Senior GeMS Research Scientist - BRF

This is a full-time, temporary position (12 months maternity cover) on Crick Terms and Conditions of employment within the Genetic Modification Service.

As this is a practical position, the work is predominantly onsite, with limited remote working. The expected working pattern is 09:00-17:15, Monday-Thursday, and 09:00-17:00 on Fridays, however some out of hours working is required (e.g. earlier morning starts for IVFs, later finishes and weekend work for animal husbandry).

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. This role is within the BRF team. The Biological Research Facility (BRF) supports all animal research at the Crick through our comprehensive animal care and use programme. The BRF provides the Crick's laboratory animal resource and technical services. High quality multidisciplinary in-vivo and ex-vivo research support are at the heart of the BRF's philosophy and operations. The BRF is committed to improving animal welfare, scientific quality, care of staff and transparency for stakeholders. The Genetic Modification Service (GeMS) is a unit within the BRF responsible for the generation, archiving and distribution of genetically modified animal models. Within GeMS, we use a wide range of molecular biology, cell biology, embryology and animal husbandry techniques to provide a bespoke service to the scientific research groups using the BRF.

We are looking for a Senior Research Scientist to join the Biological Research Facility at the Crick for a 12-month maternity cover role. If you have a degree or equivalent in a biological subject, related science or have done significant work experience in a relevant area, this may be a great opportunity to join the team.

You will be joining an experienced team and have responsibility for the running of several aspects of the Transgenic Service within the Genetic Modification Services team. This will include the cryopreservation and rederivation of genetically altered animal models, and the gene delivery service. You will also direct the work of others and if appropriate line-manage GeMS Research Scientists and Research Officers in their specific work area. As a senior research scientist, your role will also involve maintaining agreed components of the service, tracking and reporting on progress and seeking to improve the service, for example through specialist training, by protocol development or by generating or involvement in specific development projects. You will interact closely with the Head of GeMS, GeMS Senior Managers and other Senior GeMS Research Scientists as well as scientists and staff across other labs at the Crick.

As a Senior GeMS Research Scientist at the Crick, you will:

• Lead on key aspects of the GeMS service, specifically cryopreservation, rederivation and gene delivery, working with skill and initiative, directing the work of others, setting standards for outcome and performance, troubleshooting, monitoring and improving procedures, to achieve the delivery of a specialist service, in support of scientific research at the Crick.
• Assist the Head of GeMS and GeMS Senior Managers in overseeing GEMS projects, working to deadlines, ensuring researchers are kept updated throughout.
• Look beyond the immediate work focus and show appreciation of the wider team objectives, collaborating across other work areas, undertaking reasonable work requests and when required participating in essential out of hour rotas, ensuring effective service delivery.
• Train, develop and motivate staff to achieve overall best practice standards.
• Work to agreed protocols and operate in a culture of innovation to achieve and exceed the service’s goals, while at all times being conscious of resourcing constraints and acting to achieve value for money.
• Review and update relevant documents where required, e.g., SOPs, COSHH, Risk assessments.
• Maintain awareness and application of all relevant health and safety legislation.

You will bring:

• A degree, or equivalent in a biological subject, or related science or significant work experience in a relevant area.
• Considerable relevant experience in Murine cryopreservation and ART, surgical experience, gene delivery, animal husbandry, colony management, project management and scientific service provision with a track record of achievement and demonstrable skill.
• Experience of contributing effectively to the work of a team, a flexible and cooperative approach to working with others.
• Experience with working with animal models.
• A proven track record for training staff to work to defined Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs).
• Experience of interacting across different staff levels, able to confidently communicate scientific data and influence others.

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:

• Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK.
• 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• 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.
• Back-up care for dependents.
• Childcare support allowance.
• Annual leave purchase options.
• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
• Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level. Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.