SLRS – Nuclear Imaging and Radiochemistry

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Nuclear Imaging and Radiochemistry

Reporting to: Thomas Snoeks, Head of In-vivo Imaging Operations

Contract term: This is a 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.

The Biological Research Facility (BRF) at the Francis Crick Institute supports all animal research through a comprehensive animal care and use programme, providing high-quality laboratory animal resources, technical expertise, and in-vivo/ex-vivo research support. Within the BRF, the In Vivo Imaging (IVI) Facility offers a suite of cutting-edge multimodal imaging systems, including PET-MR, SPECT-CT, micro-CT, high-resolution ultrasound, optical imaging platforms, and a 9.4T MRI. These advanced technologies enable longitudinal, non-invasive imaging of biological processes in living tissues, supporting a diverse range of research areas from developmental biology to oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Laboratory Research Scientist with expertise in pre-clinical nuclear imaging and radiochemistry to join the In-vivo Imaging Operations team within the BRF. This role offers the opportunity to lead innovative radiotracer development while supporting high-quality small-animal PET and SPECT imaging studies. In this position, you will lead the design, synthesis and application of radiotracers for small-animal PET and SPECT imaging, enabling the molecular and functional characterisation of biological processes in vivo. The chemistry component of the role will primarily focus on the radiolabelling of compounds containing chelating agents with radioactive metal ions, followed by purification and rigorous quality control to ensure suitability for pre-clinical imaging applications.

Alongside your scientific responsibilities, you will play a central role in the safe operation and management of the radiochemistry laboratory. You will undertake duties as the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) for the facility, maintaining the laboratory infrastructure, overseeing radioisotope record keeping, waste management and regulatory compliance, and ensuring a safe working environment. You will train and support scientists in the safe handling of radioactive materials and work closely with the Crick’s Health and Safety team to uphold the highest standards of radiation safety and laboratory practice.

We are seeking a responsible and experienced scientist who takes health and safety, laboratory management and regulatory compliance seriously, and is confident overseeing shared laboratory spaces and ensuring regulations are understood and followed. You will hold a degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, biomedical sciences or a related discipline, with extensive experience in pre-clinical nuclear imaging and/or radiotracer synthesis, and be motivated by rigorous science, good laboratory practice and taking ownership of both scientific and operational responsibilities.

What you will be doing

• Assisting Crick scientists with nuclear imaging and biodistribution studies
• Undertaking research projects for internal and external collaborators and commercial partners, including designing, and executing experiments with strategic direction from the head of IVI operations
• Preparing written reports and presentations of experimental results and conclusions
• Providing experimental and technical expertise and support to Crick scientists using the nuclear imaging and radiochemistry laboratories
• Managing long‑term investigations and collaborations with other researchers
• Assist Crick scientists with writing up findings for publication and completing revisions
• Refinement and troubleshooting of relevant protocols and methodologies

About you

You will have:

• Degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, biomedical sciences, or related field
• Technical Expertise in Nuclear Imaging & Radiochemistry
• Extensive experience in pre‑clinical nuclear imaging (PET and/or SPECT) and radiotracer synthesis
• Proficiency in the labelling, purification, and quality control of radiotracers for PET and/or SPECT
• Experience operating and maintaining pre‑clinical PET‑MR and/or SPECT‑CT systems
• Skilled in developing and optimising molecular imaging protocols for a variety of research applications
• Knowledge of Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR17), handling protocols, waste management and emergency procedures

Our values

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, and 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: weronika.kucala@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.

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.