At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on autoimmune diseases and TLR7 signalling.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and health support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in immunology and improve patient outcomes.
- Qualifications: PhD in Immunology and experience with mouse models required.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 47500 £ per year.
Salary for this Role: From £47,500 with benefits subject to skills and experience.
Reports to: Carola Vinuesa
Closing Date: 01/Jun/2026 23.59 GMT
Details of the role:
- Reporting to: Carola Vinuesa, Principal Group Leader – Assistant Research Director
- Working pattern: This is a full-time, 4 year fixed term 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
Dr Vinuesa’s laboratory focuses on understanding the regulation of protective antibody responses and the mechanisms underpinning antibody-mediated diseases. The research aims to unravel the pathogenesis of autoimmune and allergic diseases, and the processes that control the quality of antibody responses. The goal is to improve the outcomes of patients with autoimmune disorders (AID) with a particular focus on systemic autoimmune diseases like lupus. In our research to date, we have identified genes, cell types and checkpoints that are important to prevent autoimmune disease in which antibodies are harmful.
The Project
The purpose of this role is to study the role of different triggers of TLR7 signalling including bacterial and viral infections to the onset of autoimmunity. We will take advantage of a mouse model in which we introduced a rare TLR7 gain‑of‑function variant identified in a child with severe SLE. The mouse model develops lupus-like disease. The analysis of immune response to pathogens and self-antigens involves detailed investigation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms.
What you will be doing
- Undertaking own research project and independently designing and performing experiments to study different triggers of TLR7 signalling including bacterial and viral infections to the onset of autoimmunity
- Mouse colony management and independently conducting in-vivo experiments
- Conducting single cell BCRseq and clonal analysis using bioinformatic pipelines
- Scientific and technical support for group members
- Data management and analysis, writing up of manuscripts
- Presenting at scientific meetings
- Guiding PHDs in their research
About you
- PhD in Immunology or in the final stages of PhD submission
- Experience in mouse models of immunology, including mouse models of vaccination, allergy, and autoimmunity
- Experience with mouse husbandry, sample harvesting and processing
- Expertise in multiple aspects of B cell biology, including germinal center and extrafollicular responses, plasma cell biology, class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation
- Experience in BCR sequencing and clonal analysis
- Experience in mucosal immunology and mucosal B cell responses
- Excellent track record of high-quality research as evidenced by first author publications in referred journals
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. 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. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: karen.au@crick.ac.uk
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:
- 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.
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.
Postdoctoral Fellow – Vinuesa Lab 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 scientific discovery. With a commitment to employee well-being, the institute provides generous leave, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, all within Europe's largest biomedical research facility. Here, you will be part of a diverse team dedicated to advancing health outcomes through pioneering research, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow – Vinuesa Lab in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former members of the Vinuesa Lab or the Crick Institute. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the lab's research. Familiarise yourself with their recent publications and projects. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present your research ideas or past work during the interview. Keep it clear and engaging – remember, storytelling is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Crick community.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow – Vinuesa Lab in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Fellow role. Highlight your relevant experience in immunology and mouse models, as well as any publications you've authored. This shows us you’re serious about the position and understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In your application, emphasise your research skills and any specific techniques you’ve mastered, like BCR sequencing or in-vivo experiments. We want to see how your expertise aligns with our lab's focus on autoimmune diseases and TLR7 signalling.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Francis Crick Institute
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of Dr Vinuesa's lab and its focus on antibody responses. Familiarise yourself with recent publications and ongoing projects, especially those related to TLR7 signalling and autoimmune diseases. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with mouse models, B cell biology, and bioinformatics. Brush up on your knowledge of techniques like single-cell BCR sequencing and clonal analysis. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience confidently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
The Crick values collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Highlight any experiences where you’ve guided PhD students or contributed to group projects. This will illustrate that you align with their culture of collegiality and support.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the lab’s future projects or the team dynamics. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the environment is the right fit for you. Questions about how the lab fosters innovation or supports researchers can spark engaging conversations.
