Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - Cader Lab

Reporting to: Dr Zaeem Cader, Clinician Scientist Group Leader

Working pattern: This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

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

Application closing date: 7th 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. 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 Research Group

The Cader lab utilises state-of-the-art techniques to study the metabolism of immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells. We seek to understand how metabolic dysfunction in these cells can predispose to conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Guided by genetics, we look to uncover novel and disease-relevant molecular and cellular mechanisms of immunometabolic regulation. For example, we are currently investigating how specific metabolic pathways can affect redox-modification of the proteome, modulate tissue microenvironment sensing, and alter lipid-immune signalling in tissues of interest such as lymph nodes, liver and the gut. We are also interested in identifying the metabolites our cells are exposed to from the environment (such as those from our diet or microbiota). We want to learn how we sense and process these metabolites, and the forms of metabolic stress that can emerge if not handled correctly. In doing so, we wish to learn how our diet, microbiota, and other environmental factors can shape our immune system in health and disease. To address all these questions, we employ diverse and innovative tools and experimental techniques such as single-cell sequencing, 3D-imaging, mass spectrometry and genetic screens.

About the role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, hard-working and conscientious senior laboratory research scientist to join our new research team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our ambitious research programme to study novel disease-relevant biology and to help pioneer cutting-edge techniques in a world-leading institute. This position would be ideal for post-doctoral candidates with an interest and expertise in metabolism and/or immunology as well as animal experimentation. You will provide vital support across the group’s varied research projects and shall contribute to these both intellectually and technically. You will work alongside the group leader and research team to design, develop and perform a broad range of advanced biological experiments. The candidate will also be expected to lead their own project. You will also help in training of students in core laboratory techniques. Whilst this is primarily a scientific role, the successful candidate will also be expected to work alongside the quadrant manager and wider Crick infrastructure to carry out the necessary management and safety activities needed for the smooth running of the group. You should already have extensive experience in mammalian cell culture, in vivo experimentation and cell/molecular biology. You should also have familiarity and expertise across multiple immunology and/or metabolomic relevant techniques such as flow cytometry, microscopy, metabolomics or next-generation sequencing. Necessary support and training will be provided and we hope, for example, that the successful candidate will become a GC-MS super-user able to use this instrument independently. You will work supportively with other group members and actively contribute to the scientific dialogue within the lab. This is a great opportunity for a scientist looking for a varied and stimulating scientific role, to help support a new research group studying exciting and disease-relevant biology.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking own research project and independently designing and performing experiments to study immune responses and cell metabolism
• Mouse colony management and independently conducting in-vivo experiments
• Scientific and technical support for group members, such as tissue harvesting, primary cell isolation and sample processing
• Data management and analysis
• Training and supervision of students
• Lab management including organising lab space, attending quadrant meetings, ordering consumables, grant management and writing risk assessments

About you

• PhD or equivalent experience in metabolism and/or immunology or other relevant discipline
• Expertise in several relevant molecular or cell biology techniques such as mammalian tissue culture (cell lines and/or primary cells), PCR, cloning, western blotting, transfection etc
• Experience in primary cell isolation, tissue harvest and sample preparation/processing for analyses such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, microscopy, flow cytometry
• Current or previous animal licence holder (PIL or non-UK equivalent) with significant experience in performing mouse experiments and willing to undergo additional training as required
• Extensive experience in either immune assays e.g. cytokine production or studying metabolism e.g. metabolomics, extracellular flux assays etc
• Confident in analysing large datasets such as RNA sequencing

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'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 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:

• 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%.
• 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.
• Subsidiised 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.