At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead advanced gene editing and stem cell research projects at a cutting-edge biomedical institute.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent growth potential and diverse community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in innovative research that advances human health.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc with extensive experience in gene editing and stem cell biology.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Salary for this Role: From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Contract term: This is a full-time permanent 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.
About the Stem Cells and Organoid Platform (SCOP)
The Stem Cells and Organoids Platform (SCOP) at the Francis Crick Institute is a Science Technology Platform (STP) dedicated to advancing innovative research in human stem cell biology and organoid technologies. It provides specialised expertise and services that support the development of human model systems.
About the role
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS) to lead and support advanced gene editing and stem cell research within SCOP. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing and implementing cutting-edge genome engineering strategies, and driving innovation across diverse research and service projects.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading and delivering SCOP research and service projects, owning scientific direction and outcomes.
- Designing and implementing advanced gene editing strategies tailored to project needs.
- Working closely with GeMS and STPs to develop robust, innovative genome engineering solutions.
- Establishing shared methods and technologies with group leaders, strengthening institute capability.
- Staying at the forefront of CRISPR technologies through active horizon scanning and engagement.
- Training and mentoring researchers in gene editing and stem cell culture best practice.
- Engineering and maintaining high-quality iPSC and ESC lines, ensuring reproducibility and QC.
- Supporting effective lab operations, including SOPs, biosafety, resources and equipment.
- Communicating clearly across teams, contributing to reports, collaboration and supportive research culture.
- Participating in a weekend rota for stem cell maintenance.
About you
You will have:
Essential:- Higher degree in a relevant field (PhD, MSc) with three years of research experience.
- Extensive proficiency in designing and implementing gene editing strategies in human pluripotent stem cells, including generation of knockout, knock-in, or conditional alleles.
- Extensive proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-qPCR, and sequencing.
- Strong background in stem cell biology, with hands-on experience in the culture and maintenance of human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs and/or ESCs).
- Experience using bioinformatics tools for guide RNA design, off-target prediction, and genomic data analysis.
- Experience and familiarity with base- and prime-editing approaches.
- Experience in experimental design, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of data quality, documentation, and reproducibility.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results within agreed timelines.
- Experience developing or maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and utilizing electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN/LIMS).
- Experience providing training, mentorship, or technical guidance to users, clients, colleagues or collaborators.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated understanding of biosafety and ethical considerations related to the genetic modification of human cells.
- Experience with genome editing of organoids.
- Understanding of genetic modification workflows and their integration into multi-disciplinary projects.
- Familiarity with reprogramming techniques for the derivation of iPSCs.
- Familiarity with organoids, assembloids and/or spheroids.
- Familiarity with liquid handlers/automation tools.
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.
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.
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Gene Editing in London employer: Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute offers an exceptional environment for postdoctoral fellows, combining cutting-edge research with a strong commitment to mentorship and professional development. Located in London, the DiFrisco Lab fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating culture, providing access to high-performance computing, generous research funding, and opportunities for training that empower employees to grow their careers in theoretical biology and beyond.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Gene Editing in London
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