At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on hardware development and instrument prototyping for innovative biological systems.
- Company: Join the Serio Lab, a cutting-edge research team at the Crick Institute.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, health support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in biomedical engineering and work with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering experience and strong hands-on skills in hardware development required.
The predicted salary is between 47080 - 47080 £ per year.
Position Overview: Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Instrument Development and Prototyping. Reporting to Andrea Serio, Group Leader. Duration: Full‑time, fixed term of 2 years under Crick terms and conditions. Salary: From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience. Closing date: 30 July 2026 23:59 GMT.
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, an imaging‑driven platform designed to transform how complex biological models such as organoids and engineered tissues are built, monitored and analysed.
About the Role: We are seeking a senior laboratory research scientist to lead hands‑on hardware development, instrument prototyping and technical build activities across the VISIBLE platform.
- Build, assemble, integrate and maintain hardware components and instrument modules for the VISIBLE platform.
- Support development and troubleshooting of microscopy, robotics, motion‑control, fluidics, environmental‑control and imaging‑interface components.
- Develop custom prototype components using CAD, 3D printing, machining, fabrication and rapid prototyping.
- Support electronics, wiring, sensor integration, circuit development, PCB prototyping and control‑system testing where required.
- Work closely with software developers, AI specialists and researchers to resolve hardware/software integration challenges and support reliable automated workflows.
- Prepare SOPs, technical documentation, maintenance records, risk assessments, wiring diagrams, build notes and validation materials.
- Support demonstrations, training, deployment, maintenance and troubleshooting activities for internal and external users.
Qualifications:
- Essential: Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in engineering, instrumentation, biomedical engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, physics or a related discipline.
- Essential: Strong hands‑on experience in hardware development, instrument build, prototyping, laboratory automation or scientific instrumentation.
- Essential: Experience assembling, troubleshooting, calibrating and maintaining complex technical systems or research instruments.
- Essential: Practical experience working with multiple types of mechanical, electrical/electronic, optomechanical, robotic, sensor‑based or motion‑control components.
- Essential: Strong organisational, troubleshooting and collaborative working skills, with the ability to work safely and systematically in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Essential: Ability to communicate technical issues clearly and to document hardware builds, tests and maintenance processes to a high standard.
- Desirable: Experience with 3D printing, CAD, rapid prototyping, machining, custom fabrication or design‑for‑build workflows.
- Desirable: Experience with electronics, wiring, sensors, circuit development, PCB fabrication, embedded control or control systems.
- Desirable: Experience with microscopy, optomechanics, robotics, live‑imaging, fluidics, biofabrication or automated laboratory systems.
- Desirable: Experience integrating hardware with software, firmware, motion‑control systems or robotic automation platforms.
- Desirable: Experience working in biological or live‑cell laboratory environments, including equipment training, safe operation and user support.
Benefits and Perks:
- Visa sponsorship: 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: 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 programmes, eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
- Work‑life balance: Back‑up care for dependents, childcare support allowance, annual leave purchase options.
- Crick Networks: Diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
- 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.
Diversity and Inclusion: 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 employer and will make reasonable adjustments if needed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
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