At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop protein production workflows in a cutting-edge research environment.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic, inclusive culture fostering creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on drug discovery using innovative technologies and collaboration.
- Qualifications: PhD in biochemistry or related field with hands-on protein experience.
The predicted salary is between 61200 - 74800 £ per year.
This is a full-time, fixed term (1 year) 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.
About the Enchev Lab
The Enchev Lab at the Francis Crick Institute combines experimental structural biology with AI-driven molecular modelling to understand protein-protein interactions and how proteins change shape and function. The team is building a scalable data engine that brings together high-throughput protein production, state-of-the-art cryo-EM and generative AI to generate high-quality datasets on protein interactions and dynamics. The ambition is to help establish new foundational models for protein dynamics, with applications across fundamental biology and drug discovery.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Senior Protein Biochemist to build and develop the protein production pipeline at the heart of this programme. You’ll design constructs, express and purify proteins and complexes, develop scalable screening workflows and deliver cryo-EM-ready samples, working closely with structural biologists, computational scientists and engineers. A key focus will be scale and automation. You’ll develop workflows that can move from small-scale screening to preparative production and help progressively transfer them onto automated liquid-handling platforms. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your protein biochemistry expertise at the intersection of structural biology, automation and AI-enabled drug discovery.
What you’ll be doing
- Designing, cloning, expressing and purifying proteins and protein complexes.
- Developing scalable protein production and purification workflows.
- Delivering high-quality, cryo-EM-ready samples.
- Performing protein quality control, binding and activity assays.
- Designing workflows with automation, sample tracking and scalability in mind.
- Supporting the implementation of automated liquid-handling and purification technologies.
- Working collaboratively with structural biologists, computational scientists and engineers.
- Contributing to publications, presentations and patents.
About you
Essential:
- PhD in biochemistry, structural biology or a related discipline or equivalent experience.
- Strong hands-on experience in protein expression and purification, including proteins or protein complexes.
- Experience producing proteins for structural studies, ideally including cryo-EM.
- Experience with protein quality control and in vitro binding or activity assays.
- Experience developing workflows that scale from screening to preparative production.
- Strong organisational, problem-solving and communication skills.
- A collaborative, innovative and self-motivated approach.
Desirable
- Experience with automated liquid handling such as Hamilton, Tecan or Beckman platforms.
- Experience with automated or high-throughput protein purification.
- Experience miniaturising workflows into plate-based formats.
- Experience with sample tracking, barcoding, LIMS or Python scripting.
- Experience with protein interaction or biophysical assays such as SPR, MST, TR-FRET, NanoBiT or mass photometry.
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: ruby.oluwafemi@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:
- 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: Laboratory Research Scientist Career Development Framework.
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 (Senior Protein Biochemist) 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 Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (Senior Protein Biochemist)
Some tips for your application 🫡
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