Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist - Organoid and Complex In Vitro Models Specialist - Andrea Serio - Serio Lab in London

Salary for this Role: From £47,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Reports to: Andrea Serio – Group Leader

Contract term: This is a full-time, fixed term (2-year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

About the Serio Lab & VISIBLE

The Serio Lab brings together stem-cell biology, bioengineering, microscopy, automation and disease modelling to build next-generation experimental systems for human biology. At the centre of this work is VISIBLE – a new imaging-driven platform designed to transform how complex biological models such as organoids and engineered tissues are built, monitored and analysed. Combining live imaging, automation, environmental control and biofabrication within one modular system, VISIBLE enables researchers to interact with biological systems in entirely new ways.

We are now looking for talented scientists and engineers to help take VISIBLE from an advanced academic platform into an exciting future spin-out company. This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of science, technology and entrepreneurship, while remaining embedded within a world-leading biomedical research institute.

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist to lead the biological development and validation of organoid and complex in vitro model workflows for the VISIBLE platform. Working within a highly interdisciplinary team, you will help develop robust biological workflows spanning organoids, stem-cell derived systems, live imaging and automated assay development. You will work closely with engineers, software developers and bioengineers to translate biological research needs into scalable, automation-ready applications.

This role would suit an ambitious researcher with strong experience in organoids, stem-cell biology or advanced cell culture systems who enjoys working at the interface of biology, engineering and technology development. This is a rare opportunity to join VISIBLE at a defining moment, as the project moves from an advanced academic platform toward a potential spin-out company. The successful candidate will be part of the team helping to shape the technology, workflows and technical direction of VISIBLE from the inside, with the possibility of contributing to the foundations of a new company.

While the post will initially be based at the Crick, and remain subject to Crick terms and conditions, there may be an opportunity for the successful candidate, subject to company formation, relevant approvals, business needs and separate agreement, to be considered for a future role within the founding or early technical team of the spin-out. Any future participation in the company, including potential equity or incentive arrangements, would be determined separately and subject to the governance, policies and terms of the future company.

What you’ll be doing

• Developing and validating organoid, spheroid and complex in vitro model workflows for the VISIBLE platform.
• Designing and executing advanced cell culture, imaging and biological validation experiments.
• Supporting integration of biological workflows with automated imaging, manipulation and sampling technologies.
• Working closely with engineers and software developers to translate biological requirements into practical platform solutions.
• Analysing imaging and biological data to support workflow optimisation and validation.
• Preparing SOPs, validation datasets, reports and technical documentation.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, external users and early adopter partners.

About you (Minimum Criteria: *)

You will have:

• Essential:
• PhD in a relevant biomedical, biological or related discipline, or nearing PhD completion.
• Strong experience in mammalian cell culture, ideally including stem-cell derived or complex in vitro systems.
• Experience working with organoids, spheroids, assembloids, engineered tissues or related 3D biological models.
• Experience with microscopy and imaging-based biological analysis.
• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across biology, engineering and technology-focused teams.
• Excellent organisational, communication and collaborative working skills.
• Desirable:
• Experience with automated or high-content imaging workflows.
• Experience with iPSC-derived models, neurospheres, patient-derived organoids or NAMs.
• Experience analysing imaging datasets using tools such as ImageJ/Fiji, Python or R.
• Experience working within interdisciplinary or translational research environments.
• Experience preparing SOPs, validation documentation or training materials.

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.

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.

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.
• 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, to have your application reviewed. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.