At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research in genetic modification and animal care at a top biomedical institute.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, health support, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health research while developing your scientific skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in biological sciences and experience in genetic manipulation required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Salary for this Role: From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Reports to: Ben Davies
Closing Date: 04/Oct/2026 23.59 GMT
Contract term: This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment. As a predominantly practical role, the position is primarily based onsite, with limited opportunities for remote working. The standard working pattern is 09:00–17:15 Monday to Thursday and 09:00–17:00 on Fridays. Flexibility is required to support the needs of the service, including occasional early starts for procedures such as IVF, later finishes and some weekend working associated with animal husbandry and experimental programmes.
The Biological Research Facility (BRF) supports all animal research at the Crick through our comprehensive animal care and use program. The BRF provides the Crick's laboratory animal resource and technical services. High quality multidisciplinary in-vivo and ex-vivo research support are at the heart of the BRF's philosophy and operations. The BRF is committed to improving animal welfare, scientific quality, care of staff and transparency for stakeholders.
About the role: Within the BRF, the Genetic Modification Services (GeMS) team provides specialist expertise in the production, storage and use of genetically modified animals and cell lines. The team delivers a broad range of services, including molecular biology and CRISPR-based targeting, embryo micromanipulation and transfer, assisted reproductive techniques, cryopreservation and rederivation of rodent and aquatic germplasm, and murine stem cell culture, maintenance, transfection, derivation and characterisation.
As a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist within the GeMS team, you will play a key role in delivering, developing and continuously improving specialist services that support the generation, archiving and use of genetically altered animal models at the Crick. Working closely with the Head of Service, GeMS Senior Managers and Laboratory Research Scientists, you will also build strong collaborative relationships with scientists and colleagues across the Crick, the BRF and external and partner services.
This is a hands-on scientific leadership role, combining practical laboratory work with responsibility for service development, project management and the supervision and direction of colleagues. You will take ownership of an agreed area of the GeMS service, overseeing delivery, monitoring progress and identifying opportunities to enhance quality, efficiency and capability through protocol development, specialist training and participation in innovative development projects. Where appropriate, you will also provide day-to-day leadership and line management to Laboratory Research Scientists and Laboratory Research Officers, supporting their development and contributing to a positive, collaborative team environment.
A particular focus of this role will be the scientific oversight and delivery of cryopreservation, rederivation and colony management programmes. You will contribute your expertise to ensuring the long-term preservation, health and integrity of genetically altered lines, while helping to develop and refine the approaches and technologies used by the service.
What you will be doing:
- Perform practical work in the areas of genetic modification, cryopreservation and rederivation of laboratory animals.
- Contribute to and keep laboratory records and databases updated.
- Lead cryopreservation and rederivation activities across the Crick, liaising with colony management services where necessary to ensure the best practice in line with scientific need.
- Oversee planning and delivery of cryopreservation and rederivation projects, monitoring programme performance and identifying bottlenecks.
- Act as a technical expert in rodent assisted reproductive technologies, cryopreservation and genetic manipulation techniques.
- Troubleshoot complex technical and operational challenges, providing specialist support across the team.
- Support scheduling, resource allocation and day-to-day operational management of GeMS activities.
- Assist in the oversight of GeMS projects and service delivery, ensuring work is completed to agreed timelines and quality standards.
- Awareness and promotion of all relevant health and safety guidance and legislation.
- Ordering consumables via a computer ordering system, always ensuring value for money and maintaining the budget for that service aspect.
- Liaising effectively and efficiently with all levels of the Crick staff to ensure projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
About you: The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, open and collegial. You will have:
- A degree, or equivalent in a biological subject, or related science or significant work experience in a relevant area.
- Considerable relevant experience in Murine cryopreservation, ART, and genetic manipulation, including surgical experience, animal husbandry, colony management, project management and scientific service provision with a track record of achievement and demonstrable skill.
- Thorough understanding of the different genetically modified allele types, their limitations and the breeding strategies appropriate for their use.
- Proven track record in planning and successful execution of a scientific service or series of experiments to meet demands.
- Evidence of successful troubleshooting of complex scientific tasks.
- Experience of contributing effectively to the work of a team, demonstrating a flexible and cooperative approach to working with others.
- Experience with working with animal models.
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 where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances.
What will you receive? At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:
- 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.
- Work-Life Balance: Back-up care for dependents. Childcare support allowance. Annual leave purchase options.
- Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
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.
GeMS Senior Research Scientist - Transgenic Services in London employer: Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and creativity in biomedical research. With generous benefits such as 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, along with opportunities for growth and development, makes it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of science.
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We think you need these skills to ace GeMS Senior Research Scientist - Transgenic Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
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