Senior Laboratory Research Scientist - UCLH-Crick Legacy Study

This is a full-time, fixed-term (until 31 December 2028) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary for this Role: From £45,700 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

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.

About the project: The Francis Crick Institute is at the forefront of understanding the long-term impacts of COVID-19. This role contributes to two flagship clinical research programmes – the UCLH-Crick Legacy Study and the STIMULATE-ICP trial – which aim to answer the critical questions from the pandemic: Why COVID-19 severity varied globally and what biological mechanisms drive persistent symptoms in people with Long COVID?

Drawing on unique clinical cohorts and biological samples, these studies investigate immune responses, disease progression and long-term outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Working with leading clinicians, scientists and Crick Science and Technology Platforms, the research combines advanced immunological, proteomic and metabolomic approaches to deepen understanding of COVID-19 and support future pandemic preparedness.

About the role: We are seeking a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS) with strong expertise in flow cytometry to support and lead immunological profiling across these programmes. You will contribute to experimental design, perform advanced cell sorting and mass cytometry and collaborate with specialist platforms to deliver multi-dimensional profiling of clinical samples.

Working within an interdisciplinary team of scientists and clinicians, you will play a key role in uncovering the immunological drivers of COVID-19 outcomes and Long COVID. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and motivated scientist who enjoys hands-on research and wants to contribute to high-impact translation science.

What you’ll be doing: You will be responsible for:

• Designing and delivering flow and mass cytometry experiments, including panel selection, preparation, labelling and analysis of PBMC samples.
• Supporting experimental design and sample analysis for proteomic and metabolomic profiling of individuals with acute, resolved and long-term COVID-19 symptoms.

About you: You will have:

• A higher degree (MSc or equivalent) in a biological science or related discipline.
• Hands-on research experience in flow cytometry, with the ability to generate high-quality experimental data.
• Experience contributing to experimental design and data analysis, working collaboratively with researchers.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with scientists, clinical researchers and support staff.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, able to prioritise work independently and within a team environment.
• Demonstrated interest in immunology and/or infectious disease research.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate experimental records and high standards of scientific rigour and reproducibility.
• Willingness to undertake training and work in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
• A PhD in a relevant biological discipline.
• Experienced with GCP standards and research compliance.
• Experience culturing human cell lines or primary cells, including assays such as T cell stimulation or ELISpot/Interferon gamma release/AIM assays.

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.

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.
• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
• Career support: A Post-doc to PI programme and other career development activities.

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.