Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS) – Crystallography/Drug Discovery

This is a full-time, fixed term (three-year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment. Working pattern: Monday – Friday.

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.

This exciting research project is a cross-Francis Crick Institute collaboration focussing on the translation of cutting-edge research led by Dr. Simon Boulton and carried out in the Double Strand Break (DSB) Metabolism Laboratory. Researchers in the DSB Metabolism Laboratory have identified several cellular processes that contribute to the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism of telomere maintenance present in a sub set cancers (ALT positive cancers). This collaboration aims to translate the new ALT biology insights from the DSB Metabolism Laboratory into therapies to treat ALT positive cancers.

This position will give scientists the opportunity to gain experience of drug discovery interfaced with cutting-edge disease biology, with guidance from experienced pharmaceutical research experts and world leaders in the field of DNA Damage Repair. This work is funded through a 3-year £3M programme of work supported by the philanthropic Chris Banton fund and LifeArc. The project brings together a growing team of scientists working across several laboratories and scientific technology platforms (STPs) at the Francis Crick Institute.

What you will be doing:

• We are looking for a creative and highly motivated structural biologist with a strong background in crystallography and drug discovery to support early-stage drug discovery/probe development on ALT project.
• You will work within the Structural Biology Science Technology Platform (SB STP) which spans a variety of protein technologies (protein expression and purification), biophysics, X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM. The STP collaborates with researchers at the Crick to explore biological questions, working at the cutting edge of biomedical science in disciplines such as cancer, infectious disease, immunology, neurology, and developmental biology.
• You will be responsible for all aspects of the protein structure determination experimental process; sample preparation, data collection/processing, structure determination and data presentation. The post holder is expected to contribute to on-going projects and process optimisation projects.
• As a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist at the Crick, you will enable robust purification protocols of high purity, homogeneous recombinant protein samples for structural biology, biophysics and bioassay studies.
• Determine crystal structures of target protein bound to fragments/compounds.
• Train and supervise junior team members or students.
• Be responsible for maintenance of significant up-to-date knowledge of relevant literature, communication of key developments to other lab members and the institute, implementation of new techniques to own research.

About you:

• PhD in structural biology with post-doctoral (or equivalent) experience.
• Extensive experience in molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression and automated purification using ĀKTA workstations and a range of chromatographic techniques.
• Expertise in a suite of biophysical quality control methods to ensure crystallography grade protein preparations.
• Extensive experience in protein X-ray crystallography techniques, including initial crystallisation and optimisation (using robots such as Mosquito, NT8), data collection, structure determination and structure refinement.
• Experience with standard crystallographic software packages, such as CCP4, CCP4cloud, Phenix, and Coot.
• Deep knowledge of high throughput crystallography.

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.

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 services and mental health support programs, 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, and shopping discounts, subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
• Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression.