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- Tasks: Lead innovative radiotracer development and support high-quality imaging studies.
- Company: Join Europe's largest biomedical research institute, the Francis Crick Institute.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research that helps tackle major health issues.
- Qualifications: Degree in chemistry or related field with extensive nuclear imaging experience.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values diversity and encourages bold ideas.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Thomas Snoeks, Head of In‑vivo Imaging Operations
Contract term: This is a 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.
The Biological Research Facility (BRF) at the Francis Crick Institute supports all animal research through a comprehensive animal care and use programme, providing high‑quality laboratory animal resources, technical expertise, and in‑vivo/ex‑vivo research support. Within the BRF, the In Vivo Imaging (IVI) Facility offers a suite of cutting‑edge multimodal imaging systems, including PET‑MR, SPECT‑CT, micro‑CT, high‑resolution ultrasound, optical imaging platforms, and a 9.4T MRI. These advanced technologies enable longitudinal, non‑invasive imaging of biological processes in living tissues, supporting a diverse range of research areas from developmental biology to oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Laboratory Research Scientist with expertise in pre‑clinical nuclear imaging and radiochemistry to join the In‑vivo Imaging Operations team within the BRF. This role offers the opportunity to lead innovative radiotracer development while supporting high‑quality small‑animal PET and SPECT imaging studies. In this position, you will lead the design, synthesis and application of radiotracers for small‑animal PET and SPECT imaging, enabling the molecular and functional characterisation of biological processes in vivo. The chemistry component of the role will primarily focus on the radiolabelling of compounds containing chelating agents with radioactive metal ions, followed by purification and rigorous quality control to ensure suitability for pre‑clinical imaging applications.
Alongside your scientific responsibilities, you will play a central role in the safe operation and management of the radiochemistry laboratory. You will undertake duties as the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) for the facility, maintaining the laboratory infrastructure, overseeing radioisotope record‑keeping, waste management and regulatory compliance, and ensuring a safe working environment. You will train and support scientists in the safe handling of radioactive materials and work closely with the Crick’s Health and Safety team to uphold the highest standards of radiation safety and laboratory practice.
We are seeking a responsible and experienced scientist who takes health and safety, laboratory management and regulatory compliance seriously, and is confident overseeing shared laboratory spaces and ensuring regulations are understood and followed. You will hold a degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, biomedical sciences or a related discipline, with extensive experience in pre‑clinical nuclear imaging and/or radiotracer synthesis, and be motivated by rigorous science, good laboratory practice and taking ownership of both scientific and operational responsibilities.
What you will be doing
- Assisting Crick scientists with nuclear imaging and biodistribution studies
- Undertaking research projects for internal and external collaborators and commercial partners, including designing, and executing experiments with strategic direction from the head of IVI operations
- Preparing written reports and presentations of experimental results and conclusions
- Providing experimental and technical expertise and support to Crick scientists using the nuclear imaging and radiochemistry laboratories
- Managing long‑term investigations and collaborations with other researchers
- Assist Crick scientists with writing up findings for publication and completing revisions
- Refinement and troubleshooting of relevant protocols and methodologies
About you
You will have:
- Degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, biomedical sciences, or related field
- Technical Expertise in Nuclear Imaging & Radiochemistry
- Extensive experience in pre‑clinical nuclear imaging (PET and/or SPECT) and radiotracer synthesis
- Proficiency in the labelling, purification, and quality control of radiotracers for PET and/or SPECT
- Experience operating and maintaining pre‑clinical PET‑MR and/or SPECT‑CT systems
- Skilled in developing and optimising molecular imaging protocols for a variety of research applications
- Knowledge of Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR17), handling protocols, waste management and emergency procedures
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 will 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: Find out more about life at the Crick.
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.
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Nuclear Imaging and Radiochemistry in London employer: The Francis Crick Institute
Contact Detail:
The Francis Crick Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Nuclear Imaging and Radiochemistry in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of nuclear imaging and radiochemistry. Attend relevant conferences or seminars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues at the Crick. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and recent advancements in nuclear imaging. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role at the Crick. Show them you’re not just a scientist, but a passionate innovator!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! The Crick values collaboration and communication, so be prepared to share examples of how you’ve worked effectively in teams. Highlight your ability to train others and manage shared lab spaces.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Crick community. Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the values and mission of the institute!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Nuclear Imaging and Radiochemistry in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in nuclear imaging and radiochemistry. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this position and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Remember, we love bold ideas, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, be sure to detail your technical expertise in pre-clinical nuclear imaging and radiotracer synthesis. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so highlight any specific systems or protocols you’ve worked with.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Francis Crick Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of nuclear imaging and radiochemistry. Be prepared to discuss your previous experience with PET and SPECT imaging, as well as any specific projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves overseeing laboratory operations and training others, be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or managed projects in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain safety standards and compliance, as these are crucial for the position.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Crick's research focus, the In Vivo Imaging Facility, and how your role would contribute to their mission. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You'll likely need to present findings and reports, so practice explaining complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely. Use examples from your past work to illustrate your points, and be ready to discuss how you approach writing and revising scientific papers.
