Research jobs in United Kingdom

Job Description

Job Title: Laboratory Research Scientist (LRS)

Details of the role: 2 yr fixed term contract, full-time. Working pattern: Monday – Friday.

Salary: £35,470 plus benefits, subject to skills and experience

Application closing date: 02/05/25 23:59 GMT

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.

About the role…

We are looking for an enthusiastic and meticulous research assistant, who will assist in a large-scale neuronal inactivation screen. This will include cutting-edge genetic tools to manipulate the activity of individual neurons across the brain. The project involves working closely with a PhD student to cross hundreds of fly stocks and test the behavioural effects using custom-built recording devices. The successful candidate will learn to use and troubleshoot Raspberry Pi-based behavioural rigs and become familiar with command line. Technical skills can be learned in the position, but past research experience doing hands-on experiments is essential. There will be the opportunity to learn python programming if desired.

For a proactive candidate, there would also be the opportunity to lead an independent research project, including long-term projects with strategic direction from the Group Leader. These projects could methodologically involve behavioural experiments, generating and proofreading connectomics datasets, scRNA-seq, and/or computational analysis.

What you will be doing…

As an LRS at the Crick, you will:

• Assist in a large-scale neuronal inactivation screen
• Extensive fly work, including collecting virgin flies, setting up crosses, and building stocks
• Follow-up behavioural experiments based on hits from the screen
• Assist in other tasks in the lab, which could involve immunofluorescence staining, confocal imaging, connectomics reconstruction, etc.

About you…

You will bring…

• Degree in a relevant discipline, such as neuroscience, biosciences, or equivalent experience
• Experience with fruit flies and stock maintenance
• Previous background doing experiments
• Meticulous attention to experimental detail
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team
• Ability to communicate and present data

About Working at the Crick…

Our values

• 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 is 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 or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We 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: nicola.gyte@crick.ac.uk

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:

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.