At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative AI/ML projects in a collaborative research environment.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and health support.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with excellent career growth and diverse community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cancer research using cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience with AI/ML methods required.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 47500 £ per year.
This is a full-time, fixed term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
Reports to: Foad Rouhani, Group Leader
Salary for this Role: From £47,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience
Application Deadline: 6th July 2026 at 11.55pm
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.
About the TRCE Lab
The Tissue Regeneration and Clonal Evolution (TRCE) laboratory is a multidisciplinary research group focused on understanding how organs regenerate and how this knowledge can be harnessed to develop future therapies. Using the liver as a model system, the lab combines stem cell biology, spatial genomics, AI/ML, single‑cell technologies and computational biology to study how mutant cell populations interact with their surrounding tissue environment during regeneration, ageing and cancer development.
About the role
We are seeking an ambitious Postdoctoral Fellow to lead a cutting‑edge computational project investigating how driver mutation clones interact with their microenvironment in chronic liver disease and liver cancer. This is a highly collaborative and cross‑institutional role between the Francis Crick Institute and the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Working closely with the Lotfollahi Lab – leaders in generative AI and foundation models for spatial and single‑cell genomics – you will develop and apply state‑of‑the‑art machine learning approaches to large‑scale spatial genomics and multi‑modal biological datasets. The successful candidate will be embedded across both institutes, benefiting from joint supervision, collaborative meetings and access to world‑leading expertise, datasets, computational infrastructure and scientific networks.
Applicants from machine learning, computer science, statistics, mathematics or related quantitative disciplines are encouraged to apply – prior genomics experience is not essential, and structured training and support will be provided.
What you’ll be doing
- Developing advanced AI/ML methods for analysing spatial genomics and histology datasets.
- Applying graph neural networks, transformer models and generative AI approaches to study clone‑microenvironment interactions.
- Integrating spatial transcriptomics, single‑cell sequencing and imaging datasets.
- Designing benchmarking strategies and reproducible computational workflows.
- Performing clonal reconstruction and spatial mapping analyses from genomic datasets.
- Collaborating closely with computational scientists, clinicians and experimental researchers across the Crick and Sanger Institute.
- Leading publications, conference presentations and dissemination of research findings.
About you
Essential
- PhD (or near submission) in computational biology, machine learning, computer science, statistics or a related quantitative discipline.
- Experience developing and applying deep learning or AI/ML methods to complex scientific datasets.
- Strong programming and scientific computing skills in Python (e.g. numpy, pandas, PyTorch and/or JAX).
- Experience analysing complex biological, imaging or spatial datasets, or strong evidence of rapidly adapting to new data domains.
- Excellent communication, organisational and collaborative working skills.
- Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary and cross‑institutional research teams.
Desirable
- Experience with spatial transcriptomics or single‑cell genomics analysis.
- Familiarity with graph neural networks, transformers, generative AI or foundation models.
- Experience working with cloud / HPC environments, workflow orchestration or reproducible computational pipelines.
- Publications or presentations at leading computational biology or machine learning conferences.
- Interest in cancer biology, tissue regeneration or translational genomics.
About Working at the Crick
Our values: We are bold, open and collegial. 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. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities and experiences. We will make reasonable adjustments if needed.
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. 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.
- Career support: A Post‑doc to PI programme and other career development activities.
Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the role profile for your application to be reviewed. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.
AI/ML Postdoctoral Fellow – F Rouhani lab employer: Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative environment where world-class scientists and researchers can thrive. With state-of-the-art facilities, generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to pursue innovative research that makes a real impact on health and disease. The unique opportunity to work across leading institutions like the Wellcome Sanger Institute further enhances professional growth and fosters a culture of excellence and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI/ML Postdoctoral Fellow – F Rouhani lab
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Crick Institute on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the lab culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your past projects, especially those involving AI/ML methods. Bring it along to interviews to demonstrate your expertise and how you can contribute to the TRCE lab.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as communication is key in interdisciplinary teams like ours.
✨Tip Number 4
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 are proactive about their applications!
We think you need these skills to ace AI/ML Postdoctoral Fellow – F Rouhani lab
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. We want to see how your background in AI/ML can contribute to our exciting projects at the Crick!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for computational biology and machine learning shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the work we do and can articulate why they want to join our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see what makes you a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and is considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Francis Crick Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest AI/ML techniques, especially those related to spatial genomics and single-cell technologies. Familiarise yourself with graph neural networks and transformer models, as these are likely to come up in conversation.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your past collaborative experiences. Highlight how you've successfully worked in interdisciplinary settings and how you can contribute to a dynamic environment like the Crick.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some deep dives into your programming skills, particularly in Python. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied AI/ML methods to complex datasets, and maybe even solve a coding challenge on the spot!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the lab's current projects, the collaboration with the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and how they envision the role evolving over time. This shows your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the position.
