At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage large-scale cell culture workflows and support researchers with technical challenges.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, a leader in scientific research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and excellent work-life balance perks.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusive recruitment and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge cell science while mentoring future scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in cell physiology and extensive tissue culture experience required.
The predicted salary is between 47080 - 47080 £ per year.
The Cell Science Scientific Technology Platform provides high‑quality, large‑scale cell culture production and tissue culture services to researchers across the Crick Institute. As a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist, you will support daily operations, optimise workflows, and mentor staff.
Responsibilities
- Operate and manage large‑scale cell culture production workflows.
- Provide scientific and technical support to researchers and laboratory teams.
- Troubleshoot complex cell culture and technical challenges.
- Implement and improve quality control processes and ensure SOP compliance.
- Support staff training, mentoring and development.
- Build collaborations with research groups and support new services and technologies.
- Contribute to reporting, workflow optimisation and continuous improvement activities.
Qualifications – Essential
- PhD or equivalent experience in cell physiology or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience in tissue culture, including large‑scale systems (bioreactors, wave bags, spinners).
- Strong troubleshooting skills for small and large‑scale cell culture workflows.
- Solid knowledge of techniques such as real‑time PCR, ELISA and Western blot.
- Experience working in containment level 2 laboratory environments.
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, with ability to meet deadlines.
- Experience in scientific service delivery, collaboration, and mentoring of junior staff.
- Excellent communication skills and a customer‑focused mindset.
Qualifications – Desirable
- Specialised cell culture techniques (organoids, spheroids, organ‑on‑chip, co‑cultures).
- Experience with cell culture automation or iPSC workflows.
Benefits
- Competitive salary, subject to skills and experience.
- 28 days of annual leave plus additional days around Christmas and bank holidays.
- Defined contribution pension with up to 16% employer contributions.
- 24/7 GP consultation services and occupational health programmes.
- Work‑life balance supports: backup care for dependents, childcare support allowance, annual leave purchase options.
- Discounted gym memberships, bike‑to‑work scheme and shop discounts.
- On‑site restaurant, social spaces and community events.
- Comprehensive training and mentoring programmes.
Equal Opportunity
The Francis Crick Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities and experiences, and are committed to supporting inclusive recruitment.
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist employer: Francis Crick Institute Ltd
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of cell science. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and extensive employee benefits including childcare support and wellness programmes, the institute prioritises work-life balance and professional development. Employees are encouraged to grow through comprehensive training and mentoring opportunities, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in scientific research.
Contact Details:
Francis Crick Institute Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Laboratory Research Scientist
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Laboratory Research Scientist role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your troubleshooting skills and experience with large-scale cell culture. We want to see you shine, so prepare some examples of how you've tackled challenges in the lab!
✨Be Ready for Questions
Expect to be asked about your experience with techniques like real-time PCR and ELISA. Brush up on these topics and think about how you can relate them to the job at hand. We’re here to help you feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Laboratory Research Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Laboratory Research Scientist role. Highlight your experience in cell culture and any relevant techniques like real-time PCR or ELISA. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about cell science and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your mentoring experience and how you can contribute to our collaborative environment.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, be sure to include examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in cell culture. We love candidates who can demonstrate strong troubleshooting skills, so share specific instances where you made a difference!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the Francis Crick Institute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Francis Crick Institute Ltd
✨Know Your Cell Culture Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of large-scale cell culture techniques, especially bioreactors and wave bags. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and any troubleshooting you've done in the past. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Show Off Your Mentoring Skills
Since mentoring junior staff is a key part of the role, think of specific examples where you've successfully trained or supported others. Prepare to share how you approach mentoring and what strategies you use to help others develop their skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Prowess
Be prepared to discuss complex challenges you've faced in cell culture workflows and how you resolved them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it clear how your actions led to positive outcomes.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Excellent communication skills are essential for this role. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to support researchers and collaborate with various teams. Think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and effectively during the interview.
