Postdoctoral Fellow

Details of the role:

• Reporting to: James Briscoe, Principal Group Leader
• Working pattern: This is a full-time, fixed term (4 years) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment
• Salary: From £47,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience
• Application closing date: 1st of September 2026 at 23.59pm

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 Research Group

The lab aims to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin the development of the vertebrate neural tube. In this tissue, secreted molecules form extracellular gradients that regulate the expression of a set of genes, notably transcription factors, which control the identity and proliferation of neural progenitors thereby governing pattern formation and tissue growth.

Using a range of molecular, imaging, and modelling approaches that combine single cell resolution dynamic assays of morphogen signalling, cell fate specification, gene regulation and growth, the lab investigates how signalling is perceived and interpreted by cells to control gene expression and cell behaviour. They develop novel tools and approaches to obtain a comprehensive view of neural tube development and to analyse the interdependence between different aspects of pattern formation.

The project will involve designing and performing experiments using embryonic stem cells differentiation models and mouse, chick and human embryos. The aim is to investigate the cell fate decision making mechanisms controlling neuronal cell diversity in the spinal cord. This governs cell fate choices by regulating chromatin accessibility and gene expression in neural progenitors. Perturbations will be used to dissect transitions in spinal cord progenitors and the subtype identity of progeny. Assays of gene regulation, transcription factor activity and chromatin accessibility will define regulatory elements for spatial determinants to direct cell-type specific gene expression.

What you will be doing:

• Design, plan and execute experimental studies using embryonic stem cell differentiation systems and mouse, chick and human embryo models.
• Generate, analyse and interpret molecular, cellular and genomic datasets, including assays of gene regulation, transcription factor activity and chromatin accessibility.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure data are managed and documented to institute standards.
• Develop and apply computational approaches for the analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
• Drive an independent research project investigating mechanisms controlling neuronal cell diversity in the spinal cord and contribute to the wider research programme of the lab.
• Present findings at lab meetings, institute seminars and external scientific conferences, and prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the Crick and with external research partners.
• Contribute to the supervision and mentoring of students and junior researchers where appropriate.
• Assist in the development of new experimental approaches and research directions relevant to the laboratory's objectives.

Good knowledge and experience in relevant scientific area(s):

• Relevant technical expertise
• Evidence of writing papers e.g. as publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
• Experience of experimental design
• Ability to work independently and also capable of interacting within a group
• Knowledge and experience of developmental biology (desirable)
• Knowledge of and experience of generating and analysing epigenetic and gene regulatory data (desirable)

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: karen.au@crick.ac.uk

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:

• Visas: 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 Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• 24/7 GP consultation services.
• Occupational health services and mental health support programmes.
• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Childcare support allowance.
• Annual leave purchase options.
• Crick Networks offering 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.

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.