BRF Research Scientist (Phenotyping & Procedural Support)

This is a full-time 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. 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.

The Biological Research Facility supports all animal research at the Crick through our comprehensive animal care and use programme. The Biological Research Facility provides the Crick's laboratory animal resource and technical services. High quality multidisciplinary in‑vivo and ex‑vivo research support is at the heart of the BRF's philosophy and operations.

About the role

We are looking for a BRF Research Scientist to join the Phenotyping & Procedural Support team at the Crick. The Phenotyping & Procedural Support team within the BRF provides specialist support to Crick Scientists and collaborators to design, plan and deliver complex programmes of work involving in vivo procedures and phenotyping pipelines. You will be involved in conducting in‑vivo experiments to project timelines from start to finish, working across different research areas, providing specialist procedural and phenotyping support in all areas of research. You will be instrumental in the delivery of these programmes of work, actively engaging with the Senior Research Scientists within the team to help with the day‑to‑day management, planning and the practical delivery of the work. Ensuring best animal welfare in procedural support & therefore reliability & reproduction of scientific research will be a key part of the role. The Phenotyping & Procedural Support RS will report to the Head of PPS and work closely with the operational team to fulfil their remit, working within an experimental operations team as required. This role is suited to someone with experience of holding a Home Office licence, with a depth of experience across in vivo research and experiments. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of, and commitment to applying, the principles of the 3Rs in all aspects of animal research.

What you will be doing

• Participate across all areas of the Phenotyping & Procedural service and specialise in some key skills.
• Assisting other members of the team, as well as the wider BRF, to achieve the delivery of specialist procedural services that support scientific research at the Crick.
• Undertaking reasonable work requests and when required participating in essential out of hour rotas.
• Performing and becoming expert in a range of regulated/non‑regulated procedures to stakeholders and being aware when each is applicable.
• Possessing contemporary knowledge of Home Office approved procedures and best practice, and developing a considerable knowledge base across all aspects of this work helping to improve and update techniques and protocols, aiming to refine procedures to ensure optimisation of animal welfare and a culture of care, adhering to legal frameworks.
• Working closely with the Head of PPS and NACWOs, the post holder will, with experience, be expected to assist in the day‑to‑day management and provision of the service, showing initiative, maintaining records, troubleshooting and improving procedures, while fostering and maintaining good stakeholder relationships, interpreting and communicating information effectively to staff across all levels.
• To train and support other members of the Crick in best practice in procedural techniques supporting the Specialist NTCO.
• Working to agreed protocols and operating in a culture of care, best practice and collaboration, conscious of resourcing constraints and acting to achieve value for money.

About you

You will:

• Have a relevant qualification and/or several years relevant experience in the laboratory animal field.
• Possess and regularly use a Home Office Licence (PIL A, B, L&E1) with considerable procedural experience.
• Have experience of training other staff members.
• Have very good written and oral communication skills.
• Have very good working knowledge of ASPA and Health and Safety legislation.
• Have relevant animal technology/research/specialist experience.
• Be able to participate in the weekend/public/privilege holiday rota for essential animal care.

About Working at the Crick

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. 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.

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 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 offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
• Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike‑to‑work scheme, 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.