Senior Imaging & Analysis Consultant (Maternity Cover) - CALM-STP

Working pattern: This is a full-time 12 month fixed term position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary: From £47,080 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Application closing date: 4th of August 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. 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 role

We are recruiting for a dynamic and versatile Senior Imaging & Analysis Consultant – CALM-STP (Maternity Cover) to join the Francis Crick Institute. This is an exciting opportunity for a well‑rounded imaging specialist with broad experience across microscopy and a strong background in experimental research. In this highly collaborative role, you will provide expert guidance on both image acquisition and quantitative analysis, helping researchers design, optimise, and interpret complex experiments. With a particular focus on highly multiplexed fluorescence imaging and high‑resolution episcopic microscopy, you will also bring valuable insight into experimental design, understanding common challenges and how to avoid them, while supporting best practice, training, and innovation across imaging workflows.

About the CALM-STP

Imaging is a core technology at the Francis Crick Institute, enabling a wide range of research across different systems and scales. The CALM-STP provides access to advanced imaging techniques and expert support, from live‑cell to whole‑organism imaging. With growing focus on highly multiplexed fluorescence imaging, allowing detailed spatial analysis of proteins and RNA, the Senior Imaging & Analysis Consultant will play a key role in advancing this capability alongside established methods such as confocal microscopy.

What you will be doing

• User training & Support: Train and support Crick researchers in the use of advanced microscopy systems, with a focus on correct setup, alignment, and operation. Provide expert guidance in experimental design, sample preparation, imaging of fixed and live samples, and the development of tailored imaging protocols.
• Equipment Maintenance & Optimisation: Ensure that all microscopes within your remit are correctly maintained, calibrated, and functioning at a high standard. Liaise with service engineers to troubleshoot and coordinate repairs or upgrades.
• Highly Multiplexed Fluorescence Imaging: Support and promote the use of highly multiplexed fluorescence imaging. Contribute to technical optimisation of instrumentation, protocol development, and data workflows.
• High‑Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM): Lead efforts to increase awareness and uptake of HREM imaging across the Crick. Assist users with experimental planning, image acquisition, and downstream processing.
• Strategic Facility Development: Contribute to the continued development of a world‑class microscopy facility by identifying emerging technologies, improving workflows, and participating in strategic discussions.

Qualifications

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in a physical or life science discipline.
• Experience in the quantitative use of widefield, confocal, or light‑sheet microscopy.
• Hands‑on experience in the alignment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of advanced imaging systems.
• Experience with image analysis tools such as Fiji, Imaris, Volocity, or similar software.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex imaging concepts to both specialist and non‑specialist audiences.
• A collaborative, team‑oriented mindset, with a willingness to share knowledge and support colleagues.
• Hands‑on experience with sample preparation for fluorescence microscopy or tissue culture techniques (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 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.

Benefits

• 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 programs.
• 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.