microscopy, robotics, motion‑control, fluidics, environmental‑control and imaging‑interface components.
- Develop custom prototype components using CAD, 3D printing, machining, fabrication and rapid prototyping techniques.
- Support electronics, wiring, sensor integration, circuit development, PCB prototyping and control‑system testing where required.
- Work closely with software developers, AI specialists and researchers to resolve hardware/software integration challenges and support reliable automated workflows.
- Prepare SOPs, technical documentation, maintenance records, risk assessments, wiring diagrams, build notes and validation materials.
- Support demonstrations, training, deployment, maintenance and troubleshooting activities for internal and external users.
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in engineering, instrumentation, biomedical engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, physics, robotics or a related discipline.
- Strong hands‑on experience in hardware development, instrument build, prototyping, laboratory automation or scientific instrumentation.
- Experience assembling, troubleshooting, calibrating and maintaining complex technical systems or research instruments.
- Practical experience working with multiple types of mechanical, electrical/electronic, optomechanical, robotic, sensor‑based or motion‑control components.
- Strong organisational, troubleshooting and collaborative working skills, with the ability to work safely and systematically in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Ability to communicate technical issues clearly and to document hardware builds, tests and maintenance processes to a high standard.
Desirable
- Experience with 3D printing, CAD, rapid prototyping, machining, custom fabrication or design‑for‑build workflows.
- Experience with electronics, wiring, sensors, circuit development, PCB fabrication, embedded control or control systems.
- Experience working with microscopy, optomechanics, robotics, live‑imaging, fluidics, bio‑fabrication or automated laboratory systems.
- Experience integrating hardware with software, firmware, motion‑control systems or robotic automation platforms.
- Experience working in biological or live‑cell laboratory environments, including equipment training, safe operation and user support.
Benefits
- Competitive salary – starting from £47,080 a year.
- Comprehensive pension scheme – defined contribution with employer contributions up to 16%.
- Generous leave – 28 days plus additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
- Health and well‑being support – 24/7 GP consultation services, occupational health, mental health programmes and eye‑care vouchers.
- Work‑life balance perks – backup care for dependants, childcare support allowance, annual leave purchase options.
- Additional perks – discounted gym memberships, bike‑to‑work scheme, shopping discounts, subsidised on‑site restaurant.
- Career development – opportunities including a Post‑doc to PI programme.
- Diversity & Equality
The Francis Crick Institute is a charitable organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
All applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability or background.
The Institute respects and supports the needs of individuals with disabilities and provides reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
- Application Contact
- For assistance with applying, please email
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Instrument Development and Prototyping - Andrea Serio - [...] in London employer: Francis Crick Institute Ltd
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and exploration in biomedical research. With generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and comprehensive health and well-being support, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The institute's commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for meaningful impact within a world-class organisation, makes it an attractive place for those seeking to contribute to groundbreaking scientific advancements.
Contact Details:
Francis Crick Institute Ltd Recruitment Team
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