At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on TLR7 signalling and autoimmune diseases in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and health support.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient outcomes through groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: PhD in Immunology and experience with mouse models and B cell biology.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 47500 £ per year.
Reports to: Carola Vinuesa
Salary: From £47,500 with benefits subject to skills and experience.
Details of the role:
- Reporting to: Carola Vinuesa, Principal Group Leader – Assistant Research Director
- Working pattern: This is a full-time, 4 year fixed term position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
- Application closing date: 2nd of June 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:
Dr Vinuesa’s laboratory focuses on understanding the regulation of protective antibody responses and the mechanisms underpinning antibody‑mediated diseases. The research aims to unravel the pathogenesis of autoimmune and allergic diseases, and the processes that control the quality of antibody responses. The goal is to improve the outcomes of patients with autoimmune disorders (AID) with a particular focus on systemic autoimmune diseases like lupus.
The Project:
The purpose of this role is to study the role of different triggers of TLR7 signalling including bacterial and viral infections to the onset of autoimmunity. We will take advantage of a mouse model in which we introduced a rare TLR7 gain‑of‑function variant identified in a child with severe SLE. The mouse model develops lupus‑like disease. The analysis of immune response to pathogens and self‑antigens involves detailed investigation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms.
What you will be doing:
- Undertaking own research project and independently designing and performing experiments to study different triggers of TLR7 signalling including bacterial and viral infections to the onset of autoimmunity
- Mouse colony management and independently conducting in‑vivo experiments
- Conducting single cell BCRseq and clonal analysis using bioinformatic pipelines
- Scientific and technical support for group members
- Data management and analysis, writing up of manuscripts
- Presenting at scientific meetings
- Guiding PhDs in their research
About you:
- PhD in Immunology or in the final stages of PhD submission
- Experience in mouse models of immunology, including mouse models of vaccination, allergy, and autoimmunity
- Experience with mouse husbandry, sample harvesting and processing
- Expertise in multiple aspects of B cell biology, including germinal center and extrafollicular responses, plasma cell biology, class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation
- Experience in BCR sequencing and clonal analysis
- Experience in mucosal immunology and mucosal B cell responses
- Excellent track record of high‑quality research as evidenced by first author publications in referred journals
What will you receive:
- 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%
- Health & Well‑being: 24/7 GP consultation services, occupational health, and mental health support
- Work‑Life Balance: Back‑up care for dependents and childcare support allowance
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. We are a Disability Confident, Committed employer.
Postdoctoral Fellow – Vinuesa Lab employer: The Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative environment for researchers to thrive. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to employee well-being, including generous leave and health support, the institute fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for postdoctoral fellows to advance their careers in biomedical research.
Contact Details:
The Francis Crick Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow – Vinuesa Lab
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former members of the Vinuesa Lab or the Crick Institute. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the lab's recent publications and projects. Being able to discuss their work shows genuine interest and helps us see how you can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of your past research, especially anything related to TLR7 signalling or autoimmunity. We love seeing how your experience aligns with our needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Crick.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow – Vinuesa Lab
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Postdoctoral Fellow position. Highlight your relevant experience in immunology and mouse models, as well as any publications that showcase your research skills. We want to see how you fit into our lab's focus!
Showcase Your Research Skills:In your application, emphasise your expertise in B cell biology and any hands-on experience with techniques like BCR sequencing. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Crick!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Francis Crick Institute
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of your research area, especially regarding TLR7 signalling and autoimmune diseases. Be prepared to discuss your previous work and how it relates to the projects at the Vinuesa Lab.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Highlight your experience with mouse models and BCR sequencing during the interview. Bring examples of your past experiments and be ready to explain your methodologies and findings clearly.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions about the lab's current projects or future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the lab is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since presenting at scientific meetings is part of the role, practice summarising your research succinctly. Focus on clarity and confidence, as this will reflect your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
