At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead machine learning and data integration for innovative biological imaging projects.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent growth potential and diverse community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact at the intersection of science, tech, and entrepreneurship.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields with strong machine learning and coding skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About You (Minimum Criteria: *)
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist to lead machine learning, machine vision and data integration work across the VISIBLE platform. Working within a highly interdisciplinary team, you will develop analysis pipelines that convert microscopy, live imaging and complex biological datasets into actionable information for automated decision‑making, quality control and downstream biological interpretation. This role would suit a computational scientist, data scientist or technology‑focused researcher who enjoys applying deep learning, computer vision and advanced software engineering to challenging biological imaging problems.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Developing machine learning and deep learning workflows for analysis of microscopy, live‑imaging and high‑content imaging data from organoids, spheroids and other complex in‑vitro models.
- Building machine vision pipelines for segmentation, classification, tracking, feature extraction, phenotypic profiling and automated quality control.
- Developing, training, validating and deploying DNN‑based models that support imaging‑guided selection, sampling and intervention decisions on the VISIBLE platform.
- Integrating imaging‑derived features with other biological datasets, including functional readouts, screening data and downstream molecular or omics datasets.
- Working closely with biologists, engineers and software developers to translate biological questions into robust computational workflows and user‑facing analysis tools.
- Writing high‑quality, maintainable code, preparing technical documentation, and supporting reproducible data analysis practices across the programme.
- Contributing to the long‑term development of VISIBLE as an analysis‑and‑AI‑enabled platform for closed‑loop experimental biology.
About You (Minimum Criteria: *)
Essential
- PhD in computer science, data science, machine learning, computational biology, bioimage analysis, bioengineering, physics or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Strong experience in machine learning, deep learning, computer vision or machine vision applied to imaging data.
- Experience developing DNN‑based analysis pipelines for microscopy, high‑content imaging, live‑cell imaging or related image‑based datasets.
- Advanced coding and software engineering experience, for example in Python and relevant ML/data science frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit‑learn, NumPy, pandas or similar.
- Experience with data analysis, model validation, reproducible computational workflows and integration of complex biological or imaging datasets.
- Strong communication, troubleshooting and collaborative working skills, with the ability to work across computational, biological and engineering teams.
Desirable
- Experience with microscopy image analysis, bioimage informatics, organoid/spheroid image datasets, high‑content screening or live‑cell imaging data.
- Experience integrating image analysis outputs with functional, screening, transcriptomic, proteomic or other biological datasets.
- Experience with software control of instruments, automation platforms, robotics‑oriented software engineering, firmware or hardware/software interfaces.
- Experience working within interdisciplinary research, translational biology, biotech, drug discovery or platform‑development environments.
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.
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, or personal circumstances.
What will you receive?
- 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.
Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist - Machine Learning, Machine Vision & Data Integration employer: SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and scientific discovery. As a Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of machine learning and biology, while benefiting from generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and extensive career development support. Located in the heart of London, the institute provides state-of-the-art facilities and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for talented scientists to thrive and grow.
Contact Details:
SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) Recruitment Team
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